Stage fright or anxiety can affect singers at any time in their career.

Even big household names like Barbara Streisand, John Lennon and Adele have all admitted to suffering severe performance anxiety.

However, as the old showbiz saying goes: “The Show Must Go On,”  and there are many techniques you can employ to help alleviate the symptoms of stage fright.

1. Remain Calm – Do Breathing Exercises

Take some time before you go onstage to do deep breathing exercises.

  • Slowly breathe in for four counts and out for four counts all through your nose.
  • Each time, try to relax and control your breathing, so you can get to a higher number of breaths each time.

This breath exercise is called Sama Vritti or “Equal Breathing”.

The practice on focusing on your breath not only relaxes you, but the counting will help take your mind off going on stage.

2. Avoid Caffeine

You may feel that you need a buzz to get you energised for your performance. But, caffeinated drinks will only increase your heart rate and make you feel more agitated and anxious.

Other things to avoid include: Salt, fast food & sugar.

3. Be Prepared

A lot of anxiety can come from not knowing your songs properly. If you are well practised and fully prepared, this will help boost your confidence before you perform live.

But also remember that mistakes happen. Audiences are a lot more forgiving than you think. Just go out there and do your best.

4. Be Positive

A great way to learn how to get over stage fright, is to be positive with yourself. Talk “you” up to “you”. Tell yourself that you’re going to do a great job and that the audience will love you. Compliment yourself on the hard work you put in to get to this point – and believe it.

If you are projecting self confidence, the audience will believe it – and you will start to too.

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Check out this TED video on understanding stage fright:

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5. Find A Friendly Face

Either have a friend there to help you out, or find a friendly face in the crowd. Focus on performing to them as if they were the only person in the room. Obviously don't stare them out, as that would be awkward to everyone in the room. Be discrete, remember to look around a bit - but still have this friendly face to come back to if you get nervous.

 

6. Stand with Confidence

The way we hold ourselves can change our thought process. If you have poor posture and slump around the stage, this will have an affect not just on your vocals, but your confidence. Stand up straight, hold your head high and tell the world with your posture that you are confident and ready to shine.

7. Do some Stretches or Yoga

Help to get yourself into a relaxed frame of mind by relaxing your entire body.

"It helps you learn not to concentrate on things you can't control, to live in the present. It seeps into the rest your life. You'll notice you'

8. Have a proper singing technique

One of the many benefits of having a singing coach or online training program is that they will teach you how to sing while under stress. Technique is important to keep your voice clean, clear and open when you are nervous. Regular lessons, breath support and training will help you to have the confidence to go on stage and sing like a professional every single time, no matter how nervous you are.

9. Sing with others in the beginning

If the thought of being all alone under that big spotlight terrifies you - perhaps start by singing with others. Join a vocal group or choir. Get yourself a partner that you regularly perform with. This way you can have someone up there on stage with you until you can gain the confidence to venture out on your own.

10. Get out and Perform more often

One of the best ways to get over stage fright is to face it head on. Get up at karaoke, family gatherings, open mic nights. Perform as much as possible so that you can get used to being on stage. The more you get used to dealing with your feelings of anxiety head on, the better you will be with dealing with them.

-- Take ACTION

Honestly the only thing holding you back is you. Don't let a lack of confidence keep you from reaching your dream of becoming a professional singer.

Get out there as often as you can. Sing - Perform - and believe in yourself.

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Tommo J Williams
Tommo J Williams

I've worked as a full time singer and musician since 2006. My singing has taken me around the world, performing on 5 continents and getting paid to do so. I want to help you achieve your singing dreams.