'Performance Anxiety!'
Smash Hits - April 2004
Get jittery at the idea of being on show? Go shakey at the thought of singing? Guy Sebastian tells us how he calms those nerves!
Throughout Australian Idol, Guy Sebastian seemed to be the only contestant
that gave flawless performances week in, week out. And that's not just what the
judges thought, we were pretty bloomin' impressed too! So what's his secret?
Read on!
Guy's Calm Tip 1
Manifest a positive scene
"Try to get some time alone and visualise yourself on stage, performing
perfectly. This is like a mental rehearsal and it really helps."
Guy's Calm Tip 2
Stay away from nervous people
"When you're about to perform with other people, or are even just backstage
with other performers, it's important to try and get away from anyone that's
really nervous and freaking out. They will be thinking negative thoughts and
without meaning to, they'll start making you feel nervous. Even if you were
calm, you might start to catch their vibe."
Guy's Calm Tip 3
Mentally escape the moment
"When you're actually onstage, try creating an imaginary place for yourself
which will allow you to block out anything that's making you nervous. I've
created this place for myself which I call Grooveland and it's somewhere where I
can excape the lights, crowd, judges, whatever. I'm still connecting with the
crowd, but I can forget about everything but the music and grooving with it."
Guy's Calm Tip 4
Prepare yourself for questions
"Be prepared for non-performance stage time. Basically this is when you're
being asked questions or whatever, and it's important to keep cool and be
yourself. In Idol I'd always be so lost in Grooveland that when I'd finish the
song and click out, I'd be so nervous my lips would quiver!"
Guy's Calm Tip 5
Have some fun!
"If you're asked to pose for photos and you feel nervous and awkward, just
remember that will come across in your photos. Just let your hair down and have
some fun. I was never that shy in front of cameras, but I really have fun with
it now. I know I'm not a sexy, poser guy so I just act stupid."