Do you want to increase your authenticity?
Curious about what message you send when you walk into a room?
Want tips for getting to know your true self?
Michael Laskin joins us on the Guided Goals Podcast, and we’re going to talk about authenticity. Michael is a professional actor for 40 years; and director, producer, and teacher. He is author of The Authentic Actor.
Michael offers tips for authenticity, personal clarity, setting aspirations, and more.
The Authentic Actor
Acting is an endeavor about the doing of things, Michael explains. The most successful actors are more about being than doing. The resonate personally. Nobody was teaching that. You can’t teach that, but you can open the door.
Michael shares one of his exercises that inspires clarity. He says take a piece of paper and make two lists. One column is all your skills, the other is who you are. Who you are often trumps what you do.
“It’s not show business, it’s human business,” Michael adds.
You can’t teach people to be more of themselves, but you can curate it.
How to be more Authentic
When new students enter his class, Michael tells them to bring him something they are great in, so he can see their talent. He also has them write what he calls, “This is what I know.”
If they keep writing how they see the world around them (and how they fit into it), they will ladder up to something big. You think you know what you know, but you don’t know until you write it down, he explains.
After their list is finished, they speak it to the class.
Film and TV acting is an identity-based endeavor. The stronger the identity, the better. But most of the roles are for younger people who do not know who they are yet.
Michael helps people open up and be more clear about who they are.
One actor came into class and told Michael he aimed to be “that guy in a bunch of stuff.” Michael told him, “What you want to be is that guy starring in that thing.” There’s no reason to shoot for the middle. If you are going to do that, you may as well stay home.
Set ambitions high. In order to do that, you have to walk in the room and be memorable. The more you know who you are, the better your chances are. It’s all about confidence. And confidence comes with personal clarity.
Note: this is true for all endeavors, not just acting.
On Speaking
Michael offers suggestions for people who are nervous speaking in front of crowds or even in small groups. Smile. It will make you feel better and it will make those around you feel better.
Also, people are interested in imperfection, so when speaking avoid coming off as rehearsed. Search for the words, even if you know the words.
The ones who succeed in buusiness are the ones who are more interesting.
First Impressions
If you make a bad first impression, it’s hard to get over it.
Your entire life comes into the room with you. If you are happy, upset, or unhappy pretending to be happy, people will know. Part of it is being relaxed and being chill with who you are.
Practice being yourself and you will get better at it.
Work-Life Balance
Especially if you work in a creative endeavor, do something tangible, whether it’s replanting a garden or refinishing a chair.
If you are writing a book or filming a movie, it takes a while to complete it… if at all.
Doing something tangible connects you to something. Wins are so important!
Final Thoughts
It’s scary to do something creative, but you have to ask yourself how you would feel 10 years down the road if you didn’t pursue it. If you do them and you don’t succeed, at least you tried. If you don’t try and can live with the what ifs, that’s fine.
Personal Goal of the Week: Start a tangible project.
Professional Goal of the Week: Write your “what I know” list.
Bonus Goal of the Week: Write your future aspirational bio.
Want to learn more about authenticity? Listen to the entire interview on iTunes or Stitcher.
Watch the video:
The Guided Goals Podcast gives you the tools, direction, and resources you need to pursue your passion project. Thanks for tuning in.
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher or SoundCloud, and leave a review.
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About Debra: A project catalyst, Debra Eckerling works with individuals and small businesses to create a strategy, set goals and manage their projects. Follow Debra @GuidedGoals, Like Guided Goals on Facebook, Subscribe to YouTube.
The Guided Goals Podcast gives you the tools, direction, and resources you need to pursue your passion project. Thanks for tuning in.
Subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher or SoundCloud, and leave a review.
* * *
About Debra: A project catalyst, Debra Eckerling works with individuals and small businesses to create a strategy, set goals and manage their projects. Follow Debra @GuidedGoals, Like Guided Goals on Facebook, Subscribe to YouTube.
