As I worked on overcoming my stage fright many years ago, one of the most challenging issues was my self-consciousness and self-doubt. It was only when I shifted this mindset to one of focusing on authentically expressing myself did my fear of public speaking begin to diminish.This is the same shift that I have used in my coaching practice to help thousands overcome their fears. Here are 10 tips to help you on your journey to becoming a more fearless speaker or performer:

1. Focus on Your Message, Not Yourself

Instead of worrying about how you look or sound, concentrate on what you are sharing. Ask yourself, “What do I want my audience to feel, learn, or experience?” Shifting your focus to your message helps take the pressure off yourself.

2. Re-frame Nervousness as Excitement

Your body’s response to anxiety (racing heart, adrenaline rush) is the same as excitement. Instead of thinking, “I’m so nervous,” tell yourself, “I’m excited to share this!” This mental shift transforms fear into energy.

3. Use Movement to Channel Energy

Self-consciousness often makes you stiff. Instead of freezing up, use natural movement—walk, gesture, or express through your body. Movement helps release nervous tension and makes your performance feel more engaging and dynamic.

4. Connect with Your Material Emotionally

Whether you’re giving a speech, singing, or acting, deeply connect with your content. When you feel something, your audience will too. Perform as if you’re speaking to one person who truly needs to hear your message.

5. Engage with Your Audience

Instead of seeing the audience as judges, view them as partners in your performance. Make eye contact, smile, and react naturally. When you focus on giving rather than seeking approval, your confidence grows.

6. Practice Mindfulness Before Performing

Self-consciousness thrives on overthinking. Before performing, take a few moments to breathe deeply, be present, and center yourself. A simple deep-breathing exercise or short meditation can help calm your mind and shift your focus outward.

7. Let Go of Perfectionism

Striving for perfection keeps you stuck in self-judgment. Instead, embrace authenticity over flawlessness. Your audience connects more with realness than robotic perfection. Mistakes don’t define you – your presence and passion do.

8. Train Your Inner Voice to Be Supportive

Replace thoughts like “I hope I don’t mess up” with “I am prepared and ready to share.” Speak to yourself with the same encouragement you would give a friend.

9. Immerse Yourself in the Present Moment

Self-consciousness pulls you into worrying about the past (“Did I just mess up?”) or future (“What if they don’t like it?”). Instead, focus on the now—the rhythm of your words, the connection with your audience, and the joy of performing.

10. Rehearse Expressively, Not Just Correctly

When practicing, don’t just go through the motions—practice feeling and expressing your content. The more you train yourself to embody your performance, the easier it will be to do it naturally on stage.

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Self-expression happens when you let go of self-judgment and allow your voice, emotions, and energy to flow freely. The more you shift your mindset from “How do I look?” to “How can I connect?”, the more powerful your presence will become.

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