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Probably, most of us at some point in our life, have been in situations where we must do something in public and we feel that we can not completely dominate the stage fright, generating possible limitations in our performance and frustrations in terms of the expected results.
Scenic fear is a psychophysical reaction of the organism that occurs when an activity must be performed before the public, such as: speaking, singing, acting or dancing; produced by visualizing the failure or rejection on the part of the public due to memories of previous situations or by simple imagination. In Western society, this is the most common social phobia, reaching up to 90% of people, and can be manifested by physical symptoms such as breathing difficulties, tremors, tachycardia, dizziness and muscle tension; for psychological symptoms such as confusion, lack of concentration and memory; and for behavioral symptoms such as stuttering, clumsiness, low volume of voice, talking hastily, getting stuck and wanting to flee from the situation.
How does Scenic Fear originate?
As in any action, the person feels the responsibility of being positively criticized by the public, generating situations of anxiety for fear of rejection and evaluation.
Some aspects such as the search for perfection, shyness or the physical and emotional state of the individual, may dispose him to suffer from stage fright; However, these factors are not the only ones involved, the environment in which the person finds himself is also of great importance, we are talking about a fear learned by the environment and by our society.
In certain cases, the times this fear is presented are not by the public, but by some unexpected event (happened or imagined), such as falls, ridicule, forgetfulness, not knowing how to answer any questioning, reprobation on the part of the public or others; which generates that the person connects the scene with these events or negative thoughts.
Scenic fear is also generated by reasons such as: The ignorance of what will happen and how the public will react to our performance, the importance of such action for our life or career, lack of concentration or interest in the subject, dream , the lack of practice and inexperience (although ironically even the "most experienced" people have presented stage fright).
How to face the Scenic Fear?
Below, I present some tips to manage dealing with stage fright before and during the presentation, in the form of three stages:
1. Visualize
- If at some point in your life you went through a bad experience in public, it does not mean that it will always be that way. Forget about it, think positive, recognize the possible reasons why you failed that day and try not to repeat them. Learn from your mistakes healthily.
- Caress the idea that your performance will unfold smoothly and successfully.
- The public decides to witness your performance to learn and entertain with it, not to see you suffer. Avoid those negative thoughts and just get ready.
- Think of those previous moments where your performances were successful, and this time will not be different.
2. Prepare
- Strengthen your self-esteem and communication skills.
- If it is the first time that you face a stage, observe the people experienced in their development, in how they are directed towards their audience, in how they rejoice doing it.
- Section your speech into parts that are easy to differentiate and understand from you and from the general public.
- Repeat your performance as many times as possible, to the point where you can execute it automatically.
- Ask your friends to pretend to be the audience and show them your performance. So you will have your opinions about it that will allow you to improve it.
- Try to work improvisation. This will allow you to protect yourself from discomfort in the event of a possible mistake.
- Record or practice talking to a mirror and analyze your execution.
3. Relax and Control
- Practice the technique of diaphragmatic breathing and progressive or autogenous muscle relaxation. You will provide oxygen to your body and you will feel calmer. Walk, dance or jump to relax muscles and release tension.
- Take water before the performance, and if possible during it. This will allow your brain to associate you favorably with feeling more relaxed.
- Visit the place of the act on time in order to imagine yourself in that space and make sure that all the resources you will need for the presentation are in order.
- Express yourself passionately and with love. You will break the ice, attract and interest the public by your charisma and sympathy. In short, enjoy the moment, accept your mistakes and even laugh at them.
In conclusion, the most advisable thing is that you think that stage fright is not your enemy, it is a matter of taking it as a response from your body to a situation to which we must adapt by means of a lot of effort with the best possible development.
Sources:
https://lamenteesmaravillosa.com/como-superar-el-miedo-escenico-a-hablar-en-publico/
https://quierocuidarme.dkvsalud.es/ocio-y-bienestar/miedo-escenico-que-es
http://www.usroasterie.com/tipos-de-miedo-escenico.html
http://www.usroasterie.com/tecnicas-de-trabajo-a-traves-del-miedo-escenico.html
http://www.usroasterie.com/causas-del-miedo-escenico.html
Thank you for Reading!