--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I tap my fingers and cheekbones before…" description: "\"I tap my fingers and cheekbones before going on stage to calm down. But nerves are necessary; if you ever lose them, it's a bad sign.\" — Michael Ball" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cff/michael-ball-6205_bad_i-tap-my-fingers-and-cheekbones-before-g_2130372.jpg" --- # I tap my fingers and cheekbones before going on stage to… ![“I tap my fingers and cheekbones before going on stage to calm down. But nerves are necessary; if you ever lose them, it's a bad sign.” quote by Michael Ball](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cff/michael-ball-6205_bad_i-tap-my-fingers-and-cheekbones-before-g_2130372.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cff/michael-ball-6205_bad_i-tap-my-fingers-and-cheekbones-before-g_2130372.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cff/michael-ball-6205_bad_i-tap-my-fingers-and-cheekbones-before-g_2130372.jpg) > “I tap my fingers and cheekbones before going on stage to calm down. But nerves are necessary; if you ever lose them, it's a bad sign.” [Michael Ball](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-ball/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The speaker describes a personal ritual to manage stage anxiety, emphasizing that some nervous energy is essential for performance, while its loss signals a problem. **In simple terms:** Stage nerves are useful; losing them is a warning. Key Takeaway Maintain a healthy level of performance anxiety. Themes performance anxiety ritual confidence Mood focused determined reflective Type practical motivational When to use this quote - pre-show routines - public speaking - musical concerts - theatrical productions Key Concepts psychological preparation stress management stage presence Questions to Reflect On - What balance of nervous energy yields optimal performance? - Can alternative techniques replace the ritual? A Different Perspective Over-reliance on rituals may hinder adaptability. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Calm](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/calm/) [Stage](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/stage/) ## Related quotes > [Feeling a few nerves is necessary and positive. 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