If you are a Stage Hypnotist, or have a plan of becoming one, then you know the word “stage” is in the very title of your job and you’ll have to get on the stage if you plan on being successful.
The number one fear in the world is public speaking, and the next is death. Jerry Seinfeld once said, “Most people would rather be in the casket than give the eulogy,”
Stage Hypnosis University has a full chapter on beating stage fright so you can get on the stage with full confidence and easily put on a great show. Below, I give you 5 surefire ways to beat the infamous fear of being on the stage!
Let’s go…
1. KNOW THY STUFF
This means you must know your material, be well-practiced etc. You’ve built your show, you’ve put everything together, you’ve chatted on the message boards on Stage Hypnosis University, and you and I have had a detailed discussion about your debut performance. If you know what you will cover on stage before getting on he stage, you will be absolutely fine. However, if you don’t know your stuff, you might be in for trouble. But you’ll rehearse… RIGHT?
Maybe you’ll release like I did. In my bedroom while using a hairbrush as a microphone. Don’t knock it cuz it works!
2. SPEAK TO PEOPLE BEFORE GETTING ON STAGE
When you speak to people before getting on stage, you will likely receive the information that people are excited for your show, and some people may even tell you they are excited to volunteer for hypnosis. People expect you to do well, and they want you to do well. So, don’t hide backstage and become a victim to your own fear! Get out there and socialize. You’ll feel much more relaxed and confident.
3 LEARN A TRICK OR TWO… OR THREE
In Stage Hypnosis University, we have a chapter called Mentalism where we show you how to read minds and use different magic tricks in your act. These make amazing openers and rapport builders. Captivating your audience early is important, and once you feel like they’re hooked, you’ll calm your nerves and carry on like you do best!
You should also learn some simpler tricks that you can perform for people that arrive early. This gets people excited, and guess what? It also gets you excited.
4. LEARN TO BREATHE
With breathing, you must face your two biggest fears. Either you breathe and speak on stage, or you don’t breathe and you die. I’d recommend the first option if you want to be a successful hypnotist. If you’re feeling jittery before stepping on stage, inhale through your nose and count to 8 at the same time. Hold the air deep in your stomach, and then exhale through your mouth while counting to 8. This helps relax your muscles and focus you.
When you breathe, you inspire, and when you don’t breathe, you expire! It’s a cheesy term but I admit it so it’s OK.
5. BODY LANGUAGE
My book, Body Language Secrets, is all about knowing what other people are thinking by analyzing the way they use their bodies. Body language is also a powerful tool to control your own emotions.
What does a nervous person look like? They usually have bad posture, look towards the floor, and avoid eye contact. Did you know that if you change your body language to that of a confident person – chest out, chin up, standing tall, and making eye contact – then you can’t be nervous? To be frightened, you have to assume the position of fear. So, stand straight and be proud my fellow stage hypnotist!
