If you haven't performed or done any gigs I would recommend doing that before you battle.
Get acquainted with the crowd. You won't always get a reaction from them, so don't choke or blame them for any mishaps.
Learn to freestyle. When you get really good at freestyling you have to write very little at first. This lets you use the crowd, your opponent, and yourself with props. It builds up your confidence and teaches you how to control the room.
Then when you memorize written stuff, incorporate your frees into it. Don't be 100% written. Ever.
|