Below are six tips that will help you overcome your stage fright.

1. Isolate The Problem
Consider what it is that makes you afraid to sing in front of others. Create a journal and write down your feelings. Read them back to and determine if your fears are logical or emotional.

2. Take Voice Lessons
When you wanted to learn to drive a car, you took driving lessons. When you wanted to play a sport you first learned how to play. The same goes with singing.

3. Remember To Do Your Breathing Exercises
A simple basic breathing exercise that I do daily is to stand up straight…take a deep breath through my nose and slowly release it through your mouth. Do this at least 20 times per day to help strengthen the diaphragm.

4. Watch What You Eat & Drink
1. Avoid eating a big meal and feeling full before you perform.
2. Stay away from all dairy products at least an hour before a performance
3. Do not drink any kind of citrus (such as lemon) in your beverage before you sing. (Eating citrus fruits tend to strip the throat of moisture and causing a vocalist’s voice to crack.)
4. Drink warm beverages. The best beverage for me is (plain) mint tea.
5. Warm-up your vocal chords by singing a basic scale before you perform.

5. Have Fun Practicing
Today with all the internet, electronics, Karaoke clubs, equipment and open mike facilities, there has never been a greater opportunity to have fun practicing singing. Take advantage of these opportunities…1^st by rehearsing without the public…then when you’re comfortable, go out and rehearse in front of the crowd.

6. When You Lead Others
Before you can lead you must master the song…If you noticed I didn’t say every song…just the song that has been designated for you to lead the audience.  Even though I’ve been singing professionally for over 30 years, I always rehearse my music, my songs and my shows.