Here's how you can use assertiveness to conquer stage fright.

1 Embrace Mindset

The journey to conquering stage fright begins in the mind. Assertiveness is rooted in a positive self-perception, which means you need to believe in your right to speak up and be heard. Before stepping onto the stage, spend time reinforcing your self-worth and the value of your message. Visualize yourself speaking with confidence and authority. This mental rehearsal primes your brain for assertive behavior, making it more natural when you're in the spotlight. Remember, your thoughts shape your actions, so cultivate a mindset of assertiveness to set the stage for success.

2 Body Language

Your body speaks volumes before you even utter a word. To convey assertiveness, adopt a posture that exudes confidence: stand tall, make eye contact, and use purposeful gestures. These non-verbal cues signal to the audience, and importantly to yourself, that you are in command. Practice these behaviors until they become second nature. This way, even if nerves try to creep in, your body will maintain its assertive stance, helping to anchor your confidence and reduce feelings of stage fright.

3 Vocal Control

The power of your voice cannot be overstated in public speaking. An assertive speaker uses their voice deliberately to command attention and express their message clearly. Work on modulating your tone, pace, and volume to emphasize key points and keep the audience engaged. Breathing techniques can also help manage anxiety and support vocal control. When you speak with conviction, not only do you appear more assertive, but you also feel more in control, which is crucial in overcoming stage fright.

4 Content Mastery

Knowing your material inside and out is central to assertive speaking. When you are well-prepared, you can focus on delivery rather than recalling information. This confidence in your content allows for a more assertive presentation style. You can handle questions and unexpected situations with poise because you have a deep understanding of your subject matter. Preparation breeds confidence, and confidence is the backbone of assertiveness on stage.

5 Positive Interaction

Engaging with your audience assertively can transform the dynamic of your presentation. Instead of fearing the audience, view them as participants in a conversation. Encourage questions and feedback, which allows you to demonstrate assertiveness through direct, respectful responses. This interaction creates a positive feedback loop; as the audience responds to your confidence, your stage fright diminishes, allowing for even greater assertiveness.

6 Continuous Practice

Assertiveness, like any skill, improves with practice. Seek opportunities to speak publicly and apply assertive techniques each time. Reflect on your performances to identify areas for improvement. With each speaking engagement, you'll find that assertiveness becomes more natural and stage fright less intense. Consistent practice not only hones your public speaking abilities but also reinforces your assertive mindset, making it an integral part of your communication style.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?