I still remember my first big moment on stage. Seventh grade; a poem recitation. My palms were sweaty, head strangely light, and every line I'd memorized had vanished into thin air. That was my dramatic introduction to stage fright - that shaky, stomach-churning feeling most us call nervousness. Later, I learned, almost everyone goes through it.
Why Does It Happen?
Nervousness is your body's built-in alarm system. It gets triggered whenever you enter a new or important situation. Your mind starts whispering, "This matters, stay sharp." The trouble is, the alarm can’t differentiate between a school presentation and a real threat. So it reacts to both with equal intensity.
A Different Way to See It
Physiologically, nervousness and excitement are nearly identical. The only difference is the label you slap on it. Tell yourself “I’m excited” instead of “I’m scared,” and feel it flipping from being an enemy to ally. Sounds simple, but it works because your body believes what your mind repeats.
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Ways to Stay Calm
Try these simple practical moves:
- Take slow, deep breaths. Let your body relax.
- Prepare well in advance. That boosts confidence.
- Focus on your message, not on yourself.
- Spot friendly faces in the audience. Speak to them.
Here’s the part nobody tells you - nerves almost always peak right before you start. Wait for a minute or two. The storm settles, and you slide into your rhythm. When it’s over, comes the sweet mix of relief and pride.
Nervousness is simply a warm-up. Not a sign that you're falling apart, but proof that you're gearing up to shine.
So,share in the comments. What was your worst on-stage moment, and how you managed it? Someone out there might draw strength from your experience.
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