Performance Anxiety

This fear may occur when a person gives a demonstrate or an in-class or a conference presentation, performing for stage show, play, going for a job interview or any situation in which a particular activity brings him to the attention of the audience. It all begins when our minds wander. It affects almost everyone, from the beginner to the most seasoned professional.

Some distraction occurs and we become less and less able or unable to concentrate resulting in nervousness, memory lapses, errors and general discomfort leading to fear of performing.

Performance anxiety is often called as a state of an intense anxiety that happens prior and/or during a performance .

Symptoms of Performance Anxiety:

• Fear and anxiety when there any public speaking or performance.
• Avoiding giving presentations or performances.
• Persistent worry about embarrassment in public.
• Feelings of fear and panic.

Physical symptoms:

• Rapid heart beating.
• Sweating.
• Shaking.
• Voice quivering.

Overcoming Perfofmance Anxiety:

• You have practiced to the best of your ability.
• De-stress yourself through meditation, yoga or exercise.
• Rehearse before performance, practice performance.
• Do not judge what just happened or will happen.
• Be a participator, not a self-spectator.
• Be process-oriented, not product-oriented.
• Do not confuse self-assessment with self-criticism.
• Know your capabilities and limitations as a performer.
• Act calmly, even if you feel nervous.
• Try to overlook minor errors when you are performing.