How do you deal with vocal performance anxiety and nerves and boost your confidence and stage presence?

1 Understand your voice

Your voice is a complex and delicate instrument that depends on the coordination of various muscles, organs, and nerves. When you are anxious or nervous, your body reacts with physical and mental changes that can interfere with your vocal function. For example, you may experience increased heart rate, shallow breathing, dry mouth, tight throat, trembling, or loss of focus. These can affect your pitch, tone, volume, range, and clarity. Therefore, it is important to understand how your voice works and how to take care of it. You can learn more about vocal anatomy and physiology from a vocal coach, a voice therapist, or online resources.

2 Manage your stress

Stress is a natural response to challenging or threatening situations, but it can also be a source of vocal performance anxiety and nerves. Stress can trigger the fight-or-flight response, which prepares you to either confront or escape the danger. However, this response can also impair your vocal performance by causing muscle tension, vocal fatigue, or vocal damage. To manage your stress, you can practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, or yoga. You can also use positive affirmations, visualization, or self-talk to calm your mind and boost your self-esteem.

3 Prepare your performance

Preparation is essential to conquering vocal performance anxiety and nerves. Being adequately prepared will result in a greater sense of confidence and comfort on stage. To get ready for your performance, you should select a song that complements your voice, style, and audience. Additionally, you should practice your song regularly and record yourself to hear your feedback or gain constructive criticism from a vocal coach or a friend. Moreover, you should rehearse your performance in front of a mirror, camera, or small audience to pay attention to your posture, gestures, and eye contact. Lastly, it's important to be familiar with the venue, equipment, sound system, and stage layout.

4 Warm up your voice

Warming up your voice is essential to prevent vocal injury and to enhance your vocal performance. Warming up your voice helps to increase blood flow, oxygen, and flexibility to your vocal cords and muscles, as well as to reduce tension and stress. You should warm up your voice at least 15 minutes before your performance, using gentle and gradual exercises that cover your range, your resonance, and your articulation. You can also warm up your voice throughout the day by humming, singing softly, or doing vocal sirens. Avoid shouting, whispering, or clearing your throat, as these can strain or irritate your voice.

5 Enjoy your performance

The most important thing to remember when performing is to enjoy it! Singing is a form of expression, communication, and art, so don't let vocal performance anxiety and nerves stop you from sharing your voice and passion with others. Instead, use them as a source of energy, motivation, and excitement. To help you enjoy your performance, try smiling and being positive. This can relax your facial muscles, improve your mood, and connect you with your audience. Focus on the music and the message, not perfection or mistakes; instead focus on conveying the emotion and meaning of the song. Engage with your audience by making eye contact, using gestures, and interacting with them. They are there to support you and to enjoy your performance. Finally, celebrate your achievement after your performance by acknowledging your effort, improvement, success, feedback, applause, and compliments. Reward yourself with something you like such as a treat or a hug!

6 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?