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Top entertainers' tips for confidence

by Barbara Oaff

Even top entertainers can suffer from butterflies before a big event. Learn how you can stave off nerves using suggestions from five stage stars' experiences

The actress: power of positive thinking

"I can feel physically sick with nerves," says 21-year-old Louisa Hutchison, who's just finished starring in The Snow Queen, staged by Hull Truck Theatre.

"The way I overcome my feelings is to talk myself through them. This might sound strange. But it works.

"I will say to myself; 'I've done this before and it was great. I can do this again and it will be great. I know I can do this.' I say this over and over until I believe it."

Create your own mantra
Try to recall something you achieved that you'd thought would be difficult or made you feel really good about yourself. Then repeat to yourself (quietly and in private might be a good idea!): 'If I can do that, I can do this' - whether 'this' is presenting a report, meeting a client, dealing with colleagues or something else.

It may sound all-too-easy, but try it. Believe me, before you know it, you'll be thinking positively and it will be reflected in the confidence of your speech, meeting or report.

The dancer: breathing techniques

"Even after all these years, I still get nervous," says Etta Murfitt, who's spent almost two decades on the stage. Her dancing career began when she was 19; today she is the principal ballerina in Matthew Bourne's critically acclaimed Nutcracker.

"To settle myself down I breathe - deeply, and slowly, for at least five minutes. This helps me physically and mentally. It slows down my heart rate. I can then focus on being still, peaceful and in charge."

Learning to breathe
Next time you're feeling insecure, take a few minutes and try to focus on your breathing. Feel yourself taking in deep breaths of air and slowly releasing out again.

Breathe deeply so you're expanding the bottom of your ribcage outwards (you'll know you're breathing from the correct spot if you place your hands on either side of your body, towards the bottom of your ribcage and can feel your ribs move out slightly). Repeat this exercise for a few moments. It will enable you to regain your composure and your sense of a control.