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Stage Fright in Every Day Life

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When many people think of stage fright, they think of people performing on stage, giving a public speech, singing in the talent show, or starring in the play.  Most people don’t realize the effect that stage fright can have on many people’s everyday lives.  Stage fright can impact anyone, anywhere.

In this article, we will cover the many different situations that could invoke stage fright in normal people living their normal lives.  In addition to identifying the situations, you will learn about what you can do to avoid the stage fright through thorough preparation.  You will also learn what to do if you get stage fright during that situation, despite your preparation.

Situation #1:  Job Interviews

Why it can invoke stage fright:  A job interview is very similar to a performance of any other kind.  You are being watched by an audience (also known as the interviewer), you are being asked to do things (answer interview questions, take written tests, etc.), and there is something at stake (a job offer with the company).  Many people’s nerves are just as shaken before and during a job interview as they are with any other type of performance.

What you can do ahead of time to prepare:  Most of the work of a job interview is done ahead of the actual interview session. 

1.  First, build a resume that you are proud of.  This will get you most of the way through the interview and will “speak for you” when you are too nervous to speak. 
2. Second, familiarize yourself with the company and the position you will be interviewing for.  Memorize information about the company that you can use during your interview.  For example, if you want to work at a library, you could say “I’ve always dreamed of working at this library in particular because it has the best collection of children’s books in the state.   Being a children’s librarian was the reason I studied this in college.”
3. Third, create some questions about the position that you can ask at the end of the interview.  It is best to memorize these, but also have a list available in your portfolio in case you forget.  If you get too nervous while in the interview, just open up your portfolio and ask one of your already prepared questions.
4. Finally, practice with a friend.  Have a friend who’s been through several interviews ask you questions.  If you need inspiration for the questions, there are several books available with interview questions as well as suggested answers.

What you can do to calm your nerves while it’s happening:  During the interview, you will likely be nervous.  However, the key to a successful interview is to not let that get in the way.  Begin your interview strongly by making a good first impression – dress well, smile, and shake their hand as you introduce yourself. 

During the interview, remember that body language is a significant factor in their impression of you, so sit up straight and keep eye contact.  If you feel stage fright creeping up on you, take a second to regroup.  Take a deep breath.  Ask them a question about themselves (for example, “what do you like most about this company”) so that you can pull yourself together while they answer.  At the end of the interview, end it the same way you started, with a smile and a hand shake.

Situation #2:  Work Presentations

Why it can invoke stage fright:  Just like performing in a play or giving a speech, giving a presentation at work can have the same effect with regards to stage fright.  You are in front of a group of people, often people that you want to impress, and you are required to talk, move around, and generally perform.

What you can do ahead of time to prepare:  In this case, much like in the more traditional cases of stage fright, there are many things you can do ahead of time which can help the actual presentation run significantly smoother.

1.  Write down exactly what you will say, read through it several times throughout the next couple days, and then write down a key point from each paragraph that will remind you of your notes.
2. Create visual aids.  While many people think that these are solely for the audience’s benefit, they are really a help to the presenter as well.  By creating a slide show or writing key words or concepts on a flip chart, you can remind yourself of what to say as well.
3. Practice alone.  Once you think you’re ready, start by practicing alone first.  Go for a walk and try to say your presentation aloud while you walk.  Book the conference room and go through it in that setting.  Talk to yourself in the car and tell yourself your presentation.
4. Once you think you’re ready, practice the presentation on someone else who can give you pointers.  Pick another co-worker who knows the material and can help by asking questions.

What you can do to calm your nerves while it’s happening:  When you’re giving your presentation, remember to talk slowly.  Not only will this make you more understandable to your audience, but will also give you time to calm down and remember what comes next.  If you’re feeling nervous and shaky, then stand behind a podium so that it’s not as obvious. 

If you feel like you can’t speak at that moment, ask the audience a question (that you’ve prepared ahead of time) to take the pressure off of you.  For example, if your presentation is on how many sales your company has had in the last year, ask your group if they can guess the number. 

Overall, just remember to take it slow and that alone will help calm your nerves.

Overall Tips:

Whatever the situation is, many of these tips and techniques remain the same.  Whether you are asked to read aloud in front of a group, cold call to make sales, speak up at meetings, or anything else that gives you stage fright, these tips can help you overcome your fear and do well.

1. Prepare.  If you are prepared and feel prepared, then you will not be as nervous.
2. Practice.  For any of these situations, you can practice in a less intimidating setting, and then it will help you be ready for the real situation.
3. Take it slow.  Remember that people naturally talk faster when they are nervous, so slow it down a notch – it will help your nerves as well.
4. Have a backup plan.  Whether it is note cards or an excuse to leave and start over, have a backup plan that will save the day if the nerves become too much to handle.

You are now ready to tackle and overcome stage fright in every day life!

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