P E R F O R M
19
Performance Skills Introduction
Every presentation is a performance. An actor is a professional, they understand their audience and know to practice their lines. A professional actor prepares thoroughly. Preparing their mindset is crucial.
For improvisation work this is even more important. To think on your feet, you need a calm and collected mind.
Review the mindset section on page 12. Begin regular practice of mindful techniques – box breathing at a minimum for presentations.
Here’s a guided box breathing session to walk you through it.
BOX BREATHING
Tips to improve your performance skills
The Big 5
Movement Soft, gentle, heavy, light, quick slow. Hunched, upright, limping, energetic…
Gesture Signals with your hands / arms to show feelings.
Be aware of what you do automatically. Is it distracting or authentic? Make gestures conscious and then decide if they’re right for you and your audience.
Facial expressions Wide eyed, narrow eyed, raised eyebrows, troubled (permanent frown / down-turned mouth). What is your default? Is it helping you get your message across? Eye contact Staring, glaring, fleeting. Avoiding eye contact can signal you are disengaged or uncomfortable. Eye contact increases engagement, it can be used to influence your audience. Be aware of what you do automatically. Adapt for your agenda and what is required for you and your audience. Voice Pitch (high and squeaky, low and soft etc.). Volume (loud / soft etc.). Timbre (tone). Prosody. Pace. Silence.
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