Acting on stage is an art form that takes years of practice to perfect. That’s because it’s such a multifaceted form of expression. Actors must be able to control and manipulate their bodies—including their voices. They also have to gain brainier skills like memorization, ineffable skills like a dreamy stare, and more than a dash of confidence.
Unsurprisingly, all the demands put on stage actors can pay off in a variety of ways. While the goal is to earn a standing ovation from the crowd, actors will quietly build a repertoire of soft skills while they’re doing what they love. And while these skills might not always come in handy, they’re likely to really pay off from time to time.
If you’re an actor on the stage, you can probably name a few things you’re good at that others struggle with. It might be as simple as navigating an insurance claim more easily with a bit of charm and articulation, or possibly even slipping through a bustling crowd thanks to increased physical awareness.
Great and small, here are a few of the tips and tricks that actors can use in their daily lives.
The Poker Face
Acting skills come in handy in a variety of situations… and that’s especially true in a game like poker, which encourages players to bluff. But one primary reason why players avoid bluffing is feeling unsure whether they can pull it off. After all, if someone calls your bluff, the game is probably over.
That’s not an issue for actors. In fact, they make a living from professional bluffing on the stage. They won’t crack under pressure and they won’t be thrown off by a few prying eyes. Add in a heightened ability to memorize lines, which could be used for memorizing hand rankings, and there are quite a few reasons why a stage actor might excel at the poker table.
The Commercial Airline Counter
In this case, we’re using the example of a commercial airline counter, which is often one of the most stressful and hopeless customer service situations to be in. But maybe not for a stage actor. After all, they’re able to charm and articulate their thoughts simultaneously.
In any type of customer service crisis, this type of skillset is invaluable. Most people tilt toward frustration as they face rebuttals at the counter—but an actor might be able to smooth things over with their arguments and charisma. While it’s not always a foolproof approach, actors are able to draw on skills that others simply lack.
The Academic World
And speaking of arguments—if there’s one thing an actor is prepared to do, it’s deliver a meaningful point of view. This is especially relevant in academic circles, from debate clubs to written essays. The actor is a chameleon, able to step into anyone’s shoes—and able to be convincing in a variety of arguments.
This is a great skill to have when someone needs to debate or argue a specific point of view that they don’t share. Oftentimes, this can trip up even the brainiest thinkers. However, an actor is able to separate their own personal views from those that they’re conveying, often with great effect.
The Job Interview
Though it’s not true for every actor, most performers are born with a sense of confidence that helps them shine. And this confidence, combined with vocal training, can be a highly persuasive tool in someone’s belt. Specifically, it can be helpful in situations like job interviews, where a candidate has to be both articulate and self-assured.
This also points back to the commercial airline counter, where leaving a meaningful impression on someone can have a positive effect. However, confidence has other unseen benefits, as well. Aside from helping a person land a position at a specific job, it’s also a skillset that helps them take advantage of life’s opportunities—whether heading out for a last-minute adventure or finding the courage to have a difficult conversation.
