| The first suggestion for overcoming the effects of stage fright is to evaluate what we are experiencing. In all probability, it is heightened feeling and not fear. The physical changes in heightened feeling, thought they resemble the change in fear or fright, are, as we have indicated useful to us. Moreover, they are common and shared by public performers of all degrees of ability and practice. |
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We should go beyond recognizing the changes when they occur. We should anticipate their occurrence so that the element of surprise is not present. To be able to say, ‘oh, yes, that’s what I |
| expected would happen’, is much less disconcerting than to ask, ‘what’s happening to me’ ? When the knees shake an the hands begin to quiver. An athlete expects his heart to beat fast while engaged in a contest. He does not get caught by surprise at changes he anticipates ! The public speaker, similary fortified by expectation, would not mistake feeling for fear. Fear is a response to the unknown. The familiar, for which we can prepare should command respect rather than fear. ‘Nervousness’ may be induced, but nervousness is not fear. |
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