We all get a certain amount of performance anxiety, right? There’s always some adrenaline and nerves when we're getting ready to stand up and sing in front of an audience.

But it's how we manage it that makes all the difference.

Today I'm sharing with you the three weird pre-performance affirmations which I use whenever I sing on stage.

They help me stay a little calmer… (a certain amount of Stage Buzz is necessary!)… and deliver the music with more power and confidence.

I recently did a course called Unlock Your Performance. I regularly take new trainings that develop my skills as a singer, songwriter, musician, performer, teacher and coach. I like to always be growing and expanding my abilities, and what I can offer to others… whether audience or students.

The course gave me some great guidelines for coming up with my own, effective pre-performance affirmations.

Here they are; what they do for me; and could do for you.

1. ‘Relaxed arms, relaxed belly’

Anxiety can make your body jittery and clumsy. It can make you rush.

This can massacre the quality of your performance. (I know from experience!) So I repeat this affirmation in the run-up to the start of a gig. Relaxed arms help me play my instrument with more dexterity.

A relaxed belly keeps my breathing deep and even. Steady breath helps you speak with more confidence and sing with more power. VERY valuable!

2. ‘I am a professional musician’

Now this might not sound very exciting or impactful. And you might think it's not even relevant to you. But surprisingly, it has a powerful effect. Even if you don't consider yourself a pro, try it anyway.

I often say this when I'm practising my songs, and also, just before I perform. Strangely, it makes me sing and play more skilfully.

Every note and phrase comes out with more subtlety, more nuance, more finesse. It really does. I love it.

It actually helps me become a better musician, and that gives me the joy of knowing I will delight and entertain my audience.

3. ‘I am sharing my love of this song’

This is such a wonderful way to take the pressure off yourself.

So many people, when performing, get caught up in thoughts that centre around themselves.  Am I good enough? Will they like my voice? Will I mess it up?

They forget to make the performance about what they can offer their listeners.

This affirmation does just that.

You're reminding yourself that that you love the song. That puts you in a space of love, which casts out fear. And you're affirming that you're doing this thing for the benefit of your audience. That puts you in a space of giving, which eliminates worry.

I use this phrase (in my mind) before I sing each and every song.

These affirmations have transformed my experience of playing to an audience, and I believe they have also made me a better performer. The quality of the music I share has shot up, all from three simple statements.

So try them out - or make up your own!

Just know, that when you focus on a creating a good mind state, you will enjoy your performing more. And your crowd will love you!

Let me know how it goes.

And if you want some personal help with developing your singing, voice and performance, then book a Free Consultation with me. I can't wait to support you!