isn't that just Chris saying "uno, dos, tres, cuatro"? :thinking:

i thought she'd already answered that question before. :P

 

:nod:

 

 

 

Correct :lol:

 

My God! that question was from mid 2009 :stunned: Where does time fly? :bomb:

 

I did remember it being answered before too, & I have a really terrible memory:thinking: I am a bit confused, Has the Oracle changed from that time? I mean was she the same person all along or not? because it seems strange that once someone knew the words now says "can't decipher them" :inquisitive:

 

& not being critical or anything but why bother answering a question that you don't know its answer, since the claim was "the oracle knows everything"?

I did remember it being answered before too, & I have a really terrible memory:thinking: I am a bit confused, Has the Oracle changed from that time? I mean was she the same person all along or not? because it seems strange that once someone knew the words now says "can't decipher them" :inquisitive:

 

It's still the same person and she probably just forgot all about it : )

February 27, 2013 - submitted by ann , United Kingdom

 

Q. Is there any chance "Coldplay" might ever have bumper stickers available for sale? I would love to have one, and I am sure many others would too!! Thanks for reading!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

No, I doubt it. The only one I have ever seen is in

.

February 27, 2013 - submitted by Emily, United States of America

 

Q. Oracle! When did Coldplay get pet a cheetah? Have you seen the photos? Crazy stuff!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Well, you know they played in South Africa in 2011? That's where the photos of the band with a cheetah were taken. Around the same time the Paradise video was filmed (Oct 2011).

No' date=' I doubt it. The only one I have ever seen is in this video.

I love the fact that she would actually point that out :dazzled:

February 28, 2013 - submitted by Carrie, United States of America

 

Q. Greetings!

 

Is the MX tour officially over?

 

Thank you for your time.

 

~Carrie

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Yes it is.

February 28, 2013 - submitted by Jordan, United States of America

 

Q. My nephew, Dalton, has been playing your music on the pianos since he was 8. He is a very talented musician cursed with an unfortunate home life. He is now 16 years old and wants to drop out of high school because he says "To have a backup plan is to expect failure." He wants to be a professional musician, which is great, but thinks he doesn't need school anymore. He refuses to listen to anyone giving him advice from our family because he doesn't respect his parents anymore or anyone else for that matter. I know he would be amazed if the Oracle (whoever it is run by) were to answer a question directly related to him even if this is the real band members replying. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I can't really tell him what to do. I can tell him that Chris, Will & Jonny decided to finish their studies despite being in a position where they didn't "have" to. I disagree with a back up plan being seen as failure because we are all susceptible to being affected by circumstances beyond our control. Making it as musician is harder than just being great too. I know many bands who deserved success but it didn't happen for one reason or another. They had to fins a plan b fairly quickly. Having something to fall back on is never a bad thing. An education can be picked up at a later date of course but I would advise anybody to get some qualifications when possible. No reason to give up music but many reasons not to give up school.

February 28, 2013 - submitted by Lorenzo, Italy

 

Q. How many times Chris goes to Gymnastics in a week?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I think you mean how many times does he go to the gym - he doesn't do gymnastics.

He's a member of a gym as well as the band having their own gym in the studio.

Chris works out almost every day whether it's at the gym or jogging. The band have a trainer to keep them in shape and before a tour or a big show (such as headlining Glastonbury), they push themselves pretty hard.

I think you mean how many times does he go to the gym - he doesn't do gymnastics.

 

he may as well, though. :P

he may as well, though. :P

 

 

 

Or he could if he wanted to. The man is bendy! (thanks, Phoebe from Friends)

March 1, 2013 - submitted by The Oracle, United Kingdom

 

Q. WHO'D LIKE TO JOIN TEAM ORACLE?

When I answer questions of a personal nature, Coldplay.com readers often get in touch with their own thoughts. So, we have a weekly feature, Team Oracle, whereby each Friday (with the question asker's permission) we open up a question to all of you to answer too. Then, the following Friday, I'll post a selection of the best answers, alongside my own reply.

ANYONE can join in so, if you'd like to, please email your response to the following question, in no more than 250 words, to [email protected] before midnight Thursday 7th March.

 

I'm a girl who is very shy. My teacher told me that I must do a monologue. Please help and thank you.

Viva la vida.

Asmaa, France

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

March 1, 2013 - submitted by Jayden, Australia

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION #109

I'm an ordinary 15 year old boy turning 16 this year. Everything in life seems to be going wrong and I don't know what to do about it - I feel like there is so much pressure on me in just everyday living. I have never had a girlfriend, or even kissed a girl, when almost everyone my age has. It mustn't seem like much, but its hard being the odd one out. I don't know who to call my friends anymore. Ever since starting high school, most of the people I used to call my 'best friends' have completely changed for the worst. They have turned into the people they swore they never would and I don't know who to be friends with. My family have changed too. My parents seem to be constantly fighting now. Over just about anything. It seems like they cannot go a day without fighting about something. Morning and night, it never stops. I feel like they want to split, but don't want to put me and my siblings through that. I also recently found out that my sister, the happiest care free sister on the planet (or so I though) self harms. This came as a huge shock to me. So much that it brought me to tears. I don't know if I should tell somebody or not. She is the sort of person who doesn't like talking about emotions. So I'm scared that if I tell somebody, it could make the situation a lot worse than it already is. I really don't want to make things any worse.

I need advice on how to cope with all these changes, please help.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's often the case that when something goes wrong, other things appear to - or they really are - and as humans we can focus on the negative so it looks like everything is going wrong when in fact, it isn't.

But… Life is hard. Growing up is hard. It's even harder when you appear to be more mature than everyone around you I bet!

 

I can see that not having a girlfriend feels like a big deal but it really isn't. The more pressure you feel about it, the worse it will become and self-sabotage never helps! It doesn't matter what everyone else is doing (or probably not doing!)

Get to know girls you like - you like the look of someone or you have things in common and get along with, maybe you laugh with.

 

With your friends, stand by what you do, what you say, how you act, how you spend your time. It sounds like you've got your head screwed on right. Just for the record, friends can be disappointing throughout life. I still have friends do things that I don't appreciate but I suppose you just learn to accept people for who they are.

 

Your Mum & Dad are a couple and so their relationship on one level is separate from you but... they are your parents too so problems shouldn't really be discussed/argued about in front of you but that's easier said than done. I think parents forget to think of the impact on their children. If you think you could, it may be an idea asking them to please try not to do it on front of you - or write them a short note saying that you struggle with it or you could ask for a family meeting. Otherwise I'm afraid there's not very much you can do and it's something you may have to somehow block out - with music etc.

 

As your sister is off to Uni soon maybe you could talk to her before she goes. Perhaps you could get some leaflets about the subject and put them somewhere only she will find? She may not think at 15 you're old enough to be dishing out concerns but she's your sister and you care about her. Tell her that you worry and care and ask if she's ok.

I don't think you necessarily need to tell your parents but it's not my place to say. I know that self-harm is abut expressing inner pain and there is no intention to die for example but your sister could probably use your support more than anything - try to approach this gently or you could push her away. Also try not to judge her

 

You sound like a really caring son, brother and friend so you're gonna be fine. I think the key to your happiness is to concentrate on the things that you can do things about.

Whilst you may not be able to change your parents, sister, friend - you can do something studies etc. Try and spend your free time doing fun things you like rather than worrying about life's challenges. They will sort themselves out in time - probably to be replaced by new ones but hey, that's nothing to worry about now.

Over to you.

 

You’re going through a really difficult situation. First of all, you should talk to your sister before telling somebody else about it. What she needs is someone to lean on, so maybe you should ask her why does she do that. If she doesn’t want to talk about it, then you can tell somebody who you trust. Maybe they should be able to help you.

That leads me to your problem with your friends. I went through your exact same situation. It is true that people change a lot in a very short time, and maybe your friends are no longer who you thought they were. If you don’t want to be with them, then just leave them. Life is changing, and eventually you’ll meet new people and make new friends.

About your parents. I don’t know how long they have been arguing, but my advice is that you should give them some time. Maybe they are just going through a little crisis. But, even if they aren’t in love with each other any longer, they will love you and your siblings forever.

By the way, being “the odd one” is not that bad. I’m almost 17, and I’ve never had a boyfriend, or kissed anyone. Of course I’d like to have one, as almost every other girl does. However, the most important thing in life is to be happy, so accept yourself and follow your dreams. The girlfriend thing will arrive at the appropriate time.

Good luck! Gloria.

 

I was in a turbulent house, had few actual friends, and was unsatisfied with my romantic life in high school. But I'm going to tell you that if you let it, things will get better!

When you're with just one of your parents, talk to them about it! Let them know that what they put themselves through bothers you. You're a part of this family too; help them understand that they need to calm down and talk through these issues. Then you just have to hope they come around. Otherwise, divorce isn't the end of the world. I'm currently living in one. It's weird and conflicting at times but you eventually learn to cope once you understand that they may find some peace in separation. They're only human after all.

Your friends are going to change just as you are and how you look at everyone. Right now you are dwelling in the disparities between how things were and how they are now. You can't always change your friends but the cool thing is you can always find more! Open your eyes to more people; no one ever said you couldn't be friends with more than one group!

And don't worry about the girls and what you haven't done with them. That may not come for a while. But when you find one that deserves you, just go for it! It takes a strong man to get through what you're going through. You'll find a way.

Sincerely, EF.

 

Well, people change a lot before and during high school, considering that you might too! However I have been through having my best friends change too. Many times! And new ones come along different than the others. You are only 15 and things will, or even has to change in time. I hope you find a friend soon but if you want to find a true friend, don't ever change who you are, the true friend accepts you for the one you are.

Kissing a girl isn't the biggest deal, really. I would like you to think so. You don't have to tell anyone! Once you find your true friend he or she will understand and support you , you will feel better. Maybe you'll find a girlfriend before you even get a friend, who knows?

I know parent issues makes you feel bad and are hard to ignore. Maybe you should just think as it was their problem , because you have done nothing wrong! There is actually nothing you can do, let them solve their problems, as adults if they can.

If there is not much between ages of you and your sister, it would be easier to understand her problems. Watch her for a few days and then try to talk. Don't create any pressure on her, but show her how nice life could actually be if you only want it.

I really hope everything gets better very soon. Be happy, don't worry if possible, you have only lived very little of your long life, very little!

With best hopes for the future. Elif.

 

Life has many stages and there is a time for everything, at the age you are going through may seem like a kiss or a girlfriend is the most important, but in really it is not, just be patient, if you have no girlfriend now does not mean that be so forever, you just need to wait for the right person and moment. All people change, some for good and some not so, the people we know come and go, they can not be with us forever, you should not feel bad about your friends, they also go through a difficult time and their changes are normal, and you should keep the best moments in your mind and your heart and you will also have more friends who support you too. It is common for people fight and maybe your parents are just going through a bad time, and if not is it, think that their decision is right perhaps to improve the situation, but still they will not stop loving you, they are your parents and together or apart always will be your parents. About your sister, keep in mind that you feel bad and I know you want to help her but you still feel bad, but if you want help only listen and tell her to hurting herself is not the answer. Noodle.

 

I'm sorry to hear that all these things are going in your life right now. The first thing I'll say is talk to someone about it. You've already come to the oracle, which is a start and now you need to take the next step in telling someone you know. If you feel like you're able to then take that action, because when it all piles on too much then it can manifest itself in many forms, such as becoming ill or depressed. Its important to take care of your self.

Watch out for your sister as well because she may be in a very vulnerable position. Just let her know that you are there for her and direct her to people that she can talk to such as a counsellor. She might eventually open up to you. Find a way to tell your parents about this because if they are completely unaware then nothing can be done about it and it could get worse.

It can be impossible to talk to your parents about how their behaviour is affecting you. The time may never be right or you might not say the right things. Try writing a letter to them expressing your feelings. Take the time to communicate to them exactly what is on your mind. Whatever might be going on between them and though they might not show it sometimes remember that your parents do love you and want the best for you. Remember that they are also human and despite being adults are just as liable to making mistakes as we are.

Being 16 and never having a girl/boyfriend or been kissed is something that many people, including myself, have gone through so you're not alone in that. It may seem like you're missing out on the best feeling ever, but when the time comes and you're ready most importantly then it will be well worth the wait.

Its a stressful position to be in when you don't know who to be friends with as well as everything else you've got everything else going on in your life. Maybe you need a change of scene, join a new club at school and get to know some new people. A change of company might lead to new friendships being formed. Don't be afraid of approaching new people because you'll find that they are generally very accepting of you.

I hope this will all work out for you Jayden and remember everything's not lost.

Best wishes, Naomi.

 

First off, happy birthday! I hope you have a great time that day, whenever it is! Secondly, I'm also turning 16 next week. I know what you're going through. I also have never had a boyfriend and kissed a guy. I also have friends who lie to me constantly who I have known since they were 3 or 4. I don't know what I can do when my parents fight (quite often too). Frankly, I'm completely lost. But there are some things I can find myself in. And those things, whatever they might be, are probably your saviour from your mind. For they are sports (track and field), photography and baking. Whenever I'm lost I hold onto these thing and they put me right on track. Maybe those things might be the ones your missing. I'd go find them if I were you. and whatever you do don't let go of them. I hope everything turns out for the best. Once again, Happy Birthday!

Silke, Barcelona.

 

We sound very similar. I'm 17 now and have never been in a relationship or kissed anyone, and although that seems like everything right now, it honestly doesn’t matter at all. Friend wise though, high school is the best time to branch out and meet new people, I did, and it was the best decision I've ever made because I love my friends, even though I've only been close with them for a year. Secondly, my parents got divorced as I was going into high school, and it was flat out sucked. It hurts and I cried a lot, but it’s also helped me figure out who I am as a person. But if your parents do or don't separate, IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. If they do, just try (as I did) to escape sometimes, go be a teenager, it's really not your problem to deal with right now. When I was 15 or 16 I also found out that my sister self harms. It still brings me to tears to know that my sister's life might have ended and I would have never even known she was struggling. But I saw her one night when she was cutting, and I still didn't know, and I didn't say anything. And this takes time to get over, but even if your sister doesn't seem like the talking type, talk with her, never mind if it's about self harm, just brighten up her life each day, and take away her reason to do it. Just relax in life. You have time. Please, if you only do one thing, just try to stay happy, it really is a lot better than sitting there each day stressed, angry, and upset like I did. Anna Rose.

 

That’s a very hard time for you now. The worst years of mine in a similar situation were in an age of 14-17. It felt like never ending, like being locked out and locked in at the same time, being benumbed and if you say something for their conciliation it’s like your words sink into a mire or are thrown back as bullets against you. If you are feeling like this there’s only one way: Take care for yourself and your future, learn, improve your talents.

You are lucky to have siblings, others have to stand it alone. Stick together, you are all in the same boat and together you might have a chance to send a signal to your parents, a single one of you would never have.

Don’t let yourself get involved into their conflicts. They might tear you on one of their sides, corrupt the youngest ones. Your parents are adults and should behave like ones. If they can’t live together anymore probably a splitting would be the best for all who are concerned.

Finally don’t worry about having a girlfriend. You are right saying you’re ordinary, it is perfectly okay not to have a girlfriend in your age, you will know when it is your time. Then only this: you will be longing for harmony - don’t pay a price for it with accepting too many compromises. You don’t need to be afraid to have such troubles as your parents, ‘cause you won’t. Love Ellie.

 

Jayden, imagine yourself in the future right now telling the world your story about how hard your life was when you were just 16 yrs old boy... but all these problems couldn't break me down. I stayed focus on my own life my own goals, what I wanted to be!

That was the key or the turning point. George.

 

Having to deal with only one of the things you are dealing with is massive, but having to deal with all of those things at once?! Well done for coping for as long as you have & for as well as you have, & well done for reaching out for help!! Jayden, i’m sensitive to the fact that you don’t want to appear even more different than your friends/peers, & that you are worried telling someone might put your sister in even greater risk, but, I think you need to talk with someone. I was at a high-school event recently that focused on how painful it is to feel ‘the odd one out’ during teenage years (& with so much of life now being inter-net & social media centred pressure is greater than in previous generations) & at the school i visited the teachers were acutely aware of the pressures on students & really wanted to help them negotiate the journey through high-school as painlessly as possible. I hope it is similar at your school - is there a school counsellor or teacher that you trust? Or a doctor? (Sometimes it helps to talk with someone not closely connected to you or your family - you can use them as a sounding board. And perhaps the knowledge that you & your sister are so upset might be a wake-up call to your parents to focus on you guys?) Wishing you all the best, & wishing i could help more. Cali.

 

I just want to start off by saying I'm sorry you're going through all this. I don't think you should feel bad about not kissing anyone yet, just ask yourself if you would rather kiss someone because you genuinely like them, or only because you want to fit in and it seems like the cool thing to do. I'm sure you realize that people change and sometimes the kind of person they were becomes irrelevant because they're unrecognizable. You will meet new people and make new friends and keep some old ones but it's just something that happens. It might be a good idea for you to talk to your parents about how their fighting isn't only affecting them but their kids too. Also remember that if they do feel the need to split, it might be for the best. As you said, it is hard for your sister to open up, I think you should try opening up to her first, then maybe she'll feel a bit more comfortable with you and you can ask her about self harming. Encourage her to talk to your parents or any adult that she trusts. You must bring it up, but I don't recommend telling anyone before bringing it up to her because it might make her feel worse. Wish I could do more. Love, Darem.

 

Thanks to all those who replied to this week’s question. Remember, Team Oracle is open to anyone so if you fancy replying, click to read this week's, and send us your answer.

March 4, 2013 - submitted by Jackson, United States of America

 

Q. Hello, good Oracle. I've been leafing through old #42 blogs, and found blog 13, with the video covering the barbecue performance. In it, there is an acoustic song playing. Could you possibly identify the song for me, and any others that may have been curious about it? Thanks in advance.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The band were performing Don't Panic - you'll find it on their debut album, Parachutes.

March 4, 2013 - submitted by Michelle, United States of America

 

Q. Hello.

I went to see the movie Warm Bodies in the theater yesterday. In it they played a song with lyrics that were similar to the Viva era demo The Fall of Man...'I went out for a ride and I never came back'. Did Chris use those exact lyrics when he wrote The Fall of Man? Also, do you know the name of the song that was played in the movie?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Well, you (may) know I don't like to discuss demos that weren't ever intended to be heard but yeah, it is the same lyric.

 

The song in the film however, is Hungry Heart by Bruce Springsteen.

March 4, 2013 - submitted by Michelle, United States of America[/color][/b]

 

Q. Hello.

I went to see the movie Warm Bodies in the theater yesterday. In it they played a song with lyrics that were similar to the Viva era demo The Fall of Man...'I went out for a ride and I never came back'. Did Chris use those exact lyrics when he wrote The Fall of Man? Also, do you know the name of the song that was played in the movie?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Well, you (may) know I don't like to discuss demos that weren't ever intended to be heard but yeah, it is the same lyric.

 

The song in the film however, is Hungry Heart by Bruce Springsteen.

Aaaaand here's the answer to why he'd use the lyric :lol:

 

fanboy :lol:

March 5, 2013 - submitted by Naomi, United Kingdom

 

Q. Hey Oracle,

While waiting in the queue outside the Emirates for the show on June 4th a person in an elephant suit was going round with a cardboard sign, rather like the elephant in the Paradise video. I would like to know whether it was Chris, it seems like something he would do after all, please post my question!!!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I assure you once Chris was at that venue, there was far too much going on before the show to put on an elephant suit and walk around outside the venue. It definitely wasn't him.

March 5, 2013 - submitted by Robert, United Kingdom

 

Q. Dear Oracle,

 

I've just recently got back from volunteering for Oxfam at Reading Festival. I had a great time, but it made me wonder why Coldplay haven't played there since 1999?

 

I know the guys have a closer connection with Glastonbury, but the way they're performing live at the moment I think they could impress any crowd.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Their first Reading appearance was brilliant and the tent was packed. The day after the same could not be said of their Leeds performance. The gates were late opening and as the band were first on, they were instructed to start playing on time which meant there was only myself & Phil watching until the gates opened.

It was an anti-climax and certainly didn't put anyone in the happiest of moods. It was really sad to have gone from the high of Reading to the low of Leeds. Travelling through the night to get there only to play a couple of songs to an empty tent.

Once people started to arrive it was great but it really put them off appearing at the festival again.

The next time they were asked they had a prior engagement anyway (a cricket match!) that clashed so they couldn't perform.

March 4, 2013 - submitted by Jackson, United States of America[/color][/b]

 

Q. Hello, good Oracle. I've been leafing through old #42 blogs, and found blog 13, with the video covering the barbecue performance. In it, there is an acoustic song playing. Could you possibly identify the song for me, and any others that may have been curious about it? Thanks in advance.

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The band were performing Don't Panic - you'll find it on their debut album, Parachutes.

Wow...I suddenky feel like a veteran! :)

March 6, 2013 - submitted by Lisa, Australia

 

Q. Have you ever answered a question with a question?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Did you also just ask if people commenting "please answer my question" influence me to decide which questions make it onto the website?

March 6, 2013 - submitted by Justin, United States of America

 

Q. Speaking of, which one of the band members is the best cricket player? ( yourself included, of course) just wondering! =)

Justin

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

It's definitely not me! I'd say Will & Chris.

March 6, 2013 - submitted by Marni, Switzerland

 

Q. Why didn't the band have Xylobands at the Paralympics Closing Ceremony?

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The Olympic Stadium was fitted with individual LED lighting panels at every seat.

It wouldn't have worked if both the panels and Xylobands were used in full force so it was decided not to use Xylobands, though the athletes were wearing them.

March 7, 2013 - submitted by Raj, Canada

 

Q. Hi Oracle,

In the acoustic version of In My Place being released for Oxfam's video, I could swear that I hear Chris singing "How long must you wait for *him*", and not "How long must you wait for *it*". Is it true that perhaps on an older version of the song, it was "him" and not "it"?

RK from Canada

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

The lyrics have never been "him" in any early versions - always "it" but yeah, for whatever reason it either sounds like Chris is singing "him" or he very well may be!

March 7, 2013 - submitted by Jennifer, Australia

 

Q. Hey Oracle!

I found a movie on IMDB called Slashed that will be released this year, 2013. The cast list states Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland will be playing Agent Sherbet Bones and Agent Datsun Ford. Is this true? Are the boys really the cast of this movie? It would honestly be spectacular!

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

No, this is old news and an old film - over 10 years old in fact. You can see a clip that features Chris & Jonny here* plus I have previously answered this question but there is nothing new to add since I last mentioned it. Goodness knows if the film will ever see the light of day...

*Not for the squeamish or faint-hearted. Remember, its fake blood.

March 8, 2013 - submitted by The Oracle, United Kingdom

 

Q. WHO'D LIKE TO JOIN TEAM ORACLE?

When I answer questions of a personal nature, Coldplay.com readers often get in touch with their own thoughts. So, we have a weekly feature, Team Oracle, whereby each Friday (with the question asker's permission) we open up a question to all of you to answer too. Then, the following Friday, I'll post a selection of the best answers, alongside my own reply.

ANYONE can join in so, if you'd like to, please email your response to the following question, in no more than 250 words, to [email protected] before midnight Thursday 14th March.

 

I am young (not too young though) but I am in love. I have known this person for years and have been with them for nearly two now. I would do anything for this person. I love everything about them, from their hair to the way they write to the way they love me. Their imperfections are perfect to me, and despite the tribulations we sometimes face, I always come out feeling even more grateful they are at my side, always there for me.

I'm just 16-does this mean I'm too young to be in love? I feel like I am but all adults know say I have no idea what this means. Please help.

India, USA.

 

Look forward to seeing your replies.

The Oracle

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

Please email your replies to [email protected]

March 8, 2013 - submitted by Asmaa, France

 

Q. TEAM ORACLE QUESTION #110

I'm a girl who is very shy. My teacher told me that I must do a monologue.

Please help and thank you.

Viva la vida !

 

 

The Oracle replies:

 

I receive many messages from people who suffer with nerves, anxiety and shyness. It's especially tough if you then add getting up and public speaking to the mix!

There are techniques you can practise as well as some herbal remedies that may work. One thing I will say though is despite shyness, feeling nervous before any performance is not only natural but it shows you care about what it is you're doing.

The first thing I want you to do, is think about what triggers the shyness. It may have been born out of low self-esteem. You may have stage fright. You may feel self-conscious. Whatever it is, find it and then work on transforming it. I am very self aware and I think it's the most powerful tool I have. Because I know myself well, I know what I do, why I do it, how to change etc.

I want you to stand in front of the mirror and say out loud all the positive things that you can think of about yourself no matter how silly you may feel.

The next thing I would advise it to concentrate on breathing. That may sound stupid but I mean very deliberate meditative breaths. Yoga or something similar will help keep you calm or any form of exercise to expel the tensions.

For your monologue the key is to learn it well enough that you are confident with the piece and the delivery. Take your time. Some people say imagine the audience are naked - that could work but I used a different technique when I used to perform on stage. If I got the jitters, I would find a spot on the back wall just above the heads (or a clock for example) and perform to that. Or if it was a dark room, I used to find people wearing glasses. As the lights would reflect, I couldn't see their eyes and I'd perform to all the bespectacled members of the audience! You could always say it to a friend, they will probably put you at ease.

 

You'd probably be surprised to learn that many people who ooze confidence suffer terribly from nerves - Amy Winehouse struggled before almost every performance. Don't self-medicate by the way, but Rescue Remedy is herbal and has quite an instant calming effect.

If you work on your confidence and start to repeat a positive mantra that you are great and you can do it, hopefully you will begin to feel it. Good luck!

Over to you.

 

Being very shy is completely understandable, and for someone that has done the lead role in some school productions, I can say that reciting a monologue in front of a large group of people can make you feel very nervous. However, there are a few things you can do that may help with your nerves. One thing that I have done in the past is first reciting the monologue in front of a small group of people that you are close to, like a couple of your closest friends, or your parents. Then, if you felt OK reciting the monologue, try practicing the monologue in an empty room so that way you can focus on the emotion, excitement, and intensity of your character, then recite it again a second time in the empty room, remembering to put in and feel the emotional impact of the character, but pretending that a large group of people are in there. And then, when the day of the monologue comes, pretend like there is no one in the room, like when you have practiced in the empty room, and remember to put emotion to the character, make it seem like it's not you who is speaking, but it is the character.

One of my teachers once told me that a good way to cope with nerves is to eat a banana before you perform, it relaxes some of your nerves.

Hope you do well on your monologue!

Sydney, United States.

 

Shyness is really a very nice trait, and I believe it really remains to your modesty and your soul innocence. But, if this surpasses the limits It will surely be a problem..

If you don't mind - I give you my own suggestions - for example, once a week, go alone to the Market and bring the grocery. Try to be always the good student (I'm sure you are) who always take part and share pinions with the whole class. I say that because I am very shy too. I believe in your capacities and that you will do it.

We are all the same, we must respect each other & not be scared.

Preserve your shyness because it reflect your innocence. Do a monologue like your teacher said and have self-confidence. Hasnaa.

 

I'm pretty shy myself, and just did a presentation last week in front of a class. I panicked the days before it, but luckily I was more calm when the day actually came. What helped me was to remember the purpose of the speech because you're doing it for a reason. For me, it was misogyny. For you, it can be what you're learning or whatever the subject is. It keeps you from worrying about small things, just know what you're going to talk about. Imagine how relieved you will be right after and remember it's only one small event in your life. Concentrate on the bigger picture. Also, the audience is usually wishing for the speaker to do well since most people have stage fright and they can sympathize, so try not to put pressure on yourself. You'll do great. Love, Darem.

 

Asmaa, I understand you. I’m very very shy too and when I have to make a speech in front of the class for example, I’m completely panicked and my heart is beating as hell. I have been often asked by my teacher in class to help me to become more comfortable in spoken. I think that if your teacher wants you to do a monologue, it’s only to give you your chance. Take it like a good training. If you are french (as me!), you must have some orals for the final exams (if you have not already passed them). For me it’s the most scariest thing of my school years. I have received my results for the practice and it’s not good because I did not have a training before. So, I think you should have a kind of technique to control yourself. Before speaking, you can listen to music, or read a book. Laugh with your friends is a good thing too! And when you are talking alone in front of people, just think that they are like you. They are scared and they would not like to be in your shoes at the moment, so it’s time to show that you are not afraid to speak loudly and make a great monologue to impress your teacher! And if you don’t success, think you have already lived the worst!

Good luck and much love from France xx Margaux.

 

One of the most important things to be aware of is that many, many people get nervous when they speak, perform, or present in public. And guess what? People who you think might not ever be nervous - like "experts" or people who perform and speak for a living still often get very nervous when expected to present publicly. I just presented some papers recently, and in doing so, I came to realize that two of my idols still (after 30+ years) get nervous when they do the same thing. All you can do is prepare until you feel comfortable and practice with family and friends. But, make sure to get good rest the night before so that you feel ready to go the day of. It can also be a good idea to do some sort of meditative, breathing, or other type of thought exercise before you give your monologue to calm your own nerves and help center yourself. Basically, if you can, take a few minutes to exhale before you go on. It is also fine if you stumble a bit too in the process of giving your talk. I have found that people often over-recognize their own mistakes while the audience may not notice these irregularities at all. And just remember that these things get easier with time and practice. Good luck! Susannah.

 

I sometimes still get incredibly nervous so here are a few of my tips:

1) Try not to worry too much - in the big picture of your life this monologue / speech is only a small part (although I know it feels huge at the moment!) Worrying tends to intensify nervousness.

2) PREPARE! Make sure you really know your speech. Practise / read it aloud to your parents / friends until you know every nuance, comma, full stop, breath. Speaking / acting in public is easier when you are thoroughly prepared.

3) Breathe deeply. Focus on your breathing and on taking long, deep breaths - deep breathing has a calming affect.

4) Find your ‘zone ‘ within that monologue ie find the place where you feel happy, comfortable within your speech – eg ‘become’ the character, totally feel, believe what you are saying.

5) When I am extremely nervous I ask myself what the worst case scenario for me would be, then I imagine it happening, & then I imagine the possible outcomes & how I would deal with them. For me imagining myself facing the ‘worst possible’ takes away a lot of the pressure, &, I remind myself that failure / making a mistake is just another opportunity for me to grow & learn.

6) Finally, once you have given your monologue don’t worry about it - it is finished! (Try not to rehash / over-think what you did / could have / didn’t do).

So take a deep breath, & go for it! I will be thinking of you! Cali.

 

There are many tricks for speaking in front of an audience, but to improve your skills in the long run the best thing is it to do it again and again. Now there probably are only a few days left and you have to be fit for your job.

Nothing can replace a good preparation: read your papers and learn it well, but also find some “victims” to talk with them about the subject. Then practise your speech in front of the mirror, boxes, upside down brushes, your rabbit, siblings, friends,…the more funny the better!

There are methods to memorize texts like to imagine walking along a well known way (in your house or your way to school)and connecting things on that way with a keyword for your text. Use memory hooks! This will help during your monologue also when you’re nervous.

Wait until the classroom is quiet before you start and search some different points in the room where your eyes can rest. Between them you can look to the faces, they have to listen! One of the oldest and most simple tricks is to imagine your listeners sitting there in a strange situation, be fancy! Not every advice might be comfortable for you, choose what you think it could help - and maybe next time something else. Good luck! L. Q.

 

Many years ago, when I was younger, I auditioned for a school play. It was the 2nd play I had ever been in, and I was just a background character my first year. However, that year, I got my first speaking role, and that speaking role consisted of 3 whole pages of dialogue at the very beginning of the play. Needless to say, I was extremely nervous, and when the first night of the performance came about, I had prepared as much as I could, and I was still a nervous wreck. When I got up on stage, I zoned out, and focused on what I was saying, and more on how I was delivering it, then who I was delivering it to.You see, the fear of speaking in front of people comes from a lack of confidence. If you place a higher priority on presenting to yourself, and meeting your standards, then you can rest assured that who you're speaking to won't seem so scary. Best of luck! Bradley H.

 

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