How To Gain Confidence Page 2

Quote: bigfella @ January 13 2010, 9:22 AM GMT

Toastmasters.

Its an international club, designed to improve your public speaking.

There are chapters all over the country. Its cheap £36 for 6 months. They meet once a fortnight. And its a friendly atmosphere to get used to speaking in front of a group.

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If you do decide to just go for it, bear in mind that a lot of comedians say they are shy.

If you are considering trying to boost your confidence first, you can also get private lessons in public speaking in some areas - quite a few singing teachers cover this subject. Depending on how shy or lacking in confidence you are, you may prefer a one to one before joining a group
Or you could try an assertiveness class and perhaps a stress and relaxation class, or get some books from the library on these subjects first and see if you think it would help you before you part with any money.

Quote: Dolly Dagger @ January 13 2010, 9:12 AM GMT

I wouldn't recommend a gong show at all; they can be pretty nasty and completely knock your confidence.

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A lot can be rather friendly nowadays actually, I was eased into a good friendly gong show, I would recommend it to anyone starting out.

Quote: bigfella @ January 13 2010, 9:22 AM GMT

Toastmasters.

Its an international club, of bread based superheroes.

There are chapters all over the country. They fight evil and that nasty green mould you sometimes get. Once a fortnight I defend South East England as Muffin' Doin' the power Muffin, my female sidekick is called Crumpet. And its a friendly atmosphere to get used to speaking in front of a group and spreading the butter of justice over our arch enemy Osama Bread Bin Laden.

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That's nice Bigfella can I join?

Quote: sootyj @ January 13 2010, 1:40 PM GMT

That's nice Bigfella can I join?

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They do tend to waffle on though...

Quote: LiamNewman-future star @ January 12 2010, 10:03 PM GMT

Hi,

I don't think that I would have the material to become a huge stand-up star but I'd like to think my act would be better than the stuff I am subjected to at local comedy clubs.

But my main problem is that currently I feel that I could NEVER get on stage without being overcome with nerves, resulting in a total failure. I've always been shy, even when talking to a new aquaintance.

Anybody that coiuld give me any tips , I would be eternally grateful as not only could it potentially solve what I believe to be my biggest stumbling block in my future career but it would also help me in my personal life (talking to girls etc).

Thanks in advance

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I write comedy but could never do stand up. My fear of it is crippling. Many on here have done it and good for them, but it's not for everyone. Maybe writing is what you should do, rather than stand-up. If you want to try stand-up (and I did and loathed it) go for it and judge it from there. After trying it, I went for writing only. I perform in supporting roles of my stuff now. Each to their own. I'm not brave like some, but I can write, cowardly, alone, and get commissioned.

When I perform I tend not to have anyone I know in the audience if I can help it. For me it is a massive weight off my shoulders as friends tend to be your biggest critics.
My other trick is to say to myself before I go on 'what's the worse that can happen?' The answer is no one laughs, you walk out of the club and never tell anyone about it. In five years time you tell the story to your friends and ironically for five minutes your hilarious. On thre flip side it might just find out you are a funny person after all.

Good Luck

Quote: sootyj @ January 13 2010, 1:40 PM GMT

That's nice Bigfella can I join?

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Tee Hee.

We need a new thick white. I've been downgraded to medium.