Singers: How to handle your performing mentality

Power Performance for Singers

Emmons & Thomas

Most performers are subject to pre- and/or -post-performance syndrome in varying degrees.  Performers may experience different levels of either or both, depending on what, when or for whom they’re performing.  This situation isn’t limited to singers.  Athletes (which singers should be) are very conscious of it.  Ever heard of sports psychology?  This is it, applied to singers.

It works.

It can be unsettling to hear sharp comments from a performer, or have them say something totally out of context, or not understand something you try to tell them, or act as if they didn’t hear what you said, or answer a completely different question from the one you asked.

Remember, they’re in the middle of a chemical, physical and mental state that has them totally focused on another time, place and activity – their performance –  not you.  Most non-performers can’t begin to imagine the kind of concentration a performer takes for granted.

Some people either don’t know this, don’t understand it, or want to take advantage of it (generally for their own benefit).  However, it is not an excuse for outright rudeness or abusive behavior!

Makes teaching or coaching quite challenging, and always interesting.

Everyone has performance moments in their lives.

Consider the bride/groom, speaker at a funeral or memorial service, or reader in church services.  They’re performing publicly, generally with no previous experience whatsoever, nor any knowledge of how to handle themselves, the situation, or their thoughts about any of it.

No wonder they’re nervous!