More about stage fright ...

I don't know of any universal cure for stage fright. It is sometimes said that only the foolish don't experience stage fright. We simply have to learn to live with stage fright and to recognize it for what it is.

There are consultants who recommend that you welcome your stage fright when you feel it. Say to yourself:

"Great! A booster shot! Now my body is helping out here!
A dry mouth means extra adrenaline – this is just what I need to be extra alert!"

This advice is probably pretty good. Adrenaline is one of the stress hormones that wakes us up, makes us stronger and more alert.

Personally, I don't appear until I'm convinced that everything is prepared and ready. I'm not satisfied until I've checked that everything is in place, everything works and that I've got a glass of water. I've also prepared and written down my introduction.

You'll notice that stage fright is normal – but when you have stage fright you are incapable
of thinking about anything else. Think ahead of time (preferably, a good period in advance)
about how you will start – since when you're standing there, it may be too late!
When stage fright comes, you may start doubting and saying to yourself that what you've written isn't good enough and should be revised. Instead, say to yourself:

Now I've got stage fright again!
What I've already written is undoubtedly ten times better than what I'm thinking now!
Don't change anything! Go with what you've got!

Stage fright turns the effects of the One-Channel Hypothesis against you. Stage fright is a consequence of not thinking clearly! If you think about the "wrong" things (worry or begin thinking about facts) you'll be unable to perform at your best.

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Copyright © Bengt Hemlin 2002