A few weeks ago, my partner was walking me to an audition when he turned to me and said, “You don’t seem scared.” It struck me that, after over 15 years of professional acting, stage fright had become a distant memory. That’s not to say I never experienced it—like many young actors, I certainly felt nervous during my early roles as a teenager. But over time, that anxiety transformed into something much more exhilarating: the thrill of doing what I love and sharing it with an audience. The idea that anything could happen excites me now rather than scares me.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been the gradual shift from feeling anxious to feeling empowered. The thrill of performing now comes from being fully present in the moment, knowing that anything can happen, and trusting myself to handle whatever arises. This trust, this confidence, didn’t develop overnight—it’s a process that takes years of experience and practice.
Many of my students ask me, “When will I feel confident, Liane?” The truth is, confidence and the ability to manage performance anxiety are built over time. There are no shortcuts. Even now, I could have a challenging audition that shakes my nerves. But with each experience, you develop a foundation of self-trust—a bedrock that supports you no matter what happens on stage or in the audition room.
Here are some strategies that have helped me and my students manage stage fright:
1. Trust in Your Preparation
When you step in front of an audience, you must earn the right to be heard. Audiences are perceptive—they can tell if you’re unprepared. Even for an improvised performance, there needs to be some level of preparation. When you’ve prepared for your LAMDA exam or any performance, you’ve gone through a rigorous process: analysing your text, rehearsing, and memorising your lines. Trust in that process and allow yourself to enjoy sharing your work. You’ve earned it.
2. Cultivate a Positive Mindset
Your internal dialogue plays a significant role in how you feel about performing. If you notice negative thoughts creeping in, counteract them with daily affirmations or mantras. It might feel silly at first, but repeating positive statements like “I am a persuasive public speaker” or “I love public speaking” can have a powerful impact. Over time, you’ll start to believe them, and that belief will reflect in your performances.
3. Master Your Breath
Breathing is crucial when it comes to handling stage fright. I once heard that when you control your breath, no one can steal your peace. Deep diaphragmatic breathing—using the large dome-shaped muscle at the base of your lungs—sends a clear signal to your parasympathetic nervous system to relax. This is far more effective than shallow, clavicular breathing (breathing from your chest), which only heightens anxiety. By mastering your breath, you can manage the automatic nervous responses that come with stage fright.
4. Visualise Success
Before every audition, I make it a point to visualise a positive outcome. The night before, as I’m about to fall asleep, I imagine the entire process: waking up, getting dressed, repeating my positive mantras in the mirror, travelling to the audition, and feeling great as I walk into the room. I visualise a warm reception from the panel and imagine performing with confidence and flow. More often than not, this practice sets me up for success and allows me to walk out of the audition knowing I’ve done my best—the rest is in the hands of the Acting Gods!
5. Embrace the Journey
Finally, remember that there are no quick fixes for stage fright. It’s a journey, and like any journey, it requires patience and perseverance. Start small—don’t throw yourself into the deep end with a keynote speech if public speaking terrifies you. Instead, build your confidence in a safe, supportive environment such as my one-to-one lessons! As you continue to grow, you’ll find that each experience adds to your confidence, helping you handle larger audiences.
Once you overcome your stage fright, the gift you give yourself is priceless. I believe that overcoming this particular challenge is one of the most powerful things we can do for ourselves. It shows us that we are capable of so much more than we ever imagined.
Ready to conquer your performance or public speaking anxiety? Whether it’s for you or your child, I’m here to help. Call me today on +44 (0)20 8064 0549, and let’s discuss how I can help you achieve public speaking mastery.
