Acting Technique for Public Speaking

One thing that I am convinced of is that public speakers can benefit immensely from acting techniques. Here’s why.

Actors learn techniques that allow them to “show up” for whatever character or scenario is thrown at them. Whether you need to boost confidence, want to develop your vocal abilities, enthrall your audience, improve your stage presence, or just make the best possible impression in mere seconds – actors can teach you a thing or two.

Being confident in your public speaking isn’t about putting on an act. Far from it! The key to powerful, confident public speaking is the willingness to share your unique voice. Let’s have a look at some principles of acting techniques that will make your next public speaking opportunity a memorable one.

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Calm those nerves

One thing actors learn very early on in their training is to find neutrality. This means being relaxed, but ready for action. One way to achieve this is to focus on our breathing. A deep breathing exercise such as using counts of 4, 7 and 8 as described in this post, can help alleviate tension and calm your nerves. Use your fear or anxiety to your advantage, by channelling that energy into focused enthusiasm.

Find your voice

One of the fundamental skills that actors learn, is to use their voice for maximum effect! Here are some elements of a strong, dynamic voice:

• Pitch: how high or low is your voice? How can you extend your vocal range?

• Pace: Do you have the tendency of speaking too fast or too slow? Can your audience keep up with you? What’s the best approach when engaging your audience?

• Volume: Louder isn’t always better – especially not in public speaking! Use high volume sparingly for maximum impact. Work with your coach to learn appropriate projection, to ensure you don’t strain your voice.

• Pause: This is possibly the most overlooked factor in vocal delivery. Don’t rush – allow your audience to absorb your message. Using pauses for emphasis, and to ensure your audience is hooked.

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Professional speakers must develop their resonance too – this affects how dynamic our voices are, and in turn how well we can deliver our message to an eager audience. By using voice training techniques, you can develop a fully expressive voice. Can you convey subtlety and nuance to your audience? With a bit of support in developing your unique voice, you can!

Work on your body language

Body language is a crucial element of effective public speaking. But mastering body language is not about learning a list of rules about where to put your arms and feet at which moment.

Think about how you present in a room full of people. Do you exude high status? Are you confident in your stance, body movements, and interacting with others in a social or workspace? Actors learn about status by way of improvisation and “make-believe” scenarios. It would be wise to take a page out of an actor’s book when it comes to using the space around you and making a great first impression!

Read the Room

Be aware of how your audience responds to you. Actors learn to “read the room” by becoming attuned to their audience. You too can benefit from this awareness. Develop a relationship with your audience, based on trust, respect, interaction and information!

This isn’t a case of one person “talking at” a group of people. Listen for cues while you address an audience, and respect this response. Work with your coach to read your audience with ease and accuracy!

Show Up!

“Showing up” simply means inhabiting the space that’s been given to you. Be confident in the skills you’ve learned, the tools you’ve put in your toolbox, and you’ll surprise yourself!

Remember, your job is NOT to entertain the audience, it’s to ENGAGE them.

Good actors and good speakers don't act. They don't pretend. Both of them have to offer their true self to the audience and to be authentic. Managing to be yourself in front of an audience is perceived as charisma and magnetism, what we usually call "presence". When you present, you need to become comfortable being in the spotlight.

So…

acting tools and techniques are guaranteed to help you on your path to confident public speaking. Nothing feels quite as good as mastering the skills you need to “show up” for your next meeting, presentation or speech!