Performance Planning

Planning to Manage Performance Stress

We all know the feeling of sickness in our stomach before an important presentation or performance. We have all experienced the sweaty palms, the raised heart rate, and the sense of agitation that we feel as these events approach. We have probably all also experienced how much worse this becomes when things go wrong in the run up to an event.

For larger events, it is worth preparing a Performance Plan. This is a pre-prepared plan that helps you to deal effectively with any problems or distractions that may occur, and perform in a positive and focused frame of mind.

To prepare your Performance Plan, begin by making a list all of the steps that you need to do from getting prepared for a performance through to its conclusion.

Start far enough in advance to sort out any equipment problems. List all of the physical and mental steps that you need to take to:

• Prepare and check your equipment, and repair or replace it where it does not work;
• Make travel arrangements;
• Pack your equipment and luggage;
• Travel to the site of your performance;
• Set up equipment;
• Wait and prepare for your performance; and
• Deliver your performance.

Next, work through each of these steps. Think though:

• Everything that could reasonably go wrong at each step with equipment and arrangements; and
• Any distractions and negative thinking that could undermine your confidence or stop you having a positive, focused frame of mind at the start of and during your performance.

Work through all of the things that could go wrong. Look at the likelihood of the problem occurring. Many of the things you have listed may be extremely unlikely. Where appropriate, strike these out and ignore them from your planning.