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Stage Fright. Building confidence and confronting your greatest fear. The Reality. In many polls, public speaking is the #1 fear. Death is #2. DEFINITION Stage fright is a nervousness associated with speaking or performing before an audience. Biology of Stage Fright.
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Stage Fright Building confidence and confronting your greatest fear
The Reality • In many polls, public speaking is the #1 fear. Death is #2. DEFINITION • Stage fright is a nervousness associated with speaking or performing before an audience.
Biology of Stage Fright • Psychological fight or flight response • Breathing rate increases • Heart rate increases • Temperature rises • Adrenaline increases
Why Stage Fright Occurs • A result of psychological tension – mental strain • This tension comes from: • wanting to perform well and make a good impression. • worry about failure. • a lack of preparation.
Understanding Stage Fright • Most (if not all) people experience stage fright. • Even experienced speakers deal with this. • This fact can be comforting.
Controlled Stage Fright • Controlled stage fright can be helpful. • It heightens adrenaline and oxygen in your body making you more alert and your speech more passionate.
Uncontrolled Stage Fright • Uncontrolled stage fright can be harmful. • This results from either a lack of confidence (because of preparation) or overconfidence because of a disproportionate belief in your own ability to talk.
Controlling Your Nerves • Prepare thoroughly. • Know what you are going to say. • Know how you are going to say it. **This is the #1 factor in determining the success of a speech • Practice your speech. • Helps with time management.
Controlling Your Nerves • Relax before you speak. • Take a deep breath and exhale slowly. • Progressive relaxation • Positive mental attitude • Exaggerated yawn
Controlling Your Nerves • Audiences tend to be sympathetic • Most audiences do not want to see you fail. • Most audiences will empathize with you. • Your peers / classmates will have to do the same thing.
Controlling Your Nerves • Stage fright usually feels worse than it looks. • Shaking or sweaty hands • Increased heart rate • Even stumbling over words • You might notice every little mistake. The audience will not.
Controlling Your Nerves • Concentrate on your topic. • Choose something important to you and your audience. • Concentrate on your audience. • You know them well. • Do not concentrate • on yourself.
Handling Stage Fright AVOID • Fidgeting • Jingling keys • Pacing • Nervous giggles • Not making eye contact • Reading • Holding up your notes
Handling Stage Fright Strategies: • Appropriate humor • Be willing to laugh at yourself. • Move around a little. • Use gestures. • Slow down. • Take a breath. • Hold the podium. • Make eye contact. (required)
Picture Citations • http://msnbcmedia4.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Art/HEALTH/070912/Vlrg_StageFright.widec.jpg • http://www.toastmasters.org/OtherImages/FearFactor.aspx • http://www.bhes.ccs.k12.nc.us/images,%20club%20page/speech.gif • http://www.metroactive.com/papers/metro/12.08.04/caesar-0450.html