DMs: Do you have performance anxiety?

[Tessarael]

A resounding YES! [..]
Last time worked on gurgly hissy voice for the monster - but backed out because I was too shy to "perform".

Never be too shy to perform. Worst case scenario you can't handle the accent and you just switch to your own voice and say it. It's always more fun to try, and adds a lot of flavor when you manage to pull it off.

I had a great session where the PCs were back-and-forthing between two NPC guardians of a cursed forest. The Treant NPC spoke in windy whispers, was friendly, and trying to find a stash of hallucinogenic mushrooms (for itself). The Dark Warden (basically a giant) NPC spoke in a booming voice, was xenophobic, authoritarian, and somewhat unfriendly. It was fun - not all the players could figure out my windy words, and I had to repeat some stuff, but someone could figure it out the second time I said something for the treant, and the voices added atmosphere.

 

[Nightchill]

I've been dming for around 10 years now and no, I don't get performance anxiety. The player's are all good friends and many of my latest group are new and love the whole experience.

Now, if I suddenly found myself DMing for some players with 20 years experience that I barely knew, *then* I'd be having a breakdown

 

[Inconsequenti-AL]

Tessarael

Think you're quite right there, I get far more bothered about the story side of the game than the rules part - I've never felt uncomfortable about that...

 

[Nighthawk]

Yes, I do. Always have and most likely aways will.

 

[Plane Sailing]

I never do before a game because I know all my players so well (but if someone from the RBDMC happened to drop by and participate I sure would then! probably goes for any visitor from ENworld)

On the other hand *after* a game I'm often berating myself, thinking "did they have fun? Why did I forget the spell resistance *again* Was there any way to avoid that PC death? Could my puzzles have been better? was there the right combination of combat and role-play?"

Do y'know what I mean

 

[Thanee]

No. I picked up the Self-Confidence feat quite early.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Belen]

No. I picked up the Self-Confidence feat quite early.

Bye
Thanee

What supplement is that in?

I tend to worry about the game way too much, especially whether the players are having fun. I am fairly self-critical as well, although I am not worried while actually running the game.

 

[Ant]

I usually find that feasting upon the entrails of gormless PCs helps any gaming jitters enormously.

 

[Stormborn]

The better a campaign is going the more nervous I get. Currently we are running one that all three players are saying is their favorite one to date, and considering that is saying something. So yes, with each passsing session I am afraid that I am going to let them down.

 

[evildmguy]

Good discussion!

I am of the same opinion that someone else mentioned.

When I stop getting that anxiety, it is time to quit.

I have been GMing now for nearly 20 years and I still get nervous about it. I also ask for feedback in the form of critiques after every session to find out what was liked, not liked and to try and improve my style as well as tailor things to my players.

Have a good one! Take care!

edg