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What are some ways you can get over the fear of acting in front of a people?
Such as how to build confidence and how to not fear embarrassment? As much as I want to be confident and push myself to, I still give in to the fear of embarrassment
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6 answers
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Martha’s Answer
Hi, Mandy, this is a great question. The answer may not be the same for everyone, but here are some thoughts:
- I frequently am around actors in our community theater and am told that a certain amount of nervousness stays with you and the associated adrenaline could be helpful.
- The more you act, the more comfortable you will get. Start with roles with no or few lines, then build up. You could learn from the experience, observing others, and asking for advice.
- When acting, delve into the character and motivation. This will shift your focus from self-consciousness
- For any of your roles, practice a lot - maybe more than you think necessary. Practice until the lines and movements feel natural to you.
- Look for other opportunities to speak in front of others, such as reading to school children. This will help acclimate as well.
Good luck!
- I frequently am around actors in our community theater and am told that a certain amount of nervousness stays with you and the associated adrenaline could be helpful.
- The more you act, the more comfortable you will get. Start with roles with no or few lines, then build up. You could learn from the experience, observing others, and asking for advice.
- When acting, delve into the character and motivation. This will shift your focus from self-consciousness
- For any of your roles, practice a lot - maybe more than you think necessary. Practice until the lines and movements feel natural to you.
- Look for other opportunities to speak in front of others, such as reading to school children. This will help acclimate as well.
Good luck!
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
I once had a psychology professor, who addressed this subject in one of his classes.
He stated that people have fear in public speaking forums, because they are afraid and embarrassed, that they will make a mistake, or stumble over their words.
He explained that rehearsing helps, but what you rehearse makes an enormous difference in building public speaking confidence.
One thing he recommended reading and rehearsing out loud to someone is Edgar Allen Poe's masterful work, "The Raven."
Try reading the Raven out loud, quickly, and see how long you go without slipping (Shakespeare too). This can be difficult, but keep going. Keep reading out loud until you can read it like James Earl Jones can do it.
Reading difficult peaces of literature and mastering them, is a huge condidence builder, for speaking in public or acting on stage. If you can accomplish this, then fear of making mistakes is greatly reduced. Mistakes always are inevitable, but they can be reduced or avoided by mastering elements of literary language.
He stated that people have fear in public speaking forums, because they are afraid and embarrassed, that they will make a mistake, or stumble over their words.
He explained that rehearsing helps, but what you rehearse makes an enormous difference in building public speaking confidence.
One thing he recommended reading and rehearsing out loud to someone is Edgar Allen Poe's masterful work, "The Raven."
Try reading the Raven out loud, quickly, and see how long you go without slipping (Shakespeare too). This can be difficult, but keep going. Keep reading out loud until you can read it like James Earl Jones can do it.
Reading difficult peaces of literature and mastering them, is a huge condidence builder, for speaking in public or acting on stage. If you can accomplish this, then fear of making mistakes is greatly reduced. Mistakes always are inevitable, but they can be reduced or avoided by mastering elements of literary language.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello again, Mandy !
As I mentioned in earlier advice today for your other question, this can be an issue and we all discover similar things about ourselves once we start acting. Whether it's a dry mouth, sweaty palms or stage fright sometimes at a certain point it will go away. It may just be because you are doing something new and it seems unusual but you will get used to it. But there is always a certain sort of excitement when starting any new project.
One of the best ways for you to overcome shyness in public speaking would be to join the New York Toastmasters ! It's an exciting opportunity to be with people your age and develop into a comfortable public speaker. They are located at 145 West 46th Street in Manhattan. You will see yourself evolve with them and eventually you will be helping others who started out shy. I have left the link to their website for you below.
Although it takes a lot of searching to find free acting classes in New York City, some places offer low cost for teenagers. You can inquire about these at The Acting Studio - New York (212) 580-6600, HB Studio (212) 741-0209 and A Class Act NY (212)315-3010. Sometimes just breaking the ice with an actual acting class can bring you into confidence. Look up these places online and read their websites before you call. Although they may not offer free classes they may have some special prices for teens.
Another way to gain purpose and overcome shyness is to study Improvisation. I have left a link for you to Improvolution's website and you should inquire about possible classes with them. Improvisation is a form of acting that is unscripted and you would be sharpening many skills at once if you get involved with learning improvisation, also called improv. Besides being good for your career, you most likely will develop friendships with fellow actors and widen your social circle.
Most of all, know that everyone has had to learn to speak before groups. You will not always have the fear, but the best way to overcome it is to take active steps to help yourself move forward. Equally important, know that what you have to say is important and people want to hear the information and people want to be entertained by you as an Actress. So go for it ! Do not give up !
NEW YORK TOASTMASTERS https://www.nytoastmasters.org/
IMPROVOLUTION TO LEARN IMPROV AND IMPROVE PUBLIC SPEAKING AND ACTING AT THE SAME TIME https://www.improvolution.org/
As I mentioned in earlier advice today for your other question, this can be an issue and we all discover similar things about ourselves once we start acting. Whether it's a dry mouth, sweaty palms or stage fright sometimes at a certain point it will go away. It may just be because you are doing something new and it seems unusual but you will get used to it. But there is always a certain sort of excitement when starting any new project.
One of the best ways for you to overcome shyness in public speaking would be to join the New York Toastmasters ! It's an exciting opportunity to be with people your age and develop into a comfortable public speaker. They are located at 145 West 46th Street in Manhattan. You will see yourself evolve with them and eventually you will be helping others who started out shy. I have left the link to their website for you below.
Although it takes a lot of searching to find free acting classes in New York City, some places offer low cost for teenagers. You can inquire about these at The Acting Studio - New York (212) 580-6600, HB Studio (212) 741-0209 and A Class Act NY (212)315-3010. Sometimes just breaking the ice with an actual acting class can bring you into confidence. Look up these places online and read their websites before you call. Although they may not offer free classes they may have some special prices for teens.
Another way to gain purpose and overcome shyness is to study Improvisation. I have left a link for you to Improvolution's website and you should inquire about possible classes with them. Improvisation is a form of acting that is unscripted and you would be sharpening many skills at once if you get involved with learning improvisation, also called improv. Besides being good for your career, you most likely will develop friendships with fellow actors and widen your social circle.
Most of all, know that everyone has had to learn to speak before groups. You will not always have the fear, but the best way to overcome it is to take active steps to help yourself move forward. Equally important, know that what you have to say is important and people want to hear the information and people want to be entertained by you as an Actress. So go for it ! Do not give up !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Michelle, thanks for suggesting Toastmasters - one of my preferred recommendations to develop the self-confidence to move forward! Kim
Kim Igleheart
Yes. I had a shy friend way back in high school and she participated with Toastmasters and went on to become successful in the business world. :) Have a truly awesome day, Kim !
Michelle M.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Mandy!
ME:-
Tackling the Fear of Public Speaking -
In fifth grade, I was home sick and watched Professor Julius Sumner Miller on television. His confident and knowledgeable delivery was inspiring. Though the term "nerd" wasn't used then, he certainly was one. This experience motivated me when I had to give a class presentation on gyroscopic precession.
AI:-
Here's how you can also overcome the fear of Acting:
1. Identify Your Fear
Understanding what triggers your fear is the first step to conquering it. Ask yourself:
What about public speaking makes you anxious?
Are you afraid of being judged?
Do you fear forgetting your lines or making mistakes?
Recognizing the root causes of your fear helps you tackle them effectively.
2. Prepare and Practice
Building confidence comes from thorough preparation:
Rehearse Often: Familiarity with your material reduces anxiety. Practice until your
are confident, even in front of a mirror.
Understand Your Topic: Deeply understanding your role,
this can make it easier to speak about and reduces self-consciousness.
Start Small: Begin by rehearsing in front of
supportive friends or family who can provide constructive feedback.
3. Use Visualization Techniques
Visualization is a powerful tool:
Visualize Success: Imagine yourself acting confidently and successfully.
Picture the audience's positive reactions.
Positive Affirmations: Reinforce your self-belief with affirmations like
"I am a confident actor" or "I am prepared for this scene".
4. Breathing and Relaxation Exercises
Relaxation techniques can alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety:
Deep Breathing: Deep breathing exercises before acting can calm your nerves.
Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, then exhale slowly for four counts.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then relax each muscle group in your body
to release tension.
5. Focus on the Presentation, Not Yourself
Shift your focus from how you're perceived to delivering a great act:
Engage Your Audience: Connect with your audience through your topic
instead of worrying about their judgment.
Accept Imperfection: Mistakes may happen; they're part of live presentations.
Authenticity is often appreciated over perfection.
6. Gain Experience Gradually
Start small and gradually increase the size of your audience:
Join Local Groups: Participate in local speaking groups or classes
where the environment is supportive.
Take Acting Classes: Professional training can improve skills and build confidence.
7. Seek Constructive Feedback
Feedback is crucial for growth:
Ask for Constructive Criticism: Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors
who can provide insights without being overly harsh.
Reflect Positively on Feedback:
Use constructive criticism as a tool for improvement,
not as a personal attack.
8. Embrace Vulnerability
Accepting vulnerability can be liberating:
Recognize that everyone feels nervous at some point;
embracing this shared experience can foster connection
with fellow speakers and audiences alike.
9. Celebrate Small Victories
Acknowledge every step forward:
Whether it's completing a rehearsal without feeling anxious or
successfully speaking in front of an audience, celebrate these
achievements as milestones toward overcoming fear.
Conclusion
Overcoming the fear of acting takes time and persistence
but is achievable through preparation, practice, visualization,
relaxation exercises, focusing on the presentation rather than
self-image, gradual exposure to larger audiences, seeking
constructive feedback, embracing vulnerability, and celebrating
progress along the way.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA)
Stanford University - Center for Comparative Studies in Race & Ethnicity
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
God Bless!
JC.
ME:-
Tackling the Fear of Public Speaking -
In fifth grade, I was home sick and watched Professor Julius Sumner Miller on television. His confident and knowledgeable delivery was inspiring. Though the term "nerd" wasn't used then, he certainly was one. This experience motivated me when I had to give a class presentation on gyroscopic precession.
AI:-
Here's how you can also overcome the fear of Acting:
1. Identify Your Fear
Understanding what triggers your fear is the first step to conquering it. Ask yourself:
What about public speaking makes you anxious?
Are you afraid of being judged?
Do you fear forgetting your lines or making mistakes?
Recognizing the root causes of your fear helps you tackle them effectively.
2. Prepare and Practice
Building confidence comes from thorough preparation:
Rehearse Often: Familiarity with your material reduces anxiety. Practice until your
are confident, even in front of a mirror.
Understand Your Topic: Deeply understanding your role,
this can make it easier to speak about and reduces self-consciousness.
Start Small: Begin by rehearsing in front of
supportive friends or family who can provide constructive feedback.
3. Use Visualization Techniques
Visualization is a powerful tool:
Visualize Success: Imagine yourself acting confidently and successfully.
Picture the audience's positive reactions.
Positive Affirmations: Reinforce your self-belief with affirmations like
"I am a confident actor" or "I am prepared for this scene".
4. Breathing and Relaxation Exercises
Relaxation techniques can alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety:
Deep Breathing: Deep breathing exercises before acting can calm your nerves.
Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, then exhale slowly for four counts.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then relax each muscle group in your body
to release tension.
5. Focus on the Presentation, Not Yourself
Shift your focus from how you're perceived to delivering a great act:
Engage Your Audience: Connect with your audience through your topic
instead of worrying about their judgment.
Accept Imperfection: Mistakes may happen; they're part of live presentations.
Authenticity is often appreciated over perfection.
6. Gain Experience Gradually
Start small and gradually increase the size of your audience:
Join Local Groups: Participate in local speaking groups or classes
where the environment is supportive.
Take Acting Classes: Professional training can improve skills and build confidence.
7. Seek Constructive Feedback
Feedback is crucial for growth:
Ask for Constructive Criticism: Seek feedback from trusted peers or mentors
who can provide insights without being overly harsh.
Reflect Positively on Feedback:
Use constructive criticism as a tool for improvement,
not as a personal attack.
8. Embrace Vulnerability
Accepting vulnerability can be liberating:
Recognize that everyone feels nervous at some point;
embracing this shared experience can foster connection
with fellow speakers and audiences alike.
9. Celebrate Small Victories
Acknowledge every step forward:
Whether it's completing a rehearsal without feeling anxious or
successfully speaking in front of an audience, celebrate these
achievements as milestones toward overcoming fear.
Conclusion
Overcoming the fear of acting takes time and persistence
but is achievable through preparation, practice, visualization,
relaxation exercises, focusing on the presentation rather than
self-image, gradual exposure to larger audiences, seeking
constructive feedback, embracing vulnerability, and celebrating
progress along the way.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA)
Stanford University - Center for Comparative Studies in Race & Ethnicity
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
God Bless!
JC.
Updated
Mark’s Answer
I like all of the responses you've received. Early in my career, a mentor and friend of mine suggested I needed to improve and get more comfortable with exactly the topic of your question.
- He recommended taking a course through dale Carnegie - provided confidence, knowing most people feel the same, emphasized practice and tips...all of which helped me - preparation and practice will provide confidence.
- He recommended taking a course through dale Carnegie - provided confidence, knowing most people feel the same, emphasized practice and tips...all of which helped me - preparation and practice will provide confidence.
Robert Waack
Character design, illustration, voice acting, animation, director
1
Answer
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hello Mandy, I'm an Honorary Thespian and performer with a background in voice acting, stand up comedy, writing and improvisational theatre. Here are some of my techniques that have assisted me with overcoming fear.
Going up onstage is a very terrifying feeling at first, especially if you've never done it before. You won't know how an audience will react to your performance until it's being performed. Your job as an actor is to tell a story and add the human element. The more natural a performance feels the easier it is to do it again and again.
I used to perform stand up comedy at various clubs in the Twin Cities area. Going up on a platform and trying to make people laugh at your observations is a brave effort, something that improves by developing confidence talking with larger groups of people and trying your routine with them. In an acting sense I suppose you could do the same thing by asking others around you how they perceive your performance and gain their feedback.
When I did stand up comedy it was usually in front of a very small crowd. This is more of a personal technique that kept me grounded while I performed my set: I imagine I am in that situation in those tiny clubs, making 3 people laugh or react, and not in front of however many appear at the show. Keep your ambitions humble!
The feeling of fear before going onstage is there because you're invested in your craft. Even actors with extensive careers still experience that thrill when they're about to have their talents tested. That love of what you do will eventually replace the fear, and it'll be like you're not even acting, just doing.
Good luck, and have fun
-Rob
Going up onstage is a very terrifying feeling at first, especially if you've never done it before. You won't know how an audience will react to your performance until it's being performed. Your job as an actor is to tell a story and add the human element. The more natural a performance feels the easier it is to do it again and again.
I used to perform stand up comedy at various clubs in the Twin Cities area. Going up on a platform and trying to make people laugh at your observations is a brave effort, something that improves by developing confidence talking with larger groups of people and trying your routine with them. In an acting sense I suppose you could do the same thing by asking others around you how they perceive your performance and gain their feedback.
When I did stand up comedy it was usually in front of a very small crowd. This is more of a personal technique that kept me grounded while I performed my set: I imagine I am in that situation in those tiny clubs, making 3 people laugh or react, and not in front of however many appear at the show. Keep your ambitions humble!
The feeling of fear before going onstage is there because you're invested in your craft. Even actors with extensive careers still experience that thrill when they're about to have their talents tested. That love of what you do will eventually replace the fear, and it'll be like you're not even acting, just doing.
Good luck, and have fun
-Rob