Why audiences love BOLDness...

“I love the thought of averaging out my lies.”

One of my favorite lines when I played a quirky character in a wacky comedy written in a VERY different era.

She worked as a mailroom clerk in the bowels of a high rise of a large corporation.  Whatever she thought it went straight to her lips and out of her mouth.  Most of these moments were on her lunch break in the cafeteria.  She made it a point to seek out anyone new or someone sitting by themselves. It was the only time in her 8-hour day when she interacted with another human being.

At lunch one day she revealed to an unsuspecting new co-worker (for whom she developed a massive crush) how she keeps from feeling depressed:

"Every day we’re supposed to fill out a worksheet.  With exact daily totals of how many pieces of mail we’ve handled, how many forms filed.  It’s ridiculous.  (whispers) Everybody lies.  You make up numbers!  But the best part comes on Friday when you get to average them out.  I love that.  I love the thought of averaging out my lies.  It’s like some mystical way of arriving at the truth…"

In today’s world, some might call her an “over-sharer.” But I adored her. In spite of her solitary work, or perhaps because of it, all she was looking for were opportunities to connect with others. She was present, authentic, clear, empathetic, and engaged. 

While I am still sorting out the notion that the truth comes from averaging out one’s lies…the actor in me knows that audiences root for a person who is bold and fearless. 

So let this be your call to action to go tap into your inner mailroom clerk and let me know what truth you discover about yourself, your work, or the work you aspire to do. I will be happy to be your audience…encouraging you along the way.

(credit to The Cashier by Glen Merzer)

That wasn't funny...

Actors are trained to tap into the energy of an audience. In a live performance, there is nothing more magical than that dramatic moment in a play when performers and audience members are holding their collective breath.  That moment when an actor hears an audible gasp from the crowd.  And all are wondering…what will happen next?  How will she respond to that remark?  Will he stay or go?  

Or that moment in a comedy, designed by a skilled playwright, to elicit laughter from the audience.  And night after night the audience howled.  Except for the night, when you held onto your next line, anticipating the laughter, but it didn’t come.  Bummer.  That was supposed to be funny. 

In drama or comedy, actors sense all of this.  In a live performance, actors and audiences are in it together.  Part of the magic of live work is that every show is different from night to night.  Sometimes in subtle ways (only a few people gasped) sometimes in big ways (dead silence at the punch line, and they ALWAYS laugh at the punch line.)  Either way, actors take it all in, and adjust their actions, physical movements, and internal responses.  Either way, we move the story forward.  Either way, we are most present when we take in what the audience is giving us.

As an actor on the business stage, leading that meeting or making that presentation, are you adjusting your content (your script aka what you say) or actions (your delivery aka how you say it) based on what you are receiving from your audience? In a virtual presentation, it can be tough to know if your message is landing.  But if you are the one leading, presenting, or on stage…if you are the one everyone showed up to listen to…you have to own the room and find a way to check in.  One of the easiest ways to do this?  SLOW DOWN.  Craft your pauses. Give your audience an opportunity to respond.  Listen.  Perhaps adjust your content and intention.  Then…move the story forward.  

If you're plowing through your presentation and focusing on getting to the end of the meeting, your clients and colleagues are likely not engaging in your story.  Instead…make your presentation about your audience and what they need.  Louder, faster, and funnier may be the tried and true method for comedy.  But this actor can tell you, one rule for all occasions does not always laughter make.

Wishing you moments of connection and guffaws with colleagues and clients,

Julie

Sparkle....it's not just for the red carpet...

At the end of a long day of rehearsal, a director once told an actor, “You need more sparkle. I’m sitting in the audience, and I’m not getting any, you know, sparkle.”

That was it. That was the note. Huh? How do you convey more sparkle? Well, directors don’t always tell an actor how to get there, it is the actor’s job to figure out how. 

How?  By pretending to sparkle?  What does that even look like?  Yikes. 

Nope.  By playing clear authentic actions. Actors are always doing something at every moment we are on stage. We choose and play specific actions with our words.  It is the purpose and emotion underneath those words that engage an audience.  It is the meaning and feeling of how the story is delivered that audiences remember.  

Poised interviewees, confident presenters, impassioned leaders, and memorable storytellers bring the qualities (aka sparkle) of presence, authenticity, empathy, clarity and engagement to all their interactions. But you can’t just paste on the sparkle. Those qualities are what clients, colleagues, and investors experience based on how you shape and share your story.  I can help you and your team DO presence, authenticity, empathy, clarity and engagement in your calls, meetings, and presentations.

But be warned…

This is NOT a series of pre-recorded professional development online learning modules where employees push “play” and go make a sandwich. 

This IS a view behind the curtain into the methods and techniques professional actors use every day to create an indelible and lasting connection.  These lessons are shared rehearsal style with real time feedback and translated into tangible tips, tools, and techniques for creating similar clarity, engagement, and contagious presence.

Reach out and I am happy to chat about the meaningful and impactful professional development I can bring to you and your team. In the meantime, go get your sparkle on.

It's a good day for connection...

I like that you ________ and I just wanted you to know that.

We all do better when we feel included and appreciated.  At work. At home. In life. 

When my teens were in grades K-2, their teacher had a tradition.  On each student’s birthday, the class would sit in a circle and the teacher would go around the circle and ask each student to say one nice thing about whoever was the birthday kid.  

I brought a treat in on one of those days, and witnessed this moment.  I have to say, the exercise was so sweet and authentic that the Littles made me teary eyed.  The birthday kid smiled and there were lots of giggles. 

They were all invested in the moment.  Totally authentic.  Each of them was a little vulnerable…when you give or receive a compliment, it can feel that way sometimes. 

That elementary school exercise brings everyone together.  Even if you have your differences with someone.  It’s a moment to start fresh, be present, and connect. 

But you don’t have to wait for someone’s birthday.  Fill in that blank above and give it to a colleague, client, friend, or family member today. Say something true and positive to someone today.  They just might need to hear it.  And you might get back a smile or giggle in return.

And by the way, I am grateful we are connected, and I just wanted you to know that.

Sometimes there is no “right” answer. 

Just different perspectives.

In the first few days of rehearsal with a new script, writers, actors, directors, designers, and staff come together for “table work.” It’s just that, sitting around a table before we get up on our feet. Each person brings their perspective, thoughts, and ideas, and we begin to hash out the story we are going to tell. Together. The room practically vibrates with energy and anticipation.  Table work drives home the importance of collaboration and ensemble. It is one of my favorite things about being an actor. 

In the first days and weeks of reopening your business or coming back to work post-pandemic, there will likely be new people, new roles, or new leadership at the table for those team meetings aka table reads. Many colleagues and clients will be carrying a load of differing thoughts, feelings, and perspectives into a new environment. Lots of changes. Lots of opportunities to bring everyone together. 

When you choose to #BeCurious about another person’s point of view, you bring presence, empathy, and curiosity into the room. And you give others permission and space to do the same.

So...an authentic conversation happens. And perhaps a shift in thinking or a change for the better happens. Then a stronger team aka ensemble happens.

If the pandemic has taught me anything, it’s that in spite of physical distancing, we still yearn to connect. Each of us brings a different perspective to the story. Encourage, support and listen to your ensemble. That's when the magic happens.