|
What
is stage fright?
A dry
mouth, rapid breathing, constantly checking notes, panic at
the thought of speaking in public, all of these are signs
of stage fright. For some people, stage fright is a temporary
thing, overcome once the public speech or performance begins.
For others, it is a more serious concern.
Stage
fright is one of the most common human fears. From anxiety
about an upcoming public event to outright panic built up
over a number of years, stage fright manifests itself in many
ways. At times the fear can be so debilitating that dread
is the only emotion you experience. No matter how much you
prepare, the fear is still almost paralyzing.
Why do I get so scared?
Stage fright begins in a variety
of places. For some, early school days were full of the expectation
to perform in front of the class. If your hard work was rewarded
only by laughter or ridicule from your peers, it may have
been more difficult the next time to speak up. For others,
perhaps there is too much pressure to succeed, or a fear of
becoming panicked in front of others. Perhaps it has been
an accumulation of events over time, or the fear of being
humiliated. Perhaps the fear is borrowed from someone else's
experience. An overdemanding parent can cause unconscious
fear of failing. Because so much of life is interrelated,
it is possible that your stage fright is a symbol of something
else in your life.
How can hypnosis help
me conquer my fears about speaking in public?
Working with your hypnotherapist
you can identify a specific event that caused the original
fear; confront the fear while experiencing it as a non-threatening
event; and reprogram your subconscious mind to increase self
confidence.
All of these elements will work
together to reduce the negative thoughts and feelings inside
and give you room to develop positive images and thoughts.
You will discover a new eagerness for future progress and
development.
How long will it take?
If your fear
is mild, you may need only one or two sessions with your therapist.
If a deeper
cause exists, then a few more sessions may be needed to uncover
the cause, release it, and introduce positive suggestions.
The good news
is that there is a way past the fear. You do not have to be
paralyzed by your past experiences. You can enjoy your life
and the people in it. You can discover new skills and talents
and share those confidently with others. You can learn to
enjoy the success that you have worked so hard to achieve.
"I
am talking to more people and feeling confident, taking initiative."
(Salesman)
"I
wanted you to know that I was amazed at how well things worked
out at my presentation to my colleagues. The results were
extremely good. Not only did I do well, but I had lots of
compliments about what a good job it was. I was amazed. I
really appreciate it, and thank you very much." (Real
Estate Agent)
"I
was incredibly pleased with myself; the change and confidence
in me was apparently noticeable, because my teacher is very
impressed. I'm learning to relax before starting to play.
I felt relaxed enough to get through the parts that previously
had stopped me. I'm taking the feeling of relaxation into
my lessons and performances." (Violinist) |
