Why Should a Business Professional Enroll in Acting Classes

In the office, when discussing a vendor contract, delivering a presentation, or managing a team, I am not suggesting that businesspeople assume the persona of someone else (though I will discuss these scenarios later). The study of acting will assist you in harnessing your natural storytelling ability in ways that will make you more distinctive (and more entertaining).

The concept of business-people as entertainers does not imply that in order to be a great communicator, you must become a stand-up comedian or dramatic actor. Nonetheless, the characteristics of quality entertainment give vital tools for every businessperson who relies on communication, motivation, and collaboration to complete tasks.

Many of you may believe this article is for salespeople. And while the marketing profession is incredibly relevant, let’s be honest: even if we aren’t customer-facing, we are all in sales when we present ideas, recommend a company purchase, or weigh in on a new employee.

More About Acting Classes

I assist organizations with their narratives. I also write plays. Observing performers transform into a character I’ve made from scratch is a remarkable process that I desired to comprehend. Consequently, I enrolled in a few acting classes. As a result, I discovered numerous ways in which the discipline of acting can assist business professionals become more effective at what they do and how they do it.

Infusing your words and motivation with action

Every aspiring actor must master a base that is important for every performance.

What is the purpose of my character?
What challenges does he or she face along the way?
How do these hurdles affect the journey of my character?
How are these challenges overcome (or not)?

Learn to add drama to your business narratives

Actors employ drama to create a memorable performance. Drama translates for the businessperson into articulating business effect. Regardless of whether you provide professional services, software, or insurance, you advertise a product or service that alleviates a negative impact by eliminating the difficulties your consumer is facing. It could be missed income goals, decreased employee morale, a negative user experience, or low satisfaction among customers. The impact of the story is what makes it memorable.

These effects serve as the antagonist, which you, the protagonist, must overcome, lessen, or perhaps erase. Thus, impact (the adversary of your story) and your product (the protagonist) generate natural drama. Sadly, the majority of businesspeople rush toward solutions without thoroughly examining their consequences. This is unfortunate, as impact is the argument for action. The impact guides the business case.

Good storytellers invest heavily in the story’s impact, which you can train to do more successfully through acting training. You will also discover how to leverage the stage successfully.

The majority of presentations have excellent information, but unfortunately fail owing to the presenter’s discomfort on stage. Audiences experience this discomfort and hence do not trust the presenter. It seems unjust, no?

Learning how to use the stage is a tremendous economic benefit (even if the stage is a conference room or an office). Blocking, the practice of choreographing how actors manipulate the stage — can help you differentiate the difference between an effective pitch and one that sinks. You may believe that strolling back and forth on whatever stage is available is captivating, but it is not. It is preferable to locate a succession of markings by navigating the stage (something acting will teach you). Acting will also teach you how to use your hands to create more memorable stories.

Master the art of using the power of quiet

I once lost my opening sentence at a major speech. My initial reaction was to engage in small talk in the hopes that my opportunity would present itself. Realizing it was a horrible idea, I crossed the stage gently while observing the ground. After around four seconds (which seemed like a lifetime), I pivoted, raised my head forward towards the crowd, and looked into the eyes with a few people. Then my introduction came to me.

During those four seconds, everything was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop. When I looked up, the anticipation on the faces of every audience member was amazing. This dramatic pause, even if it only lasts three seconds, is naturally captivating. Once you begin speaking, all ears will be attentive.

Utilize your genuine self

Successful company leaders modify their style and speech to the expected role in various settings. Sometimes you must act with firmness. Other situations require empathetic behavior. In others, you must provide credible explanations for why revenues were off. These circumstances necessitate authenticity, sincerity, reasoning, and credibility.

Performers will tell you that, at the end of the day, their job is to discover and believe in their character’s reality. Even performers portraying Adolf Hitler must be convinced that what they’re doing is authentic. They must be completely convinced of their character’s motivation. When this objective has been reached, performers no longer appear to be pretending.