How do you manage stage fright? Do you have calming rituals, or ways to pump yourself up? Do you try to ignore it and power through, or are you channeling the energy of that anxiety into your performance? Maybe more importantly, when are you managing your performance anxiety? Do you plan for it in advance? Or is it something you only face when you can feel the racing heart and sweaty palms?

In my years of teaching and performing, I’ve discovered that the most common sources of fear of performing are about relationships. Between you and your body, you and your environment, and you and the material you’re working to present. I’ve developed three questions you can ask. They’ll help you figure out where your fear is coming from, and how you can build the sense of safety you need to deliver an effective and compelling performance.

Michèle Voillequé is a singer and a voice teacher living in Berkeley, California.

Yes, you can sound better! Opt-in for a free video training on my website: https://mvmusik.com

A transcript of this episode is available at mvmusik.com/blog/cant-wait-to-hear-you-episode-46. You can subscribe to Can’t Wait to Hear You wherever you get podcasts. If you have a question about your voice or how you’re using it, please email [email protected]. To learn more about Michèle or to subscribe to her newsletter, visit mvmusik.com.

Our music is thanks to Katya and Ada.

The show is edited by K.O. Myers at Particulate Media.