7 Steps to Overcome Stage Fright and Beat Performance Anxiety

Do you shudder at the thought of having to perform in front of a group of people? Whether you are responsible for giving a report at a meeting, a toast at a wedding, or delivering a keynote talk to a large audience, putting yourself out there in front of others can be terrifying. Given this, it’s no wonder that Consumer Reports estimates that forty percent of adults suffer from stage fright and performance anxiety.
I love studying the hidden forces that drive us and, unfortunately, nerves, anxiety and fear are some of the negative forces that can hold us back. These can rear their ugly heads especially right before big moments. This is called stage fright or performance anxiety and it can happen before or during any appearance in front of an audience.
Learn more about beating stage fright in the full article:
👉🏻👉🏻 www.scienceofpeople.com/stage...
In this video:
0:00 Intro
0:54 Symptoms of stage fright
1:54 Step 1: Form your clear intention
3:12 Step 2: Pick a focal point
4:23 Step 3: Breathe mindfully
5:17 Step 4: Release muscle tension
7:14 Step 5: Find your center
7:52 Step 6: Repeat your process cue
8:49 Step 7: Direct your energy
9:30 Final thoughts
******
Hi, I’m Vanessa!
You deserve more. More influence, more income, more of what you want. I would be honored to help you. My name is Vanessa Van Edwards and I’m a recovering awkward person. I’m also the bestselling author of Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People (www.scienceofpeople.com/capti...) and creator of People School(www.scienceofpeople.com/peopl....
My goal is simple: Help YOU get to your goals faster. Never be overlooked, interrupted or forgotten again.
Do you want to be the most likable person in the room? Get my FREE guide now: www.scienceofpeople.com/
******
Want to be in the top 1% of speakers? There is a formula to creating a great presentation. Learn to captivate any audience on stage, on video, and in meetings in this training. I will teach you:
1. How to keep people engaged and captivated
2. How to powerfully open and close a presentation, speech, or toast
3. Crafting a charismatic stage presence
4. How to speak so people listen
Get the free preview of the course Powerful Presentations: www.scienceofpeople.com/train...
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[@Abdul.laminu]

7 steps to overcome stage fright. 1. Form your clear intension 2. Pick up a focal point 3. Breath mindfully 4. Release muscle tension 5. Find your center 6. Repeat your process cue (e.g smiles and good questions) 7. Direct your energy

[@srin_meow]

8. break a leg

[@belleofthecamp6530]

Thanks for the cheer sheet! Screenshoted for my speech today 😅

[@shakirajoas3423]

I'm performing tonight Wish me luck✨

[@coldfangesamurai9250]

So am I 9

[@hampton_the_one5419]

How’d it go?

[@cjfleming8005]

I know I'm late but I hope you did great!!!! 💓💛💚💙💜

[@letaureauduforex6876]

Thanks for the Video! Forgive me for butting in, I would appreciate your thoughts. Have you heard about - Rozardner Big Signals Reality (google it)? It is a smashing one off guide for learning how to last longer in bed minus the headache. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my old buddy Taylor finally got amazing success with it.

[@mo2wheelz74]

I pretty late but how did it go

[@kikataye6293]

I’m almost 52 and dreamed my whole life about singing a solo. Was diagnosed with ADHD and Social Anxiety Disorder. This year I’m choosing to do something about it! I will do my solo before I leave this earth! Good luck to everyone else struggling!

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Amazing - you 100% got this!! ❤

[@kikataye6293]

@@ScienceOfPeople thank you!

[@miawinnter127]

Hello? Did u do something already?

[@rainyriver]

Thursday I have to do a monologue all alone...I got my character pretty well developed I just need to get over my stage fright, I developed my character as a sassy teenage girl, the monologue I got was about a grandmas “world famous” meatloaf (I know a little weird) I’m trying to research and study how to develop characters and get over stage fright...so I’m watching videos of how to try to develop a sassy character of something like that. 1 like = 1 less piece of stage fright

[@Diana-yz6zx]

I want to be an actor when I grow up and I asked my older brother if I could be an actor and he said sure I can be an actor and there’s one problem... NERVOUSNESS!!

[@alexandrahamilton2666]

Tomatobang saaaaaame 😭

[@legendguy9616]

When u are getting an ward as an actor,you hv to give speech.

[@Hazel-the-therian1]

Me too ❤

[@Sis.AundreaWilliams]

Don’t wait until you grow up. Start now! We’re in the right place even looking for ways to overcome. Start doing improv, acting classes. I believe in you too!

[@12012channel]

lol, trying to breathe purposely is making me anxious. Figuring out how to relax my body parts are just making them tighter.

[@QuesoPluma97]

I know! These steps may be good for some but not all people can deal with anxiety the same way

[@mahrukhmirza6985]

Exactly

[@brendacecilia]

Me tooooooo

[@amandarosehargreaves884]

I’m the same

[@sessionsunderthesun3042]

Hi, @12012channel. Wanted to reach out to you to connect. 🙂 I’ve been a musician for over 15 years now and still experience stage performance anxiety symptoms. As a recent doctoral graduate, I wanted to dive into personal research as I connect with others who experience similar anxieties whether on stage, speaking and presenting in general. Would you be open to sharing some of your valuable insights with me? Just Looking for those willing to help with my research! Grateful to find a community here! 😊

[@jjranko407]

Im pursing a Music career. Wish me luck at my future concerts!

[@mo2wheelz74]

OMG ME TOO I WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK I haven’t gotten there yet but I’m determined

[@tashiannathomas5506]

Has this helped you?

[@tiaraliz2808]

GOOD LUCK!!!!!

[@OllyNewport]

actual steps begin at 1:57

[@fortherecord1227]

You saved my ass😂😂

[@aurum1235]

🙏🙏🙏

[@ze_radio_demon]

ty my man 👍

[@mayashata9664]

I'll perform after 14 days exactly and am so nervous since this moment.

[@jamshedanas]

how was it?

[@dudeman5303]

Yeah, how did it go?

[@sveinrei5594]

We need a answer

[@wrigley4247]

how did it go?

[@gch77]

Hi, I'm Very late How was it dear?

[@Christine-zw4dx]

Congratulations new baby momma 💖 best of health to you both !

[@gregpeoples9272]

Great advice, thanks. Congrats on the baby

[@Flamingerudostalion]

I'm a school teacher, and I use these every now and then for myself, and to help anxious students too. Much love. ♡

[@katenhydris1226]

Vanessa has the most well practiced hand gestures! Every word she speaks--I do not want to speed up to 1.25, rather,stay normal speed and watch her unfolding every point of her video!

[@gothycutezy9067]

Thank you so much!! I have a dance to do with my friend and I was so nervous but now i feel way more confident

[@mkelly80]

I want to be a singer badly when I get older but I am terrified

[@emmamariae]

Try out for show choir

[@blodyn7802]

Same, you just have to push yourself, take the oppurtunties to be in front of people, even if it isn't singing, if its performing for your family, singing at Christmas, acting on a stage, doing a school presentation in class. I've done these and I'm still working on pushing myself to get more comfortable in uncomfortable situations

[@eugenecharlesindico1906]

This is really amazing Ms. Vanessa! I've been watching your videos many times, then I tried to do everything from your video, it really helps me to conquer my fear of speaking and socializing in front of many. You even inspired me to pursue my dream of being a psychologist. I wish you more subscribers. 💖💖💖

[@sessionsunderthesun3042]

Hi, @eugenecharlesindico1906. Wanted to reach out to you to connect. 🙂 I’ve been a musician for over 15 years now and still experience stage performance anxiety symptoms. As a recent doctoral graduate, I wanted to dive into personal research as I connect with others who experience similar anxieties whether on stage, speaking and presenting in general. Would you be open to sharing some of your valuable insights with me? Just Looking for those willing to help with my research! Grateful to find a community here! 😊

[@rahulanand1897]

Wow this video shows probably the best anxiety vanquishing advice I my whole life. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!

[@staciarenee4318]

That moment when your choir teacher make you do a solo at a choir festival and you just want to run away. Anyone or am I alone???

[@emmamariae]

I signed up for show choir without thinking about it and now I have to sing in front of professional singers..

[@tashiannathomas5506]

Happened to me in middle school. Im fine singing in a group but a solo....

[@AdityaKadamMechanical]

I am going to watch this video just before the interviews. Thanks and congratulations Ma'am :)

[@Heavy2deep]

Beautiful presentation! Congratulations on the baby!

[@mayen655]

Ooooh, damn! I really felt that relaxation exercise! Congrats Vanessaaaa! You are glowing today, but then, you always are! I couldn't guess there was a little angel involved this time. He or she is going to be the luckiest baby... A smart and hardworking mom, with the brightest, prettiest smile there is. I love you so much, and I'm very happy for you! Let me add, I'm in Cameroon. Thought you might like to know how far your fan base extends.😋

[@rj772aj3]

@@ScienceOfPeople kind words he ummm kinda sweared

[@sessionsunderthesun3042]

Hi, @mayen655. Wanted to reach out to you to connect. 🙂 I’ve been a musician for over 15 years now and still experience stage performance anxiety symptoms. As a recent doctoral graduate, I wanted to dive into personal research as I connect with others who experience similar anxieties whether on stage, speaking and presenting in general. Would you be open to sharing some of your valuable insights with me? Just Looking for those willing to help with my research! Grateful to find a community here! 😊

[@Tarikkb]

I get this burning sensation in my chest , to people who dont have it the best way to describe it I think is , it’s just like when ur riding a roller coaster and your heart drops and you’re shaking , and ur filled with this uncontrollable energy and you can’t focus on what you need to do you just get lost

[@sessionsunderthesun3042]

Hi, @theoaire3355. Appreciative to connect with you in this community. 🙂 I’ve been a musician for over 15 years now and still experience stage performance anxiety symptoms. As a recent doctoral graduate, I wanted to dive into personal research as I connect with others who experience similar anxieties whether on stage, speaking and presenting in general. Would you be open to sharing some of your valuable insights with me? Just Looking for those willing to help with my research! Grateful to find a community here! 😊

[@sagarkhadka970]

Thank you for the wonderful tips.🙏. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@janetcashmore8622]

Thanks Vanessa! I’m getting so much out of your vids...Congrats on your pregnancy!& All the best 💕

[@shruthijayavenukumar]

Congrats on the baby, Vanessa! 💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛

[@rosannacanela3686]

THANK YOU THANK YOU SO MUCH I had a solo and at first I was nervous but than I followed what you said and it worked so well THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@jayala1992]

I sing opera for my Facebook audience and I plan to take it live one day, and some of those techniques I use. I always take a deep breath before I perform to calm myself and I always keep a goal in mind. I do I love singing and the reactions is makes it worthwhile ❤️

[@prasadsawant4153]

Thank you ma'am. This video is especially helpful for me.

[@rishabhpathak1367]

Thankyou so much. Tomorrow is my Presentation.

[@philiptalk]

Thanks very much. Great advice and highly useful ideas.

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Glad it was helpful!

[@indianmoin]

Thanks. Was very useful.

[@Flamingerudostalion]

AWESOME ADVICE.

[@dollriott]

My friend forced me to sing with her in a talent show at school and now I have to sing with her in front of the whole school !!😭😭 I hope this works!!

[@jakecgaming2063]

melanies bigbadwolf good luck🌟🌟

[@deepakvikhe5367]

Thank you,helpful tips...congratulations to you.god bless

[@ImSimplyAHuman]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@BiroFerenc]

Thank you very much it’s so helpful to me. I am so great full I find this.

[@makehumanitygreatagain8128]

Congratulations on your pregnancy, Vanessa. Thanks for the helpful vid.

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Want to learn more about speech openers? Check out our online training powerful presentations www.scienceofpeople.com/training/presentation-skills-course/

[@berniehenry1960]

Have a school play tomorrow, and I'm already feeling nervous about it. Thanks so much for the tips! Congrats on your baby! I have a four month old sister ;)

[@Sakshi-dn3xc]

How did it go? Did it help? :)

[@Rahulthakur-sd3cv]

I didn't even try this till now but still I am felling almost confident Thankyou so much mam😁🤗

[@sosororo4891]

This is great. .I love you. .can you please summarising the important points at the end of each video.. Thank you

[@mukhbansinghsokhi1844]

You are always best dear.😄

[@sonyaamelia1621]

Great video.. and Congratulations on your pregnancy!

[@GTO20122012]

There are several degrees of stage fright, these steps are great for some people who just feel nervous and have done few stage appearances. For people with intermediate to severe stage fright this might not be the answer but a good starting point to practice alone or in front of someone they feel comfortable with.

[@IdolEyes84]

Thank you xo

[@aniramanid8208]

THANK YOU SO MUUUCCCCHHH

[@baatmanabdlmalek4]

Hi teacher vannas you're always the best thank you so much I'm from Algeria

[@kitkat3545]

Omg I had a presintason today and this really helped👍

[@flavianomersi7905]

congratulations on the baby

[@flavianomersi7905]

thank you a lot for sharing your works

[@kshamaphatak5684]

Thanks....from india

[@elysianvoltaire]

This makes me feel a little more confident for Drama class

[@Ambigirl2011]

Thank you Van. Getting back in front of the camera again. Fill you in later. God Bless the Baby!

[@AmyV142]

My main issue is that I don’t know why I have an issue with it but I do so it’s ages before anything and I’m already crying about it

[@ScienceOfPeople]

You are definitely not alone in this! So many people struggle with stage fright. You got this!

[@trishas1099]

Thank you for ur wonderful tips. I have to do a speech tomorrow. I went in search of ways to overcome anxiety and found this video. Hope it goes well

[@anjelcpks30]

trisha s good luck I hv a speech tomorrow too

[@sessionsunderthesun3042]

Hi, @trishas1099. Wanted to reach out to you to connect. 🙂 I’ve been a musician for over 15 years now and still experience stage performance anxiety symptoms. As a recent doctoral graduate, I wanted to dive into personal research as I connect with others who experience similar anxieties whether on stage, speaking and presenting in general. Would you be open to sharing some of your valuable insights with me? Just Looking for those willing to help with my research! Grateful to find a community here! 😊

[@Oceaniiz]

I don’t mind presentations in front of my class, but I used to do hip hop when I was really young and when I was performing in front of a crowd I completely froze, and I was the only one who wasn’t doing the dance, I felt so disappointed

[@dreamerj2663]

Congratulations on baby..

[@stephaniewormsley3772]

im literally taking notes cuz i am performing 2 solos tomrrow plus little parts along with other people and i have severe stage fright. im trying so hard to fight it and be confident but its really really hard.

[@augustinechinnappanmuthria7042]

Super 💓❤️

[@AlanMcCarthyguitar]

great video and advice all round but for me few days before important performance im feeling the pressure which gradually increase s and makes these mental exercises virtually impossible for me ,I just cant concentrate my anxiety is so severe

[@NihilNovi]

Going to play my first concert in about a month. I'll totally gonna rock it, but just in case I'll familiarize myself with this technique. Cant hurt. 😀

[@notpxtrick]

Performing today I have social anxiety and I cried multiple times bc I signed up for that stupid singing competition

[@madihjorth8164]

Wow, I discovered that I have stage fright. I take karate, I’m a brown belt. Im nervous about performing in front of new people and I just have to break 2 boards and 2 forms. Yeah it sucks. Thinking about skipping belts or maybe quit

[@sessionsunderthesun3042]

Hi, @madihjorth8164. Appreciative to connect with you in this community. 🙂 I’ve been a musician for over 15 years now and still experience stage performance anxiety symptoms. As a recent doctoral graduate, I wanted to dive into personal research as I connect with others who experience similar anxieties whether on stage, speaking and presenting in general. Would you be open to sharing some of your valuable insights with me? Just Looking for those willing to help with my research! Grateful to find a community here! 😊

[@mrsparkkimjeon9985]

I am a singer. I used to thrive on stage but since the past few years it has gotten so bad. I practically forget how to use my voice, something which I do with ease in my home when i am alone.... i dont know how it has suddenly emerged. It is crippling my confidence like nothing else...

[@crabcrusher6117]

Tomorrow I will present a skit😭😭😭😭😭😭 hope this works😪😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@AlbaPasinatoMusic]

How did it go?😊

[@hudagillani8754]

I have a thesis proposal presentation in a day.I am extremely terrified

[@autopedu1806]

solo auditions for the middle school choir on thursday and i’m so nervous

[@Moskal91]

i had a super bad performance at something im good at (guitar). this should help

[@lovedog49507]

What about clinical performance anxiety in nursing school some students have that ?

[@celiar1726]

During band, the singers get to do a karaoke song and I kept on going back and forth and then I ended up kind of getting pushed up and I just sat there with kids telling me to do it and I tried but my voice sounded weird because I was that nervous and then kids started singing the lyrics on the board and then I cried 😐

[@jerrypixar9245]

Dear Vanessa I have a humorous outlook on life,and my comment is about your “theme song”which to me sounds like an interesting mix of anxiety and confusion.

[@skkzzzz]

The more I watch these videos the more nervous I get

[@cjfleming8005]

I wanna be in a musical but my state fright is so strong it's actually a huge problem.

[@khalilzed99]

I used to be an excellent public speaker when i was a high school student but at university one time i delivered an awful presentationsdue to lack of preparation and other personal problems . since then i developed some stage fright when i speak in front of the classroom i feel as if i'm running out of breath . i speak with a wussy sound i dont know what happened to me i really want to overcome this !!!

[@sessionsunderthesun3042]

Hi, @khalilzed99. Appreciative to connect with you in this community. 🙂 I’ve been a musician for over 15 years now and still experience stage performance anxiety symptoms. As a recent doctoral graduate, I wanted to dive into personal research as I connect with others who experience similar anxieties whether on stage, speaking and presenting in general. Would you be open to sharing some of your valuable insights with me? Just Looking for those willing to help with my research! Grateful to find a community here! 😊

[@khalilzed99]

@@sessionsunderthesun3042 ok how can i contact you?

[@learenaee]

I need this because I asked my mom if I can become a child actor (like Millie Bobby Brown or Finn Wolfhard) and she said she will support me and she will pay for my auditions and stuff but there were THREE problem that was holding me back... stage fright, camera shyness, and school

[@fanacccounttt3764]

I really want to become a child actor too but I’m super nervous my mom said she will support me but I need to get rid of my stage fright

[@garyalbertmusic]

The only way to overcome stage fright is to get to the deepest root cause of the subconscious structures that keeps you in fear and then dissolve those structures so that no longer affect you. I help my clients to overcome stage fright and performance anxiety in one single 2 hour session… ❤

[@emmysmalley7811]

Can u help me?😭

[@jamezday]

what if you don't believe in what you have to present............

[@nigelcharles7386]

Oh no just like me

[@livingstonesang6647]

I am doing a presentation tommorow and i have no idea what to expect

[@nigelcharles7386]

I have a research to present for my final yr so I hope this helps😭

[@shreyasa3185]

Hey Vanessa, video full of useful tricks as always. Congrats on becoming Mommie....Just so you know you are world famous, I'm from India..!!

[@matthewwuzhere8033]

Idk if I have performance anxiety. Normally right before I go on stage I feel great but the second I get out in front of the audience my teeth start to get cold and its like a shock goes through my body and my teeth hurt then I forget all my lines

[@sessionsunderthesun3042]

Hi, @matthewxxuzhere8033. Appreciative to connect with you in this community. 🙂 I’ve been a musician for over 15 years now and still experience stage performance anxiety symptoms. As a recent doctoral graduate, I wanted to dive into personal research as I connect with others who experience similar anxieties whether on stage, speaking and presenting in general. Would you be open to sharing some of your valuable insights with me? Just Looking for those willing to help with my research! Grateful to find a community here! 😊

[@darrylbanks7731]

#GOLD

[@antonettebaylosis1523]

Tomorrow I will be singing in front of many people all alone. I hope this works, I know this will work.

[@Hxmedawgin]

I really really want to act. whenever I watch behind the scenes of any TV show/movir I watch, I just look at all the fun they have and stuff and I really want to be apart of something like that one day. But I have really bad stage fright. I get up on stage, even in front of a small class of kids I know, I can't say anything, it's almost like I'm going to breakdown. I'm really worried that people will think I'm weird and laugh at me.

[@sarahshoaib928]

Helpful 😏

[@nugg3t_t0x1c4]

my inteion was to make ppl happy and do what i love to sing

[@Lvlyra]

I have to dance in front of my entire school in a group with two other people tomorrow. We get only five minutes to make an entire performance. The first time I performed in front of my group, I had a panic attack. Istg I’m so nervous I hate performing

[@ZakariaAitOuakrim]

First comment. Thanks 😍

[@sofiaamoroso386]

hi Vannesa Iv'e been having anxiety for weeks now cause ill be auditioning to Laoag City got talent on dec 2 and im really overthinking like alot and im scared but i hope this video will help me with my stagefright ill comment again after the audition and we will see if ill do great

[@ScienceOfPeople]

Wow, how exciting! You got this!! Definitely let me know how it goes. ❤

[@sofiaamoroso386]

VANNESAAA I DID IT I HAD A LITTLE ANXIETY THO BUT I DID I SANGG MY HEART OUT LIKE YOU SAID THE JUDGES TOLD ME I SANG LIKE AN ANGLE AND THEY WHERE REALLY SWEET ABOUT IT I DID STUTTER A BIT ON THE FIRST TWO SENTENCES OF THE SONG BUT THAT DIDN'T STOP ME FROM CONTINUING IM VERY GREAT FULL OF YOU AND THIS VIDEO WITHOUT IT I WOULDN'T HAVE STEP UP THAT STAGE AT ALL THANK YOU SOO MUCH BUT THEY SAID THEY'D CALL FOR THE SECOND AUDITION I HOPE ILL GET IN THE FINALS❤❤❤❤

[@ashprasad9075]

What if ppl start laughing while you're on stage

[@sonicstep]

Then you immediately turn the spotlight on them. Ask them politely to leave your space. Only once polite attention is restored should you resume your delivery.

[@erikacordell6599]

Tryin get my music heard and become a better rapper, any advice?

[@parker2797]

In may I have to preform in a play and have 38 lines and I’m really scared I’m going to freeze up and ruin it for everyone

[@valeriebwilliams701]

like how she made sure her dress top is appropriate

[@spedupvibes8888]

It’s about my theatre competition and I’m really scared for how I will perform and this is my first time

[@Rubyz_Editz]

7:00 The relax ur glutes had me dying (sorry)

[@davidt.2726]

I'm beatboxing tonight at a talent show. Hope it goes well

[@peatwhiskey]

Help me with my stammering problem venessa!

[@kyshn6085]

Amar Kumar watch Kings speech movie , it'll teach ya how 2 get rid of stammering & stuttering ;)

[@peatwhiskey]

@@kyshn6085 thanks Where do you live? Which country?

[@ahahyeahitsmeagain8655]

I was literally having a mental breakdown a few minutes ago cause I was scared of messing up my preformance

[@El-vf6zb]

I have an audition *terrified*

[@aryannanicole4936]

I have an adition for disney on oct. 2 i have such bad stage fright😡😩

[@allylaban6802]

I have to do a dance and a prayer in front of TWO WHOLE SCHOOLS!!! please work..