Before a show, what are your suggestions on conquering shaky hands and nervousness?

Gryphon, confidence is the best answer, and time. It is normal to feel that way. We have all gone through it. The more you perform the better it gets. I have actually concentrated on my hands in performance and made them stop shaking. Relaxation helps also. Remember what works for some may not work for others. It is such a personal thing. Try focusing on one thing at a time. And know exactly what you are going to do and say. Dean Dill

Thank you so much for your reply. Your answer is much better than others I have recieved and I will try it out.



Gryphon

Gryphon, I think I'm naturally excitable when I'm.... well, excited

I have a very laid-back manner but even my voice can get shakey. It's less from nerves and more from excitement.

I've found that there are perfect times for slight pauses where you drop your hands, and exhale and it really works. I used to do this before doing a double-lift all the time and it helped tremendously. It was disappointing to be able to do flawless double-lifts until it came time to perform.

Dean is right about it taking time. Until that time comes, take little moments during performance and ....relax your body and especially your hands.

It works.

Great Points,

I used to be a wreck when I did stuff for people. I finally learned to breath while I was performing. That fixed everything. Breath and just have a good time. That took me about 3 years to figure out though....

Very good advice all around. Breath and relax.

Another suggestion is not to focus on the idea that you are performing for an audience, but rather focus on the idea that you are sharing your magic with a group of friends or new acquaintances. Don't think "perform", think "share". That should help make what you do more intimate and fun.

I'm sure Dean's "Intimate Miracles" book isn't titled that way by accident.

John

Great points John, Dean

Befor setting out on my table hopping rounds, I take 20 mins. to streatch my hands, relaxing every muscle in them, focusing on how they feel, moving from stretching to rotating movments to re-introduce fluidity.
this has become such a ritual for me to focus this way.
it really does relax me for the rest of my performances.
aside from just warming up my hands on cold nights.
its kinda my way to meditate

Great thoughts Michael. Thanks for sharing, Dean