STAGE FRIGHT?!? TRY THIS:

Here’s a little secret I rarely share. I’m ALWAYS nervous before a performance. But if you’ve ever watched me on television or at one of my vocal workshops, you’d never know it. I step onto the stage like I’m a rockstar performing for 30,000 people. The real trick is my mindset.

Here’s an even bigger secret. Stage fright is awesome. It’s pure performance fuel. Almost everyone experiences it. The difference is whether you let it freeze you up or you let it fuel you for greatness.

 

The Power of Performance Fuel

In nearly three decades of teaching voice and watching performers, I’ve seen every type of reaction to stage fright. Some singers get the jitters, ending up with a dry throat or a knot in their stomach before walking on stage. For some, those nerves destroy the performance. But others flip the switch. They bounce around backstage, full of energy, and when they step into the spotlight, they unleash a show no one forgets.

Both reactions come from the same energy. The difference is how it’s managed. If you let your nerves run the show, they’ll tighten your throat, dry out your voice, and twist your stomach into knots. If you channel those nerves into excitement, you’ll explode with power and confidence.

It really is that simple. For me it’s like flipping a switch from OFF to ON. You control your nerves, not the other way around. If you’re skeptical, here are a few ways to take control:

Breathe

The first thing nerves attack is breathing. It speeds up and becomes shallow. Instead of breathing low and relaxed, your shoulders rise and you breathe high in your chest. To counter this, notice your breath. Inhale for a count of four, exhale for a count of four. This circle of breath slows you down, keeps your throat from drying out, and calms your body.

Visualize

Next, see the performance in your mind. Fast forward through the entire show. Picture the audience cheering, smiling, and applauding. Do this for just a few minutes, and you program your mind for success. I’ve used this every time I performed on television, and it never let me down.

Vocalize

Then get your voice ready. Tie the breathing and visualization to your warmups. When I performed on Good Morning America, I had hours before the show, so I did lip bubble sirens. Over 1,000 of them. By the time I walked out on stage, my voice felt strong, clear, and ready to go.

Remember You’re a Rockstar

When I feel doubt creeping in, I also remind myself that “I’m Jaime Vendera, and I’m a freaking rockstar.” It isn’t arrogance. It is mindset. It pumps me up and locks me in.

I’ll never forget a workshop in 2015 when I was teaching doctors and vocal coaches how to scream safely. Dr. Hubert Noe, a respected vocal scientist from Germany, was in the crowd. My knees shook, doubt whispered in my ear, but then my mantra came out: “I’m Jaime Vendera, I’m a freaking rockstar.” Within seconds, the nerves were gone, and I delivered an amazing three-hour session. use the same mantra when you need it.

At the end of the day, you are in control. You have the power to flip the switch. Breathe, visualize, vocalize, and remember who you are. Nervous energy is fuel, and fuel is meant to be burned.

Your Vox coach,

Jaime Vendera