No matter how many open mics, arena shows, or shower concerts you’ve done, performing live can still feel like tightrope walking with your soul exposed. Stage fright is natural—but it doesn’t have to run the show. Here are 10 tips to help you sing, strum, speak, or scream through it with confidence.
1. Feel the Fear—Then Invite It In
Nerves are just your body trying to help. It’s adrenaline saying, “This matters.” Thank it. Channel it. Don’t fight the butterflies—teach them to fly in formation.
2. Breathe Lower, Not Louder
Belly breathing calms the nervous system and anchors your sound. Inhale through your nose, expand the ribs like an umbrella opening. Exhale slowly. Repeat until your shoulders stop auditioning for a turtleneck.
3. Know Your First 30 Seconds Cold
Memorize your intro or first verse like it’s your favorite snack. Confidence comes from muscle memory, and nothing soothes the jitters like crushing that opening moment with ease.
4. Say Hi to the Room
Seriously. Wave. Wink. Tell a quick story. Human connection beats perfection. You’re not just performing music—you’re sharing energy. Make it personal, not perfect.
5. Practice Messing Up
Yup, rehearse a mistake. Then recover with a laugh or a lyric shift. Perfection is boring. Resilience is riveting. Your audience roots for you when you roll with it.
6. Use Your Anchors
Wear a bracelet, a scent, or a pair of socks that makes you feel safe. Familiarity calms the brain. Stage becomes less “stranger danger” and more “oh hey, I’ve got this.”
7. Visualize the Show Going Well
Not just the applause—imagine plugging in your cable, breathing through a high note, cracking a smile mid-song. Train your brain to expect success instead of sabotage.
8. Move Like You Mean It
Motion lowers cortisol. Even a gentle sway or tapping your foot creates rhythm in the body and signals confidence to the mind. Stillness is powerful—but don’t freeze.
9. Talk to Yourself Like You Would Your Best Friend
Would you call your friend a flop before their big gig? No? Then don’t say it to yourself. Be your own hype person. Affirmations may feel cheesy—but they work.
10. Leave Space to Be Surprised
The best performances have magic in the mess. Let go of “getting it right.” Be open to the room, the vibe, the unexpected. Trust your prep—and then let it breathe.
Performing live is a cocktail of fear, freedom, focus, and fun. You don’t have to feel fearless to be fabulous. You just have to show up, breathe deep, and tell your story—one shaky, shining note at a time.