Task one
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Listen to a conversation between a teacher and a student. That was very good, Rachel. I
think you're ready to play on stage.
Thanks, Mr. Jones. I just hope I don't mess up. What do you mean? It's just that I have
gotten stage fright and ended up performing badly.
Whenever I am on stage, my hands get all sweaty and my stomach feels queasy. My heart
starts racing and I feel like I can't breathe. I think to myself, oh, here we go again.
It's really frustrating because I feel like I could do well if only I didn't get so nervous. Stage
fright is quite natural. The stress of performing on stage makes our bodies feel danger, and
this produces adrenaline in our bodies, which speeds up our body movements and makes
our senses more alert.
It can make us panic and want to run away. But if you can learn to slow down and focus on
this energy, it can actually help you perform better. Really? How? Well, you have to
remember to breathe deeply.
Taking deep breaths will help calm your nerves. And you have to think positively. You have
to tell yourself, I can do this, I'm well prepared and ready.
It doesn't matter if I make a few mistakes. The important thing is to do the best that I can.
Thanks for your advice, but that's really easier said than done.
I understand. Like your music, getting control of your fear takes practice, too. Here's what I
want you to do.
From now on, don't practice just your music. Do dry runs on your own. That means
practicing everything from waiting backstage to walking on stage and performing your
music.
You have to concentrate and imagine that you are really performing. If you do this correctly,
you are bound to get similar feelings of stage fright. Practice responding to them the way
that I taught you.
Let me know how it goes. That sounds like a good idea. I will try that.
Thanks!
When you're on stage and experience stage fright, you may find it hard to breathe, your stomach feels queasy,
and your hands become sweaty. You feel nervous and might forget everything. To stay calm, you should take
deep breaths and think positively, reminding yourself that you are prepared and can do well. In addition, it's
important to practice not only your music but also the whole performance — from waiting backstage to walking
on stage and playing — as if it were the real thing. This helps you get used to the feeling of stage fright and
learn how to manage it.
