Singing with confidence? Create an alter ego

“It’s completely human to feel nervous before a performance,” says guest blogger and VocalFeedback coach Nandy Mannaert. She works with many singers who feel insecure about their voice. They struggle with nerves, self-criticism and the fear of failing in front of an audience. In the Bax Music blog series ‘Singing with Confidence’, Nandy explains this time how creating an alter ego helps you sing with confidence.

What is an alter ego?

An alter ego (literally: ‘other self’ in Latin) is a different version of yourself, a character you can step into when you need it. It can be a powerful tool to leave your nerves behind and step into a strong, confident mindset. Your alter ego doesn’t have to be a fantasy character (though it can be), but it could, for example, be a version of yourself that you don’t see as often, but would like to bring out more. Think of a version of you who sings without fear, who feels free in their expression, and who isn’t held back by the critical voice in your head. My own alter ego is a friend who also sings. She is always calm and composed and puts the importance of the performance into perspective (“it’s just a performance, not an operation”). Where I sometimes feel like phoning in sick before a gig, she shows real determination in ‘high-pressure situations’ 😊

Why an alter ego works

A lot of the fear we experience when singing comes from perfectionism, fear of criticism and a feeling of vulnerability. By stepping into the skin of your alter ego, you create a buffer between your own vulnerability and the situation you’re in. You get a superhero suit that gives you the confidence to sing without fear or self-criticism. When I think of my singing friend before a performance, I immediately feel her calm and determination, and I think: “Yes, I can do this!” What you may not know is that famous artists use this technique too. A well-known example is Beyoncé, who created her alter ego Sasha Fierce. Sasha Fierce was the fearless, confident version of herself that she needed on stage.

The power of your alter ego

It’s not just about the mental strength your alter ego gives you, but also the physical expression that comes with it. It helps you to free up your voice, posture and emotion from the limits you normally feel. I’ve seen many singers flourish when they learn to use their alter ego. They noticed their voice became freer, they sang with more energy, and they no longer felt they had to be perfect. They started focusing on expressing the moment instead of fearing mistakes. And that shift in focus is where the real magic lies! See also my previous blog: Singing with confidence? Shift your focus.

How do you find your own alter ego?

Developing an alter ego isn’t complicated, but it does take a bit of self-reflection. Start with the following questions:

1. What are the qualities of my alter ego? Is your alter ego brave, playful, free, powerful? What’s the defining trait of your alter ego that you’d like to embrace in your singing?

2. What does your alter ego look like? Do they have a certain outfit? Maybe a hat, glasses or a specific item of clothing that helps you get into that mindset?

3. What would your alter ego do in stressful situations? Imagine you’re on stage and you start to feel nervous. What would your alter ego do in that situation? How would they behave? What posture would they adopt?

Practical exercise: your alter ego in action

Does it still feel a bit abstract? Let’s map out your alter ego and then experience the difference (and therefore the benefit!) of singing with an alter ego. Follow these simple steps and feel the difference:

Step 1: Create your alter ego Decide who your alter ego is. What qualities would you like to strengthen? Is it someone who is brave? Confident? Playful? Write these qualities down. Do you know someone who has these traits? And what would your alter ego wear? This can be something physical like a hat or scarf, or even just a certain posture you adopt. How do they walk, look, move?

Step 2: Sing a song as yourself Choose a song you enjoy singing. Sing it first as yourself. Notice: How do you feel? Where do you feel uncomfortable? What would you like to do differently?

Step 3: Sing the song as your alter ego Put your alter ego into action. For example, put your hat on or adopt a different posture. Now sing the same song as your alter ego, with the qualities you’ve chosen. Pay attention to your posture and the way you use your voice. Do you feel more energy, freedom or confidence?

Step 4: Reflect on the difference What has changed in your posture and your singing? How did you feel as yourself and as your alter ego? What can you take with you into your next singing practice session or performance?

Step 5: Repeat and strengthen your alter ego Practise with your alter ego during different singing moments: at home, in your lesson, or even during a performance. The more you use it, the stronger your alter ego will become and the more confidence you’ll gain. Visualise your alter ego in all sorts of situations, so you can switch into it more and more easily and it starts to feel like a second you.

What now?

By using your alter ego regularly, you’ll notice you become less afraid of making mistakes, your voice gets more room to grow, and you’ll be able to sing with more power. In the end, it’s all about confidence and playfulness in your expression. So what are you waiting for? Put on your alter ego and take your singing to a new level! Good luck, and don’t forget to enjoy the process.

What’s your stage persona? I’d love to hear! Let us know in the comments.