Managing Stage Fright - A for Arrangements

We looked at 2 of 4 ways to manage stage fright--Preparation and Rehersals.

PREPARATION: When I prepare my speech well, I am very confident when I stand up and speak because I know what I am saying will be the truth.

REHERSALS: When I reherse my speech, I become more and more familiar with the content of my speech, and can work to deliver my speech through gestures and intonation of my voice.

The third way how I manage stage fright is Arrangements. I make sure all arrangements that need to be made in advance are taken care of prior to my speech.

For example, I will find out where I will speaking at. Will it be in a hotel ballroom? In an open field? In a small office? In an auditorium? Will I be speaking from a stage or on the ground? Will there be a podium? I will also make sure I know how to get there on the day of my speech. I must make sure I know the route, the travel time, the bus numbers, the MRT station to alight, etc. I need to find out what time I need to be there. I want to arrive early so that I will not be flustered.

Additionally, I make sure I know who will meet me when I arrive. I need to know if there is a podium for me to use. I make sure there is a "sound check" when using a microphone. I always ask if the microphone I use is a hand-held mike or a lapel mike. These will help me know whether I have use of both hands or just one hand when making my speech. If I use a wireless mike, I have the freedom to even move off the stage. But if I am using a cable mike, I need to know how far I can go. If there is no microphone available, then I must know how to project my voice properly so that I don't strain my vocal cords. I also ask that a cup or a bottle of water is available as I tend to get thirsty during the delivery of my speech.

I also make sure I know what time to end my speech as there usually are other things on the agenda that day. I need to know who to pass the mike to after my speech. If I am calling for some form of a response, this needs to be discussed in advance so that the organizers of the event do not get caught off-guard with the responses at the end of the speech.

The night before, I make sure my wife checks the shirt, tie, and trousers I will wear for color coordination--I'm partially color blind and so am not able to judge colors very well! :-( If the event is going to be held outdoors, then make sure I bring a cap along. I try to get to bed early and wake up a little earlier than usual to go through my script again.

Once I am at the place where I am to speak, I try to sit in a corner and compose myself. Some of you prefer to mix with the people coming to listen to you speak, and that's OK too...as long as it helps to calm your nerves. Being a Christian, I commit the event and the speech I am about to make to God.

When I make sure all the arrangements are taken care of in advance, then I won't be distracted by all the little details and concerns that would distract me from delivering my speech.

We have looked at three ways to manager stage fright--Preparation, Rehersals, and Arrangements. One more way will come in my next post! Meanwhile, share with us how YOU manage stage fright when standing before your classmates or friends.