From Script to Success: How Acting Techniques Can Enhance Your Public Speaking Skills!
My dear fellow travellers,
Hello from a rainy day today in Mumbai, India!
Yesterday, I spotted my neighbour’s kid pacing nervously in the garden in our backyard. Curious, I walked over and asked what was bothering him. He sighed and told me about the extempore speech he had to give at school today.
Seeing his fear, I couldn’t help but think back to my own first big theatre role, feeling the same butterflies in my stomach. I shared with him how becoming my character and embracing my nerves turned my fear into confidence. I did share a few techniques with him.
Now I invite you to pause whatever you are thinking at the moment and think back to a time when you had to speak in public. Did you feel nervous? Did your heart race, and your palms sweat?
Most probably, it did.
Today, let’s explore how acting techniques can lift your public speaking skills. Shall we?
Let me share some insights from my journey.
What if you could step into a character’s shoes before your next speech? How would that change your confidence level?
My first big role was a character named Sareeta. Sareeta was a confidently poised person, and I, the actor Vinita was filled with self-doubt and nervousness.
To overcome this, I used the principles of method acting, diving deep into Sareeta’s world and adopting her traits. I imagined myself as Sareeta, standing tall and sure, and slowly, my confidence began to rise.
Just like me, you can step into a character when speaking publicly.
Imagine yourself as a confident speaker, just like I found in my character, Sareeta. This mental shift can transform your presence.
Quick Tip: before your next speech, visualize yourself as someone you admire. Feel their confidence. It works wonders.
In public speaking, your voice is your instrument. Are you too fast, too slow, too monotonous? Remember, your voice can captivate your audience just like it can on stage.
In acting too, voice modulation is crucial. I learned this during a scene where my character, Meera, had to convey a range of emotions, from joy to sorrow in just a few lines. I practised varying my pitch, tone, and pace, finding the right voice to express each feeling.
Quick Tip: read a passage aloud, varying your pitch, tone, and pace. Start by reading slowly with a deep, calm voice, then shift to a faster, more animated tone, and finally, practice emphasizing different words to convey various emotions. This will help you control and enhance your vocal delivery during speeches.
As a public speaker, your body language is your silent amplifier. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use hand gestures to emphasize your points. It shows confidence and captivates your audience. Sounds simple, right?
How I wish! Oh yes, it is simple when you practice regularly.
Whenever I direct a play, I always remind my team of actors that body language is the silent script that magnifies your words, turning a speech into a powerful performance.
I once worked with a young actor named Priya who was initially shy and unsure of herself. We focused on her posture, gestures, and eye contact. Over time, she transformed into a commanding presence on stage, owning her role with newfound confidence. This transformation wasn’t just acting. It was a powerful lesson in how the right body language can change everything.
Quick Tip: Practice delivering a short monologue in front of a mirror, focusing on your posture, gestures, and facial expressions. Repeat the monologue several times, each time exaggerating your movements, then gradually scale back to a natural yet expressive style. This exercise helps you become more aware of and control your body language during public speaking.
You are all prepared and yet you feel you are facing a roaring dragon just before stepping onto your stage?
It’s a common anxiety that many people would rather avoid. And you are not alone. Statistics also show that this fear often ranks higher than the fear of heights, highlighting just how daunting the prospect of speaking in front of an audience can be.
It doesn’t need to be so. Because Sapna can help us deal with this dragon.
Hey, I am talking about another character I once played named Sapna, a strong woman with hidden fears. There was a scene where Sapna had to confront her deepest insecurities openly. This experience taught me the power of vulnerability.
Showing vulnerability in your speech can connect you with your audience on a deeper level. Share a personal story or a challenge you’ve faced. It makes you relatable and authentic.
What story can you share that would make your audience feel connected to you? Think about it.
Remember, it’s okay to be real. Your audience will appreciate it.
Quick Tip: Use anchoring. Recall a moment when you felt confident. Create a physical anchor — a touch or a gesture. Use it as an anchor to trigger that confident feeling when you speak. Try anchoring before your speech.
Public speaking doesn’t have to be scary, my dear.
Remember, it’s about stepping into a character, using your voice effectively, mastering body language, accepting vulnerability, and finding your strength from within.
So, next time you’re about to speak, take a deep breath. Visualize your character, anchor your confidence, and let your voice and body language convey your message powerfully. I know You’ve got this!
And if you ever feel a bit of doubt, remember the tree, standing tall through every storm. You have that same resilience within you.
Now, go out there and shine.
Much Love,
Simply Vinita
Let’s Connect, https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplyvinita
