What Important Skills Public Speakers Can Learn From Actors (And Vice Versa)

In the world of performance and communication, actors and public speakers share a unique bond. Both professions require a mastery of expression and modes of communication, an understanding of audience engagement, and the ability to convey messages and tell stories effectively. While their platforms differ, the skills they use often overlap in fascinating ways. This blog post explores the valuable lessons public speakers can learn from actors, providing insights that can enhance craft and effectiveness.

The Storytelling Skills For Public Speakers and Actors

One of the most significant aspects of both acting and public speaking is storytelling.

Actors bring scripts to life, immersing themselves in characters and narratives. They understand the importance of pacing, emotion, and the arc of a story. Public speakers, on the other hand, craft narratives (or should do!) to engage their audience, making complex ideas relatable and memorable.

Both can benefit from honing their storytelling skills. Actors can learn to structure their characters' back story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, like public speakers will do with their speeches. Public speakers can adopt techniques from acting, such as using imagination and empathy, to create rich examples and anecdotes to create more vivid and engaging narratives.

Body Language and Non-Verbal Communication

Body language plays a crucial role in both acting and public speaking.

Actors use their bodies to portray different people in different circumstances. Especially on stage, they will convey emotions, intentions and reactions often without uttering a single word. They understand how posture, gestures, and facial expressions can enhance their performance and reach people in the back rows of a big auditorium. Public speakers also rely on non-verbal cues to reinforce their message and connect with their audience. They must ensure that their body and messaging are in alignment. If it isn't, it can create cognitive dissonance for an audience.

By observing actors, public speakers can learn to use their bodies more expressively to captivate their listeners, as well as witnessing how truly meaning what you are saying can impact your body. The body speaks.

The Power of Voice

Voice is a fundamental tool for both actors and public speakers.

Actors train to project their voice, thought and intention. They will hone the craft of allowing emotion to ride on their words, convey character with nuance, and deliver lines with clarity. They explore pitch, tone, and volume to create a rich auditory experience. Public speakers, similarly, must master their vocal delivery to engage their audience and emphasise key points. Both can benefit from vocal training techniques. Actors can learn to modulate their voices for different contexts, while public speakers can adopt acting exercises to enhance their vocal presence and authority. Check out last week's blog for tips on mastering vocal warm-ups.

Audience Engagement

Engaging an audience is essential for both actors and public speakers.

Actors often perform in front of live audiences, and whilst this type of audience engagement (hopefully) comes as a byproduct of captivating work, actors also subtly and sometimes without realising it, respond to an audience's size, energy, and reactions. They learn to read the room and adjust their performance accordingly, especially if the house is suddenly smaller for one performance. Public speakers, too, should connect with their audience by being attuned to them, talking TO them and not AT them. They can use eye contact, humour, and interactive elements to maintain interest. Something that Actors rarely get to do unless there are moments of direct address to an audience.

By sharing strategies, public speakers can learn to create a more dynamic and responsive atmosphere and presence.

Overcoming Stage Fright

Stage fright is a common challenge for both actors and public speakers.

The fear of performing in front of an audience can be paralysing, but both professions have developed techniques to manage anxiety. Actors often use relaxation exercises, visualisation, and breathing techniques to calm their nerves before a performance. Deep, diaphragmatic breathing with extended out breaths can help calm your nervous system. Public speakers can adopt similar strategies to build confidence and reduce anxiety. Other breathing techniques like box breathing and physiological sighs can also work wonders.

Similarly, what you tell yourself before you are about to go on stage is key. Often, actors will immerse themselves in their character's thoughts or the world of their character; this allows them to focus on something other than the nerves. For public speakers, what can you tell yourself (even if you don't fully believe it in that moment) that is more helpful than focusing on and listening to the nerves and the negative self-talk?

By exploring breath work and positive self-talk, both actors and public speakers can find effective ways to overcome their fears and perform at their best.

The Importance of Preparation

Preparation is key in both acting and public speaking (and everything!)

Actors spend countless hours rehearsing lines, understanding their characters, their motivation, their back story and perfecting their performances. Public speakers, likewise, invest time in researching their topics, organising their content, but sometimes less so on rehearsing and practising their delivery. Practice will help you more than you know.

But the key thing with preparation is once you are on that stage, or in front of the camera, you must try your best to let it go. Allow yourself to be present in the moment of performance.

Feedback and Adaptation

Feedback is an invaluable tool for growth in both fields.

Actors often receive feedback from directors, peers, and audiences, allowing them to refine their performances. Public speakers should also seek feedback to improve their delivery and content. Make sure you use a small number of people, and only people you admire and whose opinions you trust and know that they won't say what you want to hear.

By embracing constructive criticism, both actors and public speakers can adapt and evolve their skills. Public speakers can develop a more nuanced understanding of how they are coming across. Another way is to record yourself and watch yourself back.

Networking and Collaboration

Networking is essential for both actors and public speakers.

Building relationships within the industry can lead to new opportunities and collaborations. Actors often work with directors, producers, and fellow performers, while public speakers connect with event organisers, fellow speakers, and audiences.

By sharing networking strategies, both can expand their professional circles and create meaningful connections that enhance their careers.

The Role of Authenticity

Authenticity is a vital component of both acting and public speaking.

Actors must embody their characters truthfully, while public speakers need to convey their messages with sincerity. Audiences can sense when a performer or speaker is genuine, making authenticity a powerful tool for connection. Sometimes it's as simple as meaning what you say.

Conclusion

The worlds of acting and public speaking may seem distinct, but they share a lot of common ground. Public speakers can enhance their skills, engage their audiences more effectively, and ultimately become more powerful communicators by studying actors and their craft. And vice versa.

Whether it’s through storytelling, body language, vocal training, or authenticity, the lessons are abundant. Embracing these insights can lead to a richer, more fulfilling experience in both professions, allowing individuals to shine on stage and in front of audiences alike.

A stage illuminated by a spotlight, ready for performance.