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Stage Fright Communication Applications
Quote “According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” - Jerry Seinfeld
Questions to Answer • Fear or phobia: What is the difference? • Who gets Stage Fright? • What are the Four Names for Stage Fright? • What are the two chemicals involved in stage fright?
Fears and Phobias • Fear is a biological process that allows humans to secure the necessary energy to take action. • A phobia is a persistent and irrational fear • Example: social phobia – the fear of being judged by others • Example: phonophobia – the fear of hearing your own voice
Who Gets Stage Fright? • Answer: Everyone • Stage fright is a normal reaction, and everyone (even professional speakers and performers) experience it. • Those who do not prepare are more likely to experience more severe stage fright.
Four Names for Stage Fright • Egotism • Scientific definition • Thinking of oneself • i.e. how do I sound? What grade will I get? • Performance anxiety • Topophobia • Communication apprehension • PRCA-24
PRCA Answers • Scale: • High – 85 to 120 (almost scared speechless) • Above Average – 72 to 84 • Average – 60 to 71 • Low – 24 to 59 (generally willing to talk)
Physical Aspects of Stage Fright • Adrenaline • a natural chemical that increases the energy needed to meet a challenge • Stimulates circulation and relaxes muscles • Gives extra alertness & energy • Insulin – hormone produced by the pancreas that turns sugar into energy • Extra insulin is produced when experiencing fear or anxiety
Review • Fear or phobia: What is the difference? • Who gets Stage Fright? • What are the Four Names for Stage Fright? • What are the two chemicals involved in stage fright?
Stage Fright Communication Applications
Quote • The human brain starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public. - Unknown
Example • Richard – First Speech
Symptoms of Stage Fright • Headache • Upset stomach • Dry or Wet Mouth • Redness to face and/or neck • Cold hands/feet • Urge to use the restroom • Wobbly legs
Symptoms of Stage Fright • Hot face • Sweaty palms • Squeaky voice • Dizziness • Rapid heart rate up to 2 times normal rate • Shortness of breath
Symptoms of Stage Fright • Some speakers with stage fright experience one or more symptoms of stage fright while others experience none
Four Solutions • Know your audience • Do they understand? • Can they hear? • Did they comprehend the main point? • Know your purpose • Know yourself • BE PREPARED
Quote • The way to develop self-confidence is to do the thing you fear and get a record of successful experiences behind you. - William Jennings Bryant (1860-1925)
Overcoming Stage Fright • Stage fright can diminish or it can incapacitate. It’s your choice. • Channelled stage fright can give animation to your presentation.
Stage Fright Communication Applications