Presentation Tips: Overcoming Stage Fright - safnow.org

Presentation Tips: Overcoming Stage Fright

  • “Take a deep breath before you walk on, start talking as you exhale!” – Kirk Pamper AIFD PFCIPFCI_logo_V_2011_small3
  • “Speak slowly and with great control. Being ‘Southern’ (like me) helps!” – Buddy West AIFD PFCI
  • “Think of your best qualities and bring to the stage a mind clear of distractions. Then smile and look them right in the eye!” – William Santos AAF AIFD PFCI
  • “Meditation and quiet time work for me. I also use breathing exercises, stretching and Tai-Chi.” – Jason McCollum AIFD PFCI
  • “Visualize yourself on stage at the end of the program receiving applause and you will become much more relaxed on stage.” – Richard Milteer AAF AIFD PFCI
  • “Take a few deep breaths, follow your outline and SMILE! Find and make eye contact with a couple of supportive people in your audience.” – Ardith E. Beveridge AAF AIFD PFCI
  • “First, you need to like what you are doing on stage and feel confident. If you get bothered, some deep breath breathing helps!” – Colene White AAF AIFD PFCI
  • “You can control your nerves, if you know your subject and rehearse it from start to finish in front of the family or the family dog!” – Lena Malouf AIFD PFCI
  • “Think only positive thoughts. Never ever allow a negative into your head.” – Frank Brice AIFD PFCI
  • “Make a point of meeting at least a few people at the show and ask them to spread out through the audience. Go to their faces during your commentary for approval and positive reinforcement.” – Kathi Thomas AIFD PFCI
  • “Keep your mind focused on the job at hand – and off of how nervous you are.” – Jack Baker AAF AIFD PFCI
  • “Be in the room as people begin arriving. This helps you to feel their mood as they take their seats.” – Alan Parkhurst AIFD PFCI
  • “It’s okay to have butterflies – as long as they fly information!” – Arliss Kreiger PFCI
  • “I worry about a commentator that has no stagefright. To me, it is proof that you care about the subject, the audience and the responsibility you’ve been entrusted with. The trick is not to give the audience verbal or physical clues about your internal state until you have a chance to settle in and relax.” – Marie Ackerman AAF AIFD PFCI
  • “Several deep breaths make a big difference in how you feel physically. Confidence comes from being prepared and knowing you are ready gives you the mental support to smile and enjoy it.” – Carol Caggiano AAF AIFD PFCI
  • “Smile, it makes you approachable and relaxes you at the same time.” – Richard Seaboldt AAF AIFD PFCI
  • “Know your opening sentence and introduction. Practice, practice, practice!” – Frankie Shelton AAF AIFD PFCI
  • “Concentrate on the fact that your audience came to learn from you – the professional. Add a little fun and laughter to your words.” – Joey Schwanke AAF PFCI

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