For the record, we are not talking about the fear of getting on stage with Walt Frasier after a full course meal at Taco Bell! YES, That can be scary.
Experts say one of the biggest sources of clinical phobias is fear of speaking to people; or even worse, speaking in front of a large crowd. Known as Glossophobia, this fear can cause you to avoid public situations and sometimes worse – severe anxiety with symptoms of major physical ailments – AKA panic attacks.
If this describes you, you are not alone. Millions are held back by this fear. However, millions also overcome this fear everyday to live and work and survive and succeed. There is one cure that we know – just do it! Easier said then done. The more you force yourself to overcome these fears and inhibitions, the easier it gets and the better you get in front of the crowd. The sooner you try to overcome these fears, the sooner you start the path of recovery.
Many famous performers fear crowds. Many TV and FILM actors suffer from severe stage fright. For some it takes tons of preparation – mental and physical stretching, focus, breathing etc – to get in front of a crowd.
The study of Improv helps you to overcome these fears. This is a safe environment that encourages you to act silly and take chances. There is no failure if you just try. It will get better and easier over time.
A little piece of advise…. The biggest difference between confident people and insecure people is confidence. It is a choice. AGAIN EASIER SAID THAN DONE. Trust yourself. Don’t live in fear. You are surrounded by people that benefit from your insecurity. The nurture it and help it grow. Corporation, Politicians and sadly even our so called friends and family often keep us down with fear, insults or worse. Liberate yourself. Stop fearing the unknown, there is nothing you can do about it. Stop fearing propaganda. Read and research the real truth. Stop fearing friends and family. If you fear them, they are not your friends. One really good friend is better than a bunch of fakers. Make this first day of the rest of your life. Believe in yourself.
ADVICE PART TWO…The biggest difference between people that seem smart and others, smart people CHOOSE to use their brains. When there is a challenge, the rise to the occasion. If they can’t do something, they try to learn. Take a class, read a book. If ignorance is the cause of your fear, take a class or read a book. If you can’t read (other than this blog will not help you) start learning today. If something seems hard, it probably is, AT FIRST. But you do not start off skydiving jumping out of a plane. You practice. You train. You learn how to deal with all the possible problems that could come up before leaping at 1000s of feet. In life very few things are truly unattainable through hard work. Of course it is easier to say, “That is hard, I am not even goingto try.”
Very few people can be the best. But those that do not try to be the best, end up being the worst.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS!
The best way to settle anxiety is to be prepared. See previous post on warming up. This includes a physical warm up i learned 20 years ago from my mentor. http://waltfrasier.com/blog1/2010/11/13/let’s-warm-up/
WHY BOTHER? The rewards are huge. The jobs and social opportunities grow exponentially. Sales jobs, customer service, and management all require public speaking just to name a few. But you can also consider being a lawyer, doctor, real estate agent, Wall Street broker and/or politician. These days the best paying jobs require good people skills. Even your job interview skills improve.
Mr. Frasier has appeared on film, TV, Commercials and the Live theaer and is currently the director of intruction for the COMEDY HALL OF FAME FOUNDATION (www.comedyhalloffame.com)See Walt Frasier live in Times Square and touring nationwide in Improv Comedy Troupe EIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH. (www.eightimprov.biz)
YOU TOO CAN BE SUPER!!! Never be afraid to make a fool of yourself.
