After multiple days of practice, the day had finally arrived — the day of my first ever live performance in front of an audience. I had worked so hard during the last two months.

The backstage air hung heavy and I had the mixed feeling of nervousness and excitement. The dim glow of the dressing room reflected anticipation in my eyes. The muffled hum of the audience created restlessness. Although I had practiced for so long, I felt butterflies in my stomach. I felt on the edge, as if my soul had left my body. A sense of anxiety washed over me. I was biting my nails and that was an action I had never done before. I could hear the echo of my heartbeat in the chamber.

I went over my script again and again to make sure that I remembered everything and would not embarrass myself in front of the audience. I was mumbling every word constantly. I kept on thinking that I was not good enough to handle this and that I might fail. At one moment, I also thought about quitting.

While I was thinking all these things, an unknown kind-hearted lady, after perceiving that I had stage anxiety and fright, approached me and asked my name. I stopped thinking and glanced at her.

Her voice was very polite and soothing. She had a huge smile on her face. Looking at her was very motivating. I told her my name.

She asked me, “What would you be performing on stage today?”

I told her I was a participant in the debate group. She told me a little about herself like her name, and that she worked there. She shared a story from her own life, telling me that she also had stage fright when she was young, and understood how difficult it was to get up and speak in front of a crowd. She encouraged me to stay calm, assuring me that once I started speaking, everything would be alright.

She reminded me that I wasn’t alone — most of the participants were feeling the same nervousness. She also said I should remember that no one can tell when my heart is racing or if my hands get sweaty, and even if they do, it’s completely fine.

Listening to her words I took a deep breath and kicked out all negative thoughts out of my mind. I looked at the audience from backstage and noticed that my friends in the audience were thrilled and excited. They were excitedly waiting to see my performance. Seeing them gave me a surge of courage.

On the contrary, some people in the audience were least concerned about who was performing and who was not, and then there were my parents who were eagerly waiting to see me on stage for the first time.

I then realised that most of the other performers were sailing in the same boat as me. Suddenly, my name was announced. My palms were sweaty. I looked back at the lady. She gave me a thumbs up which made me smile. With a heavy heart, I walked to the stage.

I did not look at the audience in the first few seconds, but then I recalled the words of that lady and gave myself the confidence and courage to look up at the audience and I did it. I confronted myself with the audience. Seeing the familiar faces once again, my fear completely vanished into thin air and I had a huge smile on my face. I tried my best and I ended up doing every step and part well.

The audience was impressed and cheered for me. Their cheering was like a soothing balm on all the nervousness I was going through. It was beyond my expectations. I went through the ride of emotions. The beginning was rough, but it ended wholesome.

That lady’s personality and the way she treated me had a huge impact on who I am. I never realised how a few words could change someone’s day or even their life. I’m so grateful and will never forget her.

Published in Dawn, Young World, September 14th, 2024