#MOMENTS IN LIFE FULL#
#MOMENTS IN LIFE PROFESSIONAL#

When you’re thinking about your next high-stakes situation, ask yourself the same question that actors ask when developing a character: “What’s my end goal?”

Know your big picture goalĪn actor always performs with a clear purpose or motivation in mind. Here are three general principles to follow: 1. “The difference is if we’re trying to get what we want and we don’t consciously choose our objectives, we’re still making people feel things - we’re just doing it unconsciously or even thoughtlessly.” Whether you’re attempting to persuade a landlord of the urgent need to replace your stove or connecting with another parent at your child’s school to set up a play date, “all day long, we try to affect people and … we make people feel things,” says Amy. When you go to the theater, the most convincing Juliet is able to make the audience understand - or, better yet, feel - why she simply has to marry Romeo despite all the obstacles.Įssentially, this comes down to being intentional - with yourself and with others - about what you’re trying to achieve. Instead, it’s about communicating in a way that moves others to see your point of view and, at times, act in your favor. Please note: Using acting techniques isn’t the same thing as manipulating people, or being phony or fake. “Just as actors use techniques on the stage to create a believable reality, non-actors can use the same techniques off the stage to create a reality of their choosing,” says Michael.

#MOMENTS IN LIFE PROFESSIONAL#

One way that we can help ourselves excel in these situations is by thinking like a professional performer - i.e., an actor. “In our personal and professional lives, we’re called upon to make toasts, give eulogies, nail a job interview, or win a negotiation, and they’re all high-stakes situations,” says Michael. Most of us need to perform all the time, even if we don’t see ourselves as performers, they say in a TEDxCambridge talk. While that last question may not seem to belong with the others, it does to Michael and Amy Port, two trained actors turned speaking coaches. When was the last time you performed? Was it in a college play? A middle school talent show? Karaoke with your coworkers? Or was it the time you met with your supervisor to negotiate a salary increase? This post is part of TED’s “How to Be a Better Human” series, each of which contains a piece of helpful advice from someone in the TED community browse through all the posts here. Amy and Michael Port, actors and speaking coaches, share three basic acting techniques to help you raise your game for the times that really count.

#MOMENTS IN LIFE FULL#

Our favorite part was the special way you had us exchange rings! Working with you really helped us create a moving ceremony, and allowed us to reconfirm our love and commitment for each other and our relationship.Justin Tran From job interviews to eulogies and pitch meetings, our lives are full of interpersonal interactions where we need to be our very best. I absolutely loved the way you wove our original wedding homily into your directives for our next phase of marriage, and the ideas you gave us for adjusting our original vows made them much more meaningful. You were so poised and provided such a calming presence. Although we were one of your first clients, you would never know it. Your personal communications and interviews helped us reflect on what was important for us, and we could not have been more pleased with the outcome. Starting the process, we weren't quite sure what to expect, and our vision of the day was dim to say the least. “ Geoff and I would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your guidance with our vow renewal ceremony last month.

Moments in life