To make a good impression on the stage you need a mix of aesthetic factors, exercise and talent. You need to get into the part perfectly and engage the audience. In the beginning, it is difficult to relax before going on stage, but proper preparation is a great help. By working on your interior and exterior you will be able to leave your audience speechless!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Prepare
Step 1. Practice
Whatever the reason you go on stage, you should know the craft well. If you are an actor, always aspire to improve yourself in acting. If you are a musician, perfect your music. Talent alone is not enough: you can see when a professional gives himself body and soul to his work.
- Memorize your lines or the lyrics of the songs you will interpret.
- If you play an instrument, memorize the scores.
Step 2. Inspired by great artists
Watch the performances of the performers you admire. Observe their attitude. When they do something that leaves the audience breathless or that triggers positive emotions, try to steal the secrets of their stage presence, so as to understand why it has such a strong impact at certain times.
- For example, does the artist manage to interpret his part in a natural and credible way? Because?
- What do you specifically do to show that you have an emotional connection with the lyrics, music or dialogue?
Step 3. Focus on your breathing before going on stage
This is an effective way to calm down. Breathe in and out deeply. Don't think about stress and don't get distracted: as you inhale and exhale, think only of breathing and calming your body.
Step 4. Think positive
To maintain good self-esteem it is important to prevent negative thoughts from taking over. If you make a mistake, you can bounce back right away without letting it affect the positive image you are trying to convey. Feel confident and happy with your identity. If you are on stage, you clearly have talent!
For example, if a negative thought arises, counter it with a positive phrase such as "It will be okay."
Step 5. Eat and exercise
Before a performance, be sure to eat something for energy. Opt for a plate of pasta or brown rice, which are complex but easy to digest carbohydrates. Exercise relieves stress, so try stretching or running in place before performing.
Step 6. Meditate on the day of the performance
This is a great way to relieve stress. Find a quiet place. Make yourself comfortable and imagine that you are in a relaxing place. Clear your mind of any distractions and focus on your inner calm. Meditating before a performance can help combat anxiety and improve focus.
Try humming softly and listening to relaxing music
Step 7. Arrive early
This strategy can help you keep stage fright at bay. Better to prepare calmly than to rush. Also, it is easier to feel that you have everything under control as the room fills up than to arrive at the theater when it is full.
Determine your position on stage, so you don't seem insecure when you go on stage
Part 2 of 4: Dressing the Right Way
Step 1. Choose colors that contrast with the background, so you don't get confused with the scenery
Get informed in advance to better prepare yourself. If you don't know, bring several items of clothing.
Don't wear black unless the background is clear
Step 2. Choose clothes that flatter you
Wear items with good visual interest, but not enough to distract attention from the performance. For example, if you want to wear something sparkly, choose a single piece of clothing that has this feature.
Do not wear sheer stockings. The stage lights will reflect on them and optically enlarge the legs
Step 3. Dress slightly differently from the audience
Try to be a little more elegant than the viewers. For example, if you think they will dress casually, opt for business casual. If you're not sure what to expect, it's a good idea to bring some spare clothes.
Step 4. Think about convenience
Remember that you will have to move around the stage and you will not want to look or feel uncomfortable. When choosing an item of clothing, consider that it is important to prevent armpit sweat. Spotlights give off heat and their brightness can visibly accentuate sweat stains on clothing.
Step 5. Consider wearing makeup depending on the performance
If you are in the habit of wearing makeup, the stage makeup should be much more intense than usual. Both men and women can use liquid foundation and face powder. Apply the highlighter to the cheekbones. Contour and blush. If you want, apply eyeliner and eyeshadow, but sparingly.
- A charged makeup is too flashy under natural lights, but effective in the spotlight.
- To get noticed, women can apply a bright, neutral lipstick or a color to suit their character. Avoid overdoing black eyeliner, which can accentuate dark circles in the spotlight.
- Do not apply only and exclusively a heavy foundation, otherwise the face will look pale.
Step 6. Cultivate your image
Avoid trends and prefer timeless pieces. Try to always have a look that is consistent with your image, from event to event. If you play in a band, think of a theme or color palette that will suit all members. You can for example choose patterns, patches or other specific accessories.
If you play in a band, the whole group has to dress appropriately to be in the spotlight, not just the lead singer
Part 3 of 4: Having Composure
Step 1. Try to have good posture on stage
Become master of your space by placing yourself in a composed and decisive way. This will help you perform better, giving you a professional and confident look. If you don't have an instrument or other prop in your hand, keep your arms at your sides in a natural posture.
Keep your head up and your chest open
Step 2. Breathe deeply but naturally
Shallow, rapid breathing triggers the so-called "fight or flight" reaction in the nervous system. By controlling your breathing you can stimulate the opposite reaction.
Take your time. Breathe normally, synchronize the rhythm of actions with calm and regular breathing
Step 3. Relieve the anxiety involved in the first beat that is due to you
If you need to talk or sing, you can use a trick to start doing it naturally. Mentally ask yourself a question that you can answer using your first line. Imagine that another person asks the question, in order to answer naturally.
For example, if you have to sing the Italian national anthem, ask yourself the following question: "Who are we?". Then he begins to sing the answer, which is the first sentence of the song: "Brothers of Italy…"
Part 4 of 4: Performing
Step 1. Convey positivity through body language and facial expressions
When you smile, think of serene images to express pleasant sensations. People can recognize a fake smile from a kilometer away. Plus, you certainly don't want to end up with photos of the performance that show you smiling forced smile. Think positive, then let these emotions shine through your expressions to smile naturally.
- Let yourself be carried away by the performance so that facial expressions authentically reflect the corresponding emotions. This will improve both the audience's visual perception and the auditory perception.
- Radiate your emotions by maintaining body language in line with the movements of the performance. For example, if you express sincerity, place your hand on your heart. If you welcome someone, open your arms as if you were about to hug them.
Step 2. Try to have energy
Whatever you do, on stage you have to be dynamic. Think about the people in the back row: how much energy do you need to reach them? Also, keep in mind the deeper meaning of your performance, so as to give it an adequate degree of energy.
- For example, if you are performing a song, imagine that you are singing it to the person in the very last row. Project your voice and make large gestures.
- An artist must be lively and dynamic, but shouldn't make nervous movements.
Step 3. Interact with the audience
Work on your stage presence. You don't have to stare at the microphone or instrument you play, look at the ground or close your eyes throughout the performance. You bond with viewers by looking them in the eye, if you can see them. If the spotlights prevent you from seeing the audience clearly, direct your gaze towards them.
- Don't stay in one place if you don't have to. Move around the stage, for example go to the front edge to get closer to the audience.
- Confront the audience by assuming a good mental attitude towards them. Viewers went to see you, so make them feel appreciated!
Step 4. Determine the location of the cameras
If you know where the photographers have settled, you can incorporate focused, yet subtle, movements throughout the exhibition. Look at the photographer, glance at the camera, wink, smile or pose for a few seconds. You should do this in an imperceptible way, so that the public does not notice.
It doesn't have to be obvious to the audience that you are looking for the goal. Do it in the most natural and imperceptible way possible
Advice
- Try not to look bored. Make a commitment to always look happy, confident, and like you're having a good time.
- If your mouth or throat becomes dry, gently bite your tongue to stimulate salivation.
