Conquering stage fright The attack of the nerves

Conquering stage fright The attack of the nerves

Take out your journal… List things that make you nervous Pick one item in your list and write a paragraph explaining a specific experience that made you nervous or gave you stage fright – use sensory description (how did your body react).

Symptoms of nervousness Muscles contract and you shake or get a headache Blood vessels in our extremities constrict leaving cold hands and feet and sometimes numbness and tingling Blood pressure is elevated which heats up major organs and causes us to sweat Breathing becomes rapid to supply more oxygen Digestive system shuts down or becomes really active (need to go to the bathroom or nauseous or dry mouth or tight throat) Pupils dilate – heightened sight and hearing Brainwaves increase (tons of things run through your head – or maybe you freeze and draw a blank)

Why do our bodies react like that when we are nervous? It is a part of your body’s natural Primary Threat Response – the “fight or flight” response that allows us to take quick and effective action when we are in bodily danger. When we are speaking, we are not in bodily danger, but the nervousness and adrenaline still trips the system.

Controlling the symptoms Be well prepared – nothing substitutes for this Memorize Remember opening and closing statements the audience is your friend (talk to them like a friend)and look at your friends Think positive, happy thoughts and learn to associate speaking with fun – be eager to share with the audience. Help them learn something new. Make them laugh – it will calm you too. Dress in something nice, comfortable, appropriate

Controlling the symptoms Breathing exercises to slow and calm Stretch large muscles (yoga) and neck muscles Listen to music Watch what you eat: avoid milk which can cause phlegm, maintain sugar levels (don’t eat candy, but rather fruit, carbs, protein) Avoid caffeine Exercise, get rest, and take vitamins (C and B reduces effects of stress and gives energy) Practice in front of a mirror or family

Journal… What are you going to do when you anticipate a situation that might make you nervous? How will you prepare yourself?