Exit, Stage Fright
 This month: Nikki Burgett, a theater arts teacher at A. Mario Loiederman Magnet School for Creative and Performing Arts in Silver Spring, Maryland, helps net performance butterflies.
“Firsts” can be daunting—first dates, first time at the in-laws’, first big speech. But there’s hope! Techniques taught to theater students to promote relaxation and confidence also prevent stage fright in everyday life.
First, breathe! All too often, our breaths are quick and shallow when we’re nervous. Slow them down, in through your nose and out through slightly pursed lips. The slower you exhale, the better. Choose a fun word that sparks confidence (like my personal fave—“fabulous!”), and visualize it as you breathe.
S-t-r-e-t-c-h it out as you exhale. The longer, the better. It’s both calming and positive. Attack tension with easy exercises. Focus on tense spots, like your toes, hands, even your buttocks, and squeeze those areas tightly for 10 seconds or so, then quickly release. Repeat, and feel the tension fall away.
Finally, yawn! Form the biggest, open-mouthed yawns you possibly can, then smile. It’s the best, most natural way to quickly relax your throat and neck muscles, steady your voice, and look confident and friendly. You might even fool yourself!
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