It is not unusual for a vocalist or speaker to be nervous in anticipation of, or during, a presentation of any kind. It is important to first recognize this fact, and feel comforted in knowing many people experience this feeling. How we cope with this challenge is the next step.

Whether you are a student with an upcoming class presentation, a sales executive, lawyer, an actor at an audition, or a singer stepping onstage before thousands, there are preparation steps and tools you can use to make the experience a positive one.

So much of singing and performance is mental. When I work with students on presentation, there are many valuable tools that I share with them. We discuss preparation: knowing their material real well, physical check list - rest, eating right, exercising, appropriate wardrobe, and those oh, so important vocal warmups, and breathing exercises to calm them, and help them engage in a rhythm within their speaking or singing. The depth of the discussion and exercises can be extensive depending on the previous experience and discipline of the individual.

Having some awareness of the venue setting, and where and when you will be onstage, is always helpful to know in advance in managing the unknown. Use visualization: picture yourself in that setting, see and hear your strong, successful performance. Recall and focus intensely on the best performances that you have had, how you felt, and go there within yourself to recapture the positive energy, and bring it to this performance.

When you step onto your mark to deliver your performance, you should focus on the purpose of you being there. What is the message you are seeking to share within your music, the lyric, or your presentation - acting role, or business pitch? That's what you focus on. Not your hair, your tight shoes, your sweaty palms, the little rivers of perspiration running down your valleys, or the person in the front row who is texting during your ballad.

One long, slow deep breath, and let them hear your message.

Confidence comes with experience. Each challenge is an opportunity to be creative. Each presentation is an opportunity to grow.

Give it as a gift.

~ Peggy Weston