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