By Niranjan Pathak
Introduction: The Night I Forgot My Name
There I was, standing under bright lights for the first time. Microphone in hand. Crowd staring. My brain went blank. I forgot my own name. I literally introduced myself as “Hi, I’m… wait, one second…”
That’s when I realized stage fear isn’t a small thing. It’s not just nervousness. It’s like your body decides to betray you right when you need it most.
Your mouth dries up. Your heart races like a Delhi metro at rush hour. And your brain? Gone for lunch.
But here’s the truth. Every comedian goes through it. Even the ones who look calm and confident. Stage fear is just your body saying, “Are you sure about this plan of making strangers laugh?”
The good news? You can train your brain and body to relax, focus, and even enjoy that fear.
Let’s talk about how.
What Exactly Is Stage Fear?
Stage fear, or performance anxiety, is when your body reacts to public speaking as if you’re being chased by a tiger.
You know you’re safe, but your brain thinks, “What if I die up there?”
The lights, the stares, the silence before your first joke, it all feels intense. But here’s the fun part. That fear is also energy. The same energy that can make your performance electric.
When you learn to channel that energy, it becomes your superpower.
My First Open Mic Disaster
My first open mic was at a tiny café. Ten people in the audience, including one guy who looked like he was there just for the free Wi-Fi.
I went on stage with confidence. The mic felt heavy. My hands shook. I opened my mouth to deliver my first line, and instead of my joke, what came out was “Good evening…” repeated five times.
Then I blanked out.
I started sweating like a politician during an income tax raid.
After a painful silence, one uncle in the audience said, “Beta, take your time.”
That day I learned something important. Stage fear doesn’t go away by avoiding it. It goes away by walking through it, one awkward minute at a time.
Why Stage Fear Happens
Let’s break it down.
- Fear of judgment
You’re scared people won’t laugh or will think you’re not funny. - Fear of forgetting lines
That horrible feeling of your brain turning into a blank PowerPoint slide. - Fear of silence
You tell a joke, and instead of laughter, you hear the sound of a spoon dropping somewhere in the back. - Adrenaline overload
Your body thinks you’re in danger. It speeds up your heart, dries your throat, and makes you shake.
Basically, your brain doesn’t understand the difference between performing comedy and fighting a lion.
The Secret Truth: Every Comic Is Scared
Let me tell you something most comics don’t admit.
Even after years of experience, that little nervous flutter never fully disappears. It just changes shape.
In the beginning, you’re scared of performing. Later, you’re scared of bombing. After that, you’re scared of killing so hard that the next joke won’t top it.
Fear is always there. It’s not your enemy. It’s your signal that you care.
The trick is not to eliminate fear but to perform despite it.
Step 1: Prepare Like a Mad Scientist
Confidence doesn’t come from thin air. It comes from preparation.
When you’ve practiced your set so much that you can say it in your sleep, fear loses power.
Before my shows, I rehearse my set at least 20 times. Out loud. In front of a mirror, my phone, or sometimes my mother, who still thinks stand-up comedy means I perform in weddings.
When your jokes are sharp and your timing feels natural, you’ll feel more in control. And control is the enemy of fear.
Pro tip: Record yourself. Watch it back. Notice where you fumble, where you pause too long, or where your voice shakes. Fix those before the real show. Bas yahi ek option hai! Karna hain to kar lo, nahito rehene do mat karo! Mere papa ka kya ja raha hain?
Step 2: Visualize the Show
Before going on stage, close your eyes and imagine everything going right.
Picture yourself walking up confidently. The crowd smiling. Your first joke landing perfectly.
This is not some motivational nonsense. It actually works. When your brain visualizes success, it feels less threatened in real life.
I do this before every show. Sometimes I even visualize the sound of laughter and the smell of coffee from the café. It relaxes me instantly.
Step 3: Breathe Like You Mean It
Before stepping on stage, take slow, deep breaths.
Inhale through your nose. Hold for a second. Exhale through your mouth.
Sounds simple, right? But it’s magic. It tells your body, “Calm down, bro, we’re not in danger.”
I once saw a new comic hyperventilating backstage. I gave him a tip. “Breathe slowly, and remember, if they don’t laugh, you can always blame the mic.”
He laughed, took a breath, and actually did great.
Step 4: Start with Something Easy
Don’t begin your set with your most complex or risky joke. Start with something simple and reliable.
Maybe a small observation, or even a funny line about the venue.
For example, when I see a tiny audience, I say, “Wow, this is such an intimate show. I can make eye contact with everyone and still have trust issues.”
It breaks the ice, gets a small laugh, and relaxes me immediately.
Once you get that first chuckle, your body starts trusting you again.
Step 5: Accept That You Might Fail
This sounds scary, but it’s freeing.
When you accept that bombing is part of the journey, you remove pressure.
The worst that can happen is silence. And silence is not fatal.
I’ve bombed so badly once that even the waiter looked sorry for me. But guess what? I lived. I performed again. And I got better.
Every comic bombs. Even legends.
So go in thinking, “If I fail, I’ll have a story.” Because that’s how comedians survive by turning pain into punchlines.
How to Handle Panic on Stage
Sometimes, fear hits while you’re performing.
You forget a joke. Your hands shake. The crowd is silent.
Here’s what to do.
1. Pause and smile.
Silence feels longer than it actually is. Take a breath. Smile. Say something like, “Sorry, my brain just took a tea break.”
Instant laugh. You look human, not robotic.
2. Acknowledge it.
If you’re nervous, say it. “I’m more nervous than a student with his parents at a PTM.” The crowd relates to honesty.
3. Keep moving.
Don’t freeze. Move your hands, shift your stance, or change your tone. Physical movement helps break mental panic.
How to Trick Your Brain Before a Show
Here are some weird but effective tricks that work for me:
1. Power pose.
Stand tall with your chest out for 30 seconds. It makes you feel dominant and confident. Yes, it’s silly. But it works.
2. Laugh before you go on.
Tell yourself a joke or remember a funny moment. You can’t be terrified and genuinely laugh at the same time.
3. Talk to other comics.
Joke around backstage. If you’re laughing before the show, your energy will be lighter on stage.
Turn Fear Into Energy
Stage fear gives you adrenaline. Instead of fighting it, use it.
When you channel that energy into your delivery, your jokes become more alive. Your expressions become sharper.
Before one big show, my hands were shaking so much that I thought I’d drop the mic. But once I started talking, the adrenaline made me funnier. I moved more, smiled more, and connected better.
So don’t calm your nerves completely. Control them just enough to use that rush.
The Power of Experience
The more you perform, the less scared you’ll be. Simple as that.
The first ten times are terrifying. After that, you start to enjoy it.
You’ll bomb. You’ll kill. You’ll face hecklers. But each time, you’ll realize you survived.
Stage fear fades with exposure. The only real cure is stage time.
I’ve seen comics who were shy introverts turn into confident performers just because they kept showing up.
So keep getting on stage. Even when you’re scared. Especially when you’re scared.
Funny Things That Actually Help
1. Imagine the crowd naked.
I don’t know who started this advice, but it’s terrible. Don’t do it. You’ll just get distracted and maybe arrested.
2. Carry a water bottle.
Your mouth gets dry when you’re nervous. Sip water casually between jokes. It looks professional and gives you a mini pause to breathe.
3. Fake confidence.
Act like you belong on stage. Eventually, your brain believes it.
4. Smile a lot.
A smile relaxes the crowd and your own nerves. It’s a small trick that creates instant warmth.
How to Handle a Tough Crowd
Sometimes your fear isn’t about being on stage. It’s about facing a silent or hostile audience.
Here’s what to do:
1. Don’t take it personally.
Sometimes crowds are just tired, distracted, or not your vibe. It happens.
2. Adjust your pace.
If they’re quiet, pick up the pace. If they’re loud, slow down and enjoy the laughter.
3. Laugh with them.
If a joke fails, acknowledge it playfully. “Okay, that joke didn’t work. Even my mom warned me.”
When you can laugh at yourself, the crowd relaxes too.
The Moment Fear Disappears
Something beautiful happens after your first big laugh.
Your fear melts away. You’re not performing anymore. You’re just talking and people are listening.
That’s when you realize, “This is it. This is why I do comedy.”
The fear doesn’t vanish before the show. It disappears during it.
FAQs
Q1. Will I ever stop being nervous before a show?
Not completely, and that’s okay. Even professionals feel it. You just learn to manage it better.
Q2. What if I forget my jokes on stage?
Acknowledge it with humor. “I forgot my line, but let’s pretend this was dramatic tension.” Then move on.
Q3. How long does it take to get comfortable on stage?
Usually after 10-15 performances. The key is repetition.
Q4. Should I take a drink before performing?
Bad idea. You’ll think you’re confident, but your timing and focus will drop. Stick to water or chai.
Q5. How do I calm down before a big show?
Breathe, stretch, and remind yourself that nobody came to see you fail. They want to laugh. You’re their hope for the evening.
Final Thoughts: Fear Is Your Stage Partner
Stage fear never really goes away. It just learns to sit quietly in the corner while you perform.
The trick is to turn fear into excitement. That heartbeat, that sweat, that trembling it means you care.
You’re not scared of the audience. You’re scared because you want to do well. And that’s beautiful.
So the next time you step on stage, don’t fight the fear. Smile at it. Say, “Welcome to the show, buddy.” Then grab the mic, take a breath, and start.
Because courage is not the absence of fear. It’s the art of performing anyway.
Written by Niranjan Pathak
Comedian, chai philosopher, proud survivor of stage fright and the astronaut in the ocean.
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I literally have pitty for those who are unaware of this article. They even don’t know what they are missing. It’s not only about stand-ups but also for any talent you want to showcase on stage. How wisely this article has been written. It clearly shows how long you gone to learn this much. So meaningful and sensible. loved this.