Stage Presence

Performing on stage is not like singing in the shower. You have a captive audience in front of you that expects to hear pleasing sounds coming out of your mouth, and they may have paid good money for the pleasure. Stage presence is an art form that separates professionals from everyone else, and some advice can help you gain a better understanding of how stage presence is developed.

It Starts With A Smile

One of the basic elements of working on stage presence is giving the appearance that you’re enjoying yourself. The easiest way to do that is to smile. Regardless of how nervous you are or how much you may not want to, smiling is the ultimate weapon for relaxing you and your audience. When they see you smile, they have some reassurance that you have something worthwhile to offer. I find that even if I think of a smile the corners of my mouth curl up just enough to make me appear more pleasant. It is not a full, toothy grin but it can take the frown or worried look we all have when we are concentrating away.

Face Stage Fright

Speaking of suffering, stage fright gets my vote for a stage performer’s worst enemy and the certain death knell for stage presence. It can ruin a good performance before it even starts. In a matter of seconds, the anxiety you generate can bring physical symptoms, destroy every ounce of confidence and courage you own, tighten every muscle in your body until you find it difficult to move, let alone sing.

Cure Stage Fright Easily

It doesn’t have to be this way. Being prepared means knowing your music, breathing deeply before, during, and after you sing, letting go of all the tension like a river that flows out through your hands and feet. This is a good visualization technique to do just before you head onstage, it works.

Sell Your Song

Gifted professionals possess skills other than a wonderful voice. They concentrate on the message behind the music, applying their best vocal talents in communicating a vision that can stir the soul. Do the sensible things that eliminate distractions, don’t eat too close to an event, enjoy what you’re doing. Focus on the whole song, not just the few notes that may be more difficult for you than others. Smile and let go of your fear. This is the beginnings of stage presence.