In this episode of The Cognitive Performer, I dive into the fascinating neuroscience behind performance anxiety and discuss how it specifically affects voice actors. Learn why your body responds the way it does during high-pressure situations, how anxiety impacts your vocal performance, and why trying harder often makes things worse.I explore the surprising "paradox of choking" and understand the critical difference between helpful performance arousal and debilitating anxiety. You'll discover evidence-based techniques to regulate your nervous system, including specific breathing patterns, cognitive reframing strategies, and a complete pre-recording routine you can implement immediately.Based on cutting-edge research from performance psychology and neuroscience, this episode provides practical tools to transform anxiety from your enemy into your ally. Whether you're dealing with audition nerves, session jitters, or that critical inner voice that sometimes shows up in the booth, you'll learn how to perform at your best, even under pressure. Below are the links to research materials mentioned in this episode. Developmental phases in self-regulation: Shifting from process goals to outcome goalsHow breath-control can change your life: A systematic review on psycho-physiological correlates of slow breathingCoping with anxiety in sportRethinking stress: The role of mindsets in determining the stress responseMusic performance anxiety and occupational stress amongst opera chorus artists and their relationship with state and trait anxiety and perfectionismChoking vs. clutch performance: A study of sport performance under pressureIronic processes of mental controlMind over matter: Reappraising arousal improves cardiovascular and cognitive responses to stress. The putt and the pendulum: Ironic effects of the mental control of actionCopyright 2026 Marco Rigazio

Ver todos los episodios