Stage fright is the anxiety experienced when having to perform or speak in front of others. Common physical symptoms include dry mouth, fast heartbeat, and shaky hands or voice. Causes include lack of preparation, fear of judgment, and past negative experiences. Cognitive strategies like realistic self-talk can help overcome fears. Practical tips include thorough preparation, relaxation techniques, maintaining eye contact, and speaking slowly and loudly with confidence. Understanding and addressing the root causes of anxiety can help manage stage fright.

1. STAGE FRIGHT “The human brain is a wonderful thing. It starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public.” - George Jessel NAZEEM P VDEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES PONDICHERRY UNIVERSITY

3. WHAT IS STAGE FEAR? Stage fright is the anxiety, fear, or persistent phobia which may be aroused in an individual by the requirement to perform in front of an audience, whether actually or potentially.

4. THIS USUALLY HAPPENS!

5. IDENTIFY THE STAGE FEAR Most people experience stage fright. Stage fright affects most people in physical ways Dry mouth Tight throat Sweaty hands Cold hands Shaky hands Nausea Fast pulse Shaky knees Trembling lips Fear of success

6. CAUSES Inadequate preparation Fear of being judged Unfamiliarity with the audience or the environment Lack of knowledge about public speaking Feelings of inadequacy Fear of the unknown Negative past experiences

7. HOW TO OVERCOME?

8. COGNITIVE STRATEGIES Most detrimental - catastrophising: “I think I am going to faint” “I’m sure to make a dreadful mistake and that will ruin everything” Best kind - realistic appraisal: “I’m bound to make a few mistakes, but so does everyone.” “The audience wants me to play well and will make allowance for a few slips”.

9. HOW YOU CAN DO IT… 0 Be extremely well prepared 0 Organize your speaking notes 0 Absolutely memorize your opening statement 0 If you have to Practice, practice, practice. 0 Especially practice bits so you can spit out a few minutes of your program no matter how nervous you are. 0 Anticipate hard and easy questions

11. Yawn to relax your throat.

12. Doodle.

14. Go somewhere private and warm up your voice, muscles, etc.

15. Stage Fright--Strategies Try not to hold the microphone by hand in the first minute. Don't hold notes. The audience can see them shake. Use three-by-five cards instead. Use eye contact. It will make you feel less isolated. Look at the friendliest faces in the audience. Joke about your nervousness. What's the right wine to go with fingernails?

16. Tips for a great speech… Speak Up! Make sure to speak a little louder than normal conversation when you are giving your speech. Slow Down! When you are giving your speech to your listeners, remember to slow your speech down a little bit and don't rush through the words. Make sure to enunciate and don't slur your words either. Be Confident! You can do this! Believe in yourself!

17. Overcoming Anxiety Understanding presentational anxiety and applying some of these techniques and suggestions will help you overcome the more paralyzing forms of stage fright. They might become very useful when you give your next speech.