Good day. I am a heart exploration coach.
Additionally, she is a practicing psychologist.
Ms. Liu, the panda
1. The stage fright mentality is often observed in settings with a high degree of social interaction, such as public speaking or performances in front of a large audience.
Those experiencing stage fright report feeling exposed in the spotlight, surrounded by all kinds of stares and comments, and experiencing unusual fluctuations in their body and mind. They report feeling anxious, experiencing a racing heart, increased blood flow, profuse sweating, and a strong sense of oppression. They also report experiencing difficulty expressing themselves fluently and performing to the level they had prepared for and desired in a personal environment.
This impedes our ability to perform at our optimal level. Even in the absence of a genuine need to perform on stage, the mere imagination of such a scenario or the presence of related objects, such as a microphone or podium, can evoke our psychological fear of being in the spotlight, thereby triggering the same psychological discomfort.
Dear friend,
I have had similar experiences, although they may be different. It is my hope that I can provide you with some perspectives to help you better understand yourself. I want to tell you that stage fright is indeed scary, but it is not something we cannot overcome once it has set in. People's psychological growth is fluid, and we will encounter many variables. We will continue to solve our own confusion and become a braver version of ourselves.
It is imperative to have confidence in one's own abilities.
2. "Stage fright" is not actually innate for many people, and the causes are different. It is important to note that understanding the causes and analyzing and attributing them to oneself is not a form of self-judgment. It is crucial to move forward and avoid remaining stuck in the past.
I was a highly self-assured child until the sixth grade of primary school. My teachers permitted me to deliver speeches and represent the class in certain performances. At that time, just as you have experienced, I had a strong sense of self-assurance. Candidly, the applause from the audience, the recognition of my teachers, and the encouragement of my classmates provided me with a profound psychological experience.
It can be assumed that at some point in the past, the subject received a considerable amount of positive reinforcement and amassed a substantial amount of goodwill. It is likely that this was experienced as enjoyable. However, it is also probable that the subject encountered some negative feedback.
Our psychological attention is naturally drawn towards positive experiences, such as the warmth of the sun. However, the process of maturation is not a linear trajectory. It is inevitable that we will encounter setbacks and face disappointments along the way.
Such frustration often arises when one is experiencing a peak emotional state.
The precise point at which this transformation began is unclear, but one of my classmates, who had previously been a close friend, began to exhibit altered behavior. She no longer expressed a desire to engage in play with me, and instead sought to exclude me by encouraging other children to join her. When I attempted to assume a leadership role in the morning reading session, she would often prompt a few other children to join her in derisive laughter directed at me.
Even when I was on the podium and the teacher requested that I deliver a mock speech, she was situated in the audience. However, she made peculiar hand gestures and grimaces, including extending her tongue and rolling her eyes. I had never stuttered previously, yet I suddenly became immobilized.
After the teacher noticed this and interrupted the student, she exhibited a slight return to composure. However, in the wake of this momentary lapse, I found myself questioning whether my performance had been inadequate.
One might inquire whether this individual could be considered a friend. As it transpired, during the formal school-wide competition, she refrained from laughing at me or otherwise distracting me while I was on the stage. Nevertheless, I sensed the presence of a subconscious auditory perception of mirth.
I was unsuccessful on that occasion.
I have recounted my experience to you, my friend. It required a significant period of time for me to overcome and adapt once more. However, I have finally managed to emerge from this situation. Despite still experiencing some degree of nervousness, I am no longer as fearful as I once was. I have come to recognize that the underlying cause of your stage fright is likely rooted in the experience of rejection from peers or authority figures during your pubertal years, which subsequently led to a gradual loss of self-confidence.
This is an unproductive and self-perpetuating cycle.
When a sense of inferiority arises, it will affect one's performance, which will lead to new setbacks. With repeated reinforcement, the psychological inertia will lead to a sense of helplessness, and unpleasant memories will be awakened like a conditioned reflex.
Nevertheless, it is challenging to refrain from social interaction, particularly when engaged in collaborative endeavors or meetings. Regardless of the methodology employed, the most crucial element is to provide oneself with a modicum of fortitude and motivation.
3. In consideration of your circumstances, I offer the following recommendations:
(1) It is imperative to consider not only past successes and failures, but also the present circumstances.
The past serves as a mirror, yet it can also cause psychological disparity. The more applause and recognition one receives in the past, the more one will be affected by the loss and gain of the present. Prior to attempting to break out of one's current situation and become something different, it is essential to understand one's true desires, comprehend one's current circumstances, clarify one's goals and the gap between them, make them concrete, and divide them into smaller goals.
If one is overly concerned with the opinions and comments of others, it may indicate a lack of internal standards for self-evaluation and a susceptibility to external influences. In such cases, it may be beneficial to take some time for introspection and self-reflection.
To illustrate, if one aspires to develop a specific skill, it is essential to determine the requisite amount of daily practice and assess the presence of a self-management routine. This process can be conceptualized as the establishment of a personal coordinate system.
One must then reinforce this belief in oneself continually in order to gain trust in one's own judgment. This enables one to overcome confusion caused by external factors.
The act of believing in oneself requires a certain degree of courage.
(2) It is necessary to replace old thinking patterns with new habits, and this process must be gradual.
It is important to note that the transformation from an introverted to an extroverted personality, or the overcoming of stage fright, cannot be achieved instantaneously. While the desire to perform well is understandable, the application of excessive pressure may lead to the unintended consequence of impairing one's ability to succeed. From a behavioral psychology perspective, the reinforcement and stimulation should not be excessive at the outset, as this may result in frustration.
It is recommended that the individual undergoes systematic desensitization training. This may be initiated by setting aside a period of approximately 30 minutes each day, in a secure and tranquil setting, to visualize oneself on stage. Upon experiencing an uneasy sensation, it is advised to immediately regulate one's respiration and relax the entire body. This process should be repeated persistently, with the intensity gradually augmented.
Subsequently, it is recommended that the individual attempt to frequent a crowded setting, such as a café or library, at least once a week. During this period, it is anticipated that the subject will experience a certain degree of nervousness. Therefore, it is advised that they engage in an activity that will occupy their attention, such as reading, writing, or listening to music. It is crucial to remind oneself not to be influenced by external factors.
The duration may be gradually increased.
It is acknowledged that the process of overcoming this issue will undoubtedly be accompanied by fluctuations in body and mind. There will be a tendency to seek escape due to feelings of cowardice. It is often challenging to take the first step forward. Only when there is a gradual detachment from the perception of being "sensitive" can confidence be gradually regained.
(3) It is recommended that individuals be courageous and attempt to engage in activities that they find appealing, while simultaneously engaging in social interactions.
On occasion, individuals may experience a profound sense of apprehension regarding potential rejection, leading them to isolate themselves. However, it is important to recognize that such feelings are not exclusive to a single individual. At times, it can be beneficial to engage with the experiences and perspectives of others. Adopting a different point of view can facilitate a deeper understanding of the world.
It is thus possible that we may overcome our fear.
One may join online or offline psychological support groups to express oneself and communicate with professional psychological practitioners to obtain more objective advice on self-growth. When one sees the microphone and the stage, one should first calm one's physical fluctuations. This may be achieved through silent counting, gentle temple rubbing, deep breathing, or, if permitted by one's health, the consumption of small amounts of chocolate or other sweets.
It is imperative to overcome one's inner fear.
It is my sincere hope that you will continue to improve.
I would like to express my gratitude for your attention.
I am Ms. Liu, a panda.
I am a listening therapist at One Psychology.
I await your correspondence. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you require further information.
Comments
I can totally relate to how you feel. It's tough when we lose that confidence we once had. Maybe starting small, like speaking up in a friendly group or practicing in front of a mirror, could help rebuild your selfassurance gradually. Every step forward, no matter how tiny, is a victory.
Facing my fears has always been challenging for me too. I think seeking support from friends or family can make a big difference. They can offer encouragement and help you practice public speaking in a safe space. Remember, it's okay to progress at your own pace. With time, you'll find your voice again.
It sounds like you're carrying a heavy burden. Have you thought about joining a club or group where people share similar interests? That might ease the pressure of being in the spotlight and let you express yourself in a more relaxed setting. Building confidence this way can be both fun and less intimidating.
Feeling nervous on stage is something many people experience, even professionals. One quick fix could be deep breathing exercises right before you speak. Try to focus on your breath and calm your mind. Also, visualizing success can boost your confidence. Imagine yourself doing well; it can really help to reduce anxiety in the moment.