There is much more to singing than technique and performing. One of the most important elements of singing is how it makes you feel. Singing can be a great way to improve your self image and boost your confidence and have a positive impact on your life as a whole.
However, some singers can experience mental blocks, fear of forgetting lyrics or freeze whilst performing. This is commonly know as stage fright.
So what is stage fright and how does it feel? Well, it can be experienced in a number of ways, some of which are:
Butterflies in your stomach
A feeling of dizziness
Sweaty palms and possibly a full body sweat
Losing your voice
Forgetting your words
Dry mouth
Shaking
Hyperventilating
The good news is, this is something you can overcome! One of the best strategies I have learned over the years is the power of positive self talk. A number of years ago, I made a pledge to stop saying anything negative to myself. This had a profound impact on my life and has enabled me to have the confidence to do things I never would have dreamed of before. The great thing to remember is that anything you say to yourself (positive or negative) becomes a self fulfilling prophecy so it it your job to speak to yourself in a kind and optimistic way.
Handy Tips!
A great tip is to monitor your thoughts throughout the day and make a note of anything negative you say to yourself. By the time you get to the evening, it is then your job to turn those negatives into a positive.
For example: ” I’m rubbish at remembering my lyrics” turns into “I remember my lyrics with ease” or “The truth is I deserve to shine on that stage!”
This can seem a challenge to you at first but it becomes a natural way of living within a couple of days. If you experience any hiccups in talking to yourself in this new, kind way and revert back to negatives just ask yourself: “Would I speak to a six year old child in this horrible way?” The answer is always “no”. Children deserve the upmost respect and protection from adults.
S0….speak to yourself as if you were a thriving six year old!
Once you speak to yourself with compassion, you will find your resilience in general improves, which in turn enables you to handle singing with ease.
Take care!
Kathryn