Stage freight and the history of the human species
In yesterdays hatch in this calendar, we learned how stage freight can be explained by the history of humans and we got to know more about the evolutionary aspect on why stepping on to a scene to present in front of other people can make our whole system to ring the alarm bell and telling us that this is something dangerous.
What can you do to handle stage freight?
To help you with what you can do yourself to handle the situation when stepping on to a scene (or pressing the button to share your screen in a video meeting) we have collected some tips and tricks that hopefully can help you prepare so you can stay calm when presenting.
Practice how to enter the stage
Physically test out how to enter the scene and find a way to stand up that that feels comfortable for you.
Film yourself
Pick up what ever you have available (phone, camera, pc) and film yourself. This might feel weird, but remember it is only for yourself. It can help you to hear both the pace and volume of how you speak and move.
Keep it simple
If you use words that are complicated or hard to pronounce or sentences with too many clauses it easy to end up stumbling on the words. Try to use words that are both easy to understand for the people listening - and for you to pronounce.
Make time for relaxing before presenting
If you are feeling nervous to present in front of a big audience its a good plan to plan to have moment of time before presenting to just lay down and relax your body and mind.
Have a pep talk with your self
Take a couple of deep breaths and tell yourself positive things.
Have a stretch
Move your head from one side to the other, lift your shoulders and stretch your back, legs and arms to get rid of physical tention in your body.
Think about your body language
Walk up steady with your head high and with a proud body language. Think about when to use your hands - and when not using them, try to keep your hands together.
Make your own ritual
To come in to the right mode both for your body and mind try setting up a short ritual that you do before presenting.
Examples can be:
- Stretch your legs, arms and back
- Massage your stomach
- Take a deep breath and hold it
- Breath out with three short out breaths while keeping your lips tight
- Relax in neck and shoulders
- Cross your arms on your chest
- Through your arms up to breath in deep and fast
- Through your arms down to breath out fast
- Massage your jaw
- Walk around and try to notice things you like in the room
