By Becky Brice

Thanks, John, please be kind

I make no secret of the fact that I hate being on stage. I run from any public speaking like it’s a contagious disease, and have done for all my life. I talked in a previous post about how I signed up for Comedy School for this very reason. Increasingly, however, I am realising how many other people have the same exact feeling of terror when the word ‘presentation’ is mentioned. Obviously, this doesn’t really help me. Misery does love company but really I’d just rather get better at speaking in front of people. More and more though I’ve been standing up in front of my fellow creatives and, dare I say it, I think I’m getting better. I put my increasing ease down to the supportive little faces I see when I look out. Whenever I scan the audience, more often than not I see encouraging smiles willing me on. I honestly think that this support is what’s pushed me through. (If I’m wrong, and actually those are your ‘oh god, please stop talking’ faces, hush. Ignorance is bliss.)

Now, keeping all this in mind, I’m currently pan-ic-ing about our comedy showcase tomorrow. Everything above is true but getting on stage, alone, and trying to make people laugh is a very different ball game. What was I thinking when I thought this was a good idea?! I know I’m not going to be a stand-up comedian, this is not news to me, and I really don’t want to be one either. I haven’t prepared enough, I’ve been scrambling to meet deadlines instead, and comedy practice has been sidelined. I’ve been winging it the last couple of weeks and I don’t wing well. I forget the very basics of the English language, which is not helpful when trying to be quick-witted. So I’m now sitting here wondering how I can calm myself down. Three things have sprung to mind so far.

1. 1)  We had a great ‘Street Wisdom’ session last week so maybe I could use some of those techniques. Slowing down and practising gratitude. Isn’t everything beautiful?
2. 2)  Watch Blue Planet II. If there’s anything that will put my anxiety about 5 minutes on stage into perspective, David Attenborough talking about the future of the planet will do it.
3. 3)  Practice the routine a couple of times. Simple, but probably the most effective.

Decision – to start at 3 and work my way back. If all else fails, my Kardashian Krew will be there for me I’m sure.