Managing Stage Fright

Stage fright is something that everyone encounters at least once in their lifetime. I, personally, have a severe problem with stage fright. Even just thinking about having to stand in front of people and doing a presentation, my palms get sweaty and my pulse starts to race.

Sweaty palms, dry mouth, increased heart rate, and the feeling of having a million butterflies in your stomach (okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little) is termed the Fight-or-Flight Response by psychologists. As unpleasant as these sensations are, they occur for a good reason. It is your body’s way of arming itself with extra energy to take action against threatening situation …in this case the dreaded act of public speaking.[1]

But with presentations being such a big part of everyday interaction in the workplace and everyday life, it’s beneficial to have methods to overcome stage fright.

In an attempt to help others who suffer from speaking in front of people, as well as myself, I will be posting a tip weekly to aid in managing the anxiety provoking situation, known as.....STAGE FRIGHT.

For now, I will leave you with this video of a poor little kid with a serious case of stage fright! [2]

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[1] Guffey, M.E., Rhodes, K., & Rogin, P. (2011). Business communication: process and product (6th Canadian ed). Toronto, ON: Nelson Education Ltd.
[2] Auggyp. (2006, December 21). Funniest kid ever! [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1zY38p0Lpw