7 Tips to Help Children Overcome Stage Fear
As parents and teachers, we always want the best for our children. From academics and sports to co-curriculars, we aspire them to be the best versions of themselves in each field.
However, when it comes to extra-curricular activities, such as public speaking or performing in front of an audience, most children struggle with stage fear or performance anxiety. It can be overwhelming and hinder their progress and growth.
Therefore, taking specific steps from a young age is crucial to help them break through their shells of fear and transform them into confident, creative, and charismatic performers.
In this article, we have discussed practical tips and ways to develop necessary skills in kids so they can seamlessly face the audience with conviction and poise. Keep reading!
- Focus on Acing the Preparation
One of the most essential techniques to bid farewell to stage fear is focusing on the preparation. When children know and understand what they are presenting, they are much more confident in their delivery and can face the audience without getting cold feet.
For instance, a child preparing for a debate competition on climate change must be aware of all the related facts and news. By stepping onto the stage with an array of data, he is more equipped to face interrogations and has high spirits.
- Look into the Mirror and Rehearse
“Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the most confident of them all?”
Well, this is a childhood phrase that one can never forget, and as beautiful as it sounds, it is also a stunning technique to combat stage anxieties.
Begin by encouraging your child to stand in front of a mirror and practice the presentation. Ask them to look themselves in the eye and perform as if they were on the stage. It will enable them to rehearse their facial expressions and body language and also help them maintain eye contact with their audience on the big day.
Thus, mirror trials can significantly boost your child’s self-confidence as they can witness their progress and improvements over time.
- It is Okay to Stutter, Rise Back with Confidence
It is crucial to remember that stuttering or facing moments of hesitation during a presentation or performance is absolutely normal. It is common in most individuals and even in seasoned speakers. What truly matters is how one responds to these moments confidently.
Teaching your child that it is okay to falter and giving them the courage to rise back from such instances will allow them to build resilience, self-assurance, and better communication skills that will serve them well throughout their life.
- Educate Them with Explicit Examples
Let me ask you a question- find something similar in leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill. Apart from their outstanding political contributions, there is one common trait that they possessed- they all suffered from stage fright!
Sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Leaders we see as highly confident and capable of managing crowds and addressing people once dreaded the same!
Therefore, it teaches us an important lesson- overcoming adversity and personal challenges. Despite experiencing nervousness, these figures persevered and honed their public speaking skills. They didn’t let their fear keep them from their mission or duty. This resilience allowed them to face immense challenges in their leadership roles and navigate through turbulent times.
Thus, narrating such examples to children can develop a sense of shared experience. It can make them resonate more with what you are trying to explain, find a factor of relatability, and motivate them to conquer their fears.
- Harness the Power of Visualization and Affirmations
Let me tell you a story about Michael Phelps, the iconic Olympic swimmer. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he won eight gold medals, Phelps employed the art of visualization as a part of his training and preparation. Before his races commenced, he would focus on a mental rehearsal, envisioning each detail from beginning to end. He would anticipate his emotional state of confidence, formulate strategies, and picture himself celebrating victory.
Phelps’s consistent use of visualization helped him build courage, stay focused on his objectives, and ultimately achieve unparalleled success in the pool.
Thus, such activities have proven helpful in facing and navigating problems. When it comes to the stage, it is a wise choice to introduce your children to them.
For instance, before the performance, children can imagine themselves on the stage, feeling assertive and composed, and paint a picture of the audience as friendly and supportive. Gradually, nudge them to see themselves delivering their presentation flawlessly, with enthusiasm and poise.
It would also help if you taught them to use affirmations, short and positive statements that they can repeat to themselves to counteract negative thoughts and self-doubt.
For example, before their performance, ask them to repeat the following-
– “I am confident and well-prepared for this.”
– “I am a capable and talented speaker/performer.”
Incorporating such mindful exercise ignites the spark of confidence and courage.
- Face the Fear, Don’t Run From It
Let me tell you a little story about myself- when I was in fifth standard, I would fear speaking in front of people. The thought of the entire school looking at me talking was my biggest nightmare. I started avoiding assemblies and, ultimately, withdrew from participating in events or competitions. As I avoided it, my fears became deeper.
Thus, one day, my English teacher approached me and said, “What you’re fearing is exactly what you need to face.” Then suddenly, she called me on stage in the assembly and gave me a script to read aloud. There it was- the icebreaker that enabled me to face what I feared the most. Those few minutes felt like hours- it seemed as if there were rats in my stomach, and my feet were jammed.
But once I delivered the speech, I felt like I had moved a mountain that day! I became so confident about speaking before people and getting on to the stage that there was no looking back from then.
Therefore, instead of withdrawing your child from activities that give them nerves, push them to do more such tasks. Even though they might have racquets with you for a while, eventually, they will realize it was precisely what they needed!
- Teach Them the Art of Deep Breathing
Teaching the art of deep breathing can be a simple yet powerful tool to reduce anxiety and stress. Since it is an activity that can be practiced anywhere and at any time, it comes in handy when you get jitters before the big day.
You can incorporate such habits by intriguingly framing them. Let us understand with the help of an example- when teaching breathing techniques to young children, try using the “Pizza Technique” instead of simply asking them to follow a process. Before they start, have them pretend to smell a delicious pizza for three counts. Then, instruct them to gradually blow out for a few counts as if they were cooling down the slice.
This exercise makes breathing more enjoyable and engaging for kids, calming them in the blink of an eye.
Conclusion
Stage fear is a common hurdle that we all face at some point in our lives. With the right guidance and support, you can help children become bosses of tomorrow and lead the world with their exquisite performances, speeches, and narrations.
We hope this article enables you to nurture your children and help them overcome their fears!
