[Tips for New Comics] Let’s keep it real—everyone gets stage fright. Even seasoned comics get the pre-show jitters sometimes. Nerves don’t mean you’re not cut out for stand-up... they mean you care. ❤️‍🔥 Here are some real-world tips to help you manage stage fright and actually enjoy getting on the mic: 🧘‍♂️ 1. Rehearse Out Loud (Not Just in Your Head) Your brain lies. You think you “know your set”—until you try saying it out loud and it comes out like alphabet soup. 💡Tip: Say it out loud in front of a mirror, record yourself, or deliver it to your cat. Anything is better than keeping it all in your head. 🪜 2. Focus on Your First Line Don’t try to remember everything—just focus on nailing your opener. Once you get your first laugh (or at least survive your first sentence), your brain will settle in. 🎭 3. Channel the Nerves Into Energy Nervous = energy. And energy is your friend on stage. Rather than trying to kill the butterflies, get them to fly in formation. Embrace the rush. Use it to fuel your delivery. 🧍‍♂️ 4. Ground Yourself Physically Plant your feet. Take a breath. Touch the mic stand. All those little anchors help you stay in your body instead of floating off into anxiety-land. 🤡 5. Bombing Won’t Kill You You’re going to bomb sometimes. Everyone does. It’s like getting your comedy passport stamped. Once you bomb and realize nothing bad actually happens, stage fright loses a lot of its power. 🎤 BONUS: Start Small You don’t have to start at a packed club. Try: - Open mics with chill crowds - Virtual mics (less intimidating) - Telling a joke at a party or Zoom call - Doing a set for 1–2 friends just to get the words out 🙋‍♂️ What Helped YOU? 👉 Drop your own tip below if you’ve ever battled stage fright. Or share your biggest fear when it comes to getting on stage—let’s help each other get braver. 💬 Remember: Stage fright means you’re on the edge of something cool. Get through it, and you’ll feel like a superhero afterward.