I had my choir concert on Wednesday, and it got me thinking about how nervous people get when they have to perform or speak in front of others. For me, singing in a big group like that isn't really an issue!

As a music education major with a vocal concentration, I have to perform by myself in front of my peers a lot. Most of the time, my nerves get the better of me! I clasp my hands together and my legs start to shake while I sing, and I can only think about how nervous I am.

But, I've been improving! I suppose that the repeated performances are making the actual act of performing easier, and my nerves are becoming less of an issue.

I've talked to my vocal professor about being nervous, which is causing me to be unwilling to perform. He's told me that the nerves will never go away! EVERYONE is always nervous when they perform. So, he suggested that I take my negative nerves and turn it into a positive kind of nerves, like, "I'm exciting to be performing for you all today!"

So, how do YOU handle your nerves? Have you ever had any moments when you had to speak or perform in front of people and were really nervous?

I'm never able to handle them, not once, I don't think even a thousand times of going to the stage and still I'll be the same well my head will start spinning, my tongue automatically manages to get outside my mouth, stammering, dizziness, and I'll not be able to remember anything until I get down I've never really figured out how I have to overcome this feeling. Only on e I have been okay, I think I acted out pretty good but ALL the other times I'm always the same This happens not only in stage, but even when I have to read out loud infront of others >.<

That sounds like a lot of not-fun, Lexa. :P I still believe that it just takes some practice and rehearsal!

It has been a while since I've actually been nervous about performing or being in front of a large group of people. I think the last time would be at one of my solo and ensembles years ago. My nervousness though, as I was taught to do, is used for vibrato while I play so there are times where I would work myself up to being nervous to get that.

Other than that, things like performing, I was in drama for YEARS. I treated those performances like when I roleplay, the world of the play becomes my world and the audience isn't there.

As for presentations, I make sure I'm passionate and familiar with what I'm talking about and try to share that passion and keep people engaged with it.

I love being in front of people, talking, performing, anything. Maybe I like the attention? I dunno, but I don't think I've really had a problem with stage fright.

Being center stage used to be really tough for me. I've always been a shy person, but all my hobbies somehow required performing! Playing an instrument and dancing ballet were fun for me to practice, I just hated being shoved onstage. Christmas and June were the worst times of year for me because they meant that I'd be in multiple concerts and recitals.

But thankfully, college got me over those fears really quick. I decided to become a teacher and, well, that's basically like being a professional public speaker.

You do something often enough and it eventually becomes second nature. I don't even think twice about it now. I might be a little nervous about getting on a big stage and having an entire audience focus on me, but put me in front of 30-50 people? No problem. I can handle that in my sleep now. I don't exactly enjoy it, though, it's just part of the job.

I'm fine in a group, but by myself, I get super nervous.
D:

Ever since 1st grade, I've had a pretty easy time talking, acting, and performing in front of people. Can be as small as 30 people to as large 500+ people. Recorded, not recorded. Graded, for fun. To entertain, to educate. Doesn't really phase me. Then again, I'm majoring in Public Relations. If I couldn't handle my own in front of a crowd, not sure I would be doing my major any justice.

Do I get nervous before events? Yes, but in a way that doesn't cause me to shake or feel like throwing up. I get excited. Legit excited to the point where I am dying to go next. I love, love, love talking to people. I have no problems standing up in front of a crowd and addressing a sea of people. Heh, I have no qualms telling people "When you're done talking, I'll think about moving on. Until then, go ahead and waste our time. I can stand here all day." <-- True story; said that and caused my brother to cower in his seat.

So how did I overcome it all? I'm honestly not sure. I guess I just think of it as a fun thing. I genuinely love it and I love educating or entertaining people. I make sure I practice a ton before I do anything. I memorize lines and actions. I act it out. I sleep, dream, eat, breath, live that speech/role. But I also do some impromptu stuff. Like I might purposely skip a line or trip up so I can work on handing such accidents. If I can think of all the questions and potential disasters, then I can prevent them -- or at least weaken their impact on me.

Then again, I've been giving speeches and action since 1st grade. I've competed in story telling contests. I've been graded for my educational presentations. I've been asked to be a MC for a Girl Scout event. I had to give a speech at graduation (high school; missed the college one by one place... grrr, still bitter about it). I've been the host at events.

I don't know. I guess you just get used to it? And it stops bothering you? At least that's how it happened with me... I think. D: