Top 5 Ways To Demolishing Performance Anxiety
Have you ever found yourself performing on stage and the person
in the front row is tapping his feat and you wonder whether
you're maintaining the beat? As you are looking around, do you
see a few people whispering and chatting away to each other? Do
you get worried what they are discussing? Perhaps your image
isn't right - your hair has moved out of place, or if you're
singing, your voice is a little croaky. If you're wearing a
trouser, do they see your zip undone? Maybe they are discussing
how strangely your talent is showing through? Or are they
commenting on what you've missed out?
Perhaps you make several mistakes and your students, teachers,
parents, partners are watching. What are they going to say
later? Are they going to be very disappointed? Do you think
about the rest of the crowd - will they demand their money back?
Your hands are sweaty, shaking, and cold - it's all visible from
afar! Are you sure this is really what you are meant to be doing?
Stop there! Are you feeling like this? Have you ever felt
similar to this? First of all, let me make it clear that you're
not alone. Performance anxiety exists with so many people from
various professions to various levels. It all begins when our
mind wanders and loses the concentration that you need.
As a musician, I used to experience a lot of this at times when
I found it hard to play at various places however I've come up
with the top 5 ways for me to get over any anxiety I have and
play with unstoppable confidence!
Here are my top 5 ways to demolishing performance anxiety:
Number 1: You have practiced to the best of your ability This is
key. Ensure you remind, or constantly tell yourself that you
have practiced well enough before your performance. For this
particular performance, you are ready and going to give the
audience the show of their life! Perhaps your playing can be
better than what you think but for this situation, you are ready
to go.
Number 2: Don't Guess! If you see people tapping their feet,
talking to each other, or anything else, don't second guess. You
will probably be wrong anyhow as it's your perception (remember
no 1 at this point)! Your guesses normally prove to be
inaccurate and if you let it be with you it will remove you from
continuing to portray your feelings.
Number 3: Don't Self-Judge If you see anything happening in the
audience or from your performance, don't judge for yourself.
Remember from Number 1, you are out to give the audience the
show of their life - don't spoil it especially when you don't
know what it is! Don't Self-Judge! Doing this will take your out
of the moment and destroys the flow of your music. How about
just observing without describing in your head? See the immense
difference it does to you!
Number 4: Be On Stage! I don't mean just appear on stage and
perform; I mean really be on stage! Use your power of your mind
and see yourself on stage, not in the audience. Remember, you
are giving to the audience, not receiving. Get into that mode.
You have the chance to show your beloved talent to so many
people - make the most of the opportunity! Remember, you are in
the music and in the moment. Don't let any of the above stop
that. You cannot be the performer and listener at the same time.
Let the audience develop their thoughts for themselves.
Number 5: Enjoy! Each performance you have is valuable as it
will further the promotion of your music or your instrument
around the world. So many people will hear about the wonders you
have created so remember, performance anxiety is easy to be rid
of. I've done it, and so have thousands more musicians. Now we
all enjoy performing anywhere we go. Do the same, and enjoy your
performance. Let the adrenaline and your genuine lively passion
for the music come through.
I suggest you look through and work through these top 5 ways of
demolishing performance anxiety before each performance so you
get maximum benefit.
Check out much more detail about overcoming performance anxiety
in the low cost personal and professional development for
musicians course called 'Express Yourself' which I have written
write here: http://www.coachkavit.com/ey.htm This course can be
obtained via email, post or 121 coaching with musicians coach
Kavit Haria himself. It covers ten parts with five main pillars
of confidence building, taming performance anxiety,
concentration mastery, building audience rapport and effective
communication to getting regular performances.