Acting school NYC: Technique #2: Change your focus

This is part of an acting schools NYC series on stage fright techniques. There are a number of approaches to stage fright, and all work for some people. Through practicing these techniques in situations that trigger stress in you, you will develop a feel for what you as a unique individual respond best to. Acting classes are a great place to test various techniques.
Technique #2: Change your focus
In this technique, you first observe where your focus is with your thoughts and emotions. If you are jittery, most likely a lot of your focus is on yourself, how you look, how you feel, how you sound, and how you will look, feel, and sound in your performance. Now try shifting your attention away from yourself, to the objectives of your performance. Connect with your audience. Connect with the emotion of your performance, without thinking of this as yourself. Rather, immerse yourself in the action and meaning of your performance.