Speaking comfortably either in a public forum or in a meeting is something that fascinates me. Why do perfectly articulate, hilarious wise people go to pieces when they have to present on something they are often an expert in? And more importantly — how can I help them.
Because I have cast/produced thousands of segments/shows on TV and radio I can see what’s truly useful and I have outlined some below.
The first one- beyond everything — is getting present and truly listening.
If you are “in your head” you may as well have a bag over your face because your chances of communicating at the level you want to are about that inhibited.
Your real "voice” that comes from really listening and responding and focusing on being understtood and understanding- the keys to effective public speaking just flop when we are letting our mind run the show.
So the first thing I always get my students to do is BE QUIET MENTALLY - for at least 5 minutes- ideally more - every single day - but especially when they are about to perform.
Now before you push back and say meditation is weak Dr Susan David, a Harvard Medical School psychologist and author, discusses self compassion at length in this interview including the below statement:
“The idea of being self-compassionate can seem very woo-woo and very soft.People might think, for example, that being self-compassionate is about being lazy or it’s about being weak or it’s about going easy on yourself. In fact, the research shows the opposite. The research shows that when people create a self-forgiving and safe psychological space within themselves, that those individuals tend to be more experimental, more able to take risks and to take chances, because they recognize that if they fail, that they still save their self-face. That individuals who are self-compassionate tend to be less weak, less lazy and, in fact, more honest with themselves and are able to get through setbacksand transitions more effectively.” Dr. Susan David
There are a number of things that help.
Firstly — you have to know your content really well and feel comfortable expressing it- so knowing WHAT you’re saying is the first step to succeeding in being hear.
It also helps to know WHO you are talking to- because that helps with the tone, volume, style etc but most importantly will help you feel relaxed and able to ‘be’ with them - because they aren’t “them” they are actually people you can be curious about and aim to serve.
1 ask the people you are with questions- engage them - it will take them out of being “judgey” into being humans on the same course with you.
WHY you are saying it is also a great thing to undertand— because the more you connect with your why the more chance your work will communicate effectively— WHY gives you energy to care and really be specific and really send your message out.
but the main thing is keeping your inner critic really quiet so you can commit to the message.
My main skill is helping you see that your only job is to be your most authentic self-- you and to have a true desire to communicate and serve.
That's it.
The job is not to be perfect, the best, the funniest, or the most beautiful.
You just have to have a need to be understood, to sincerely want to affect people and to be willing to do the work to make this happen.
If you want to know more- email me on sanciarobinson@gmail.com
QUOTES FROM TELEVISION PRODUCERS
Kylie Washington- BBC Studios Director of Production Aust
‘Sancia is a total talent. Her ability to spot talent, and develop clear communication and trust is second to none. A true professional, always over delivering.’
Susie Jones – Commissioning Editor SBS documentaries
Sancia has a very grounded and deep understanding of the entertainment business; this is a unique position for someone moving in the teaching as her experience isn’t based on supposition but actuality. She has a wide lens when it comes to finding talents for shows and can see outside the “usual suspects”. This has helped give a vast array of people opportunities who sit outside the mainstream a place on Australian TV. I imagine she will bring the same create vision to her students which will ensure those from diverse backgrounds learn to see this as a strength is not something to be modified. She is extremely emotionally intelligent and empathetic both skills that her brilliant at recognising talent and potential in other people. She backs talent completely and will invest a huge amount of her energy to sure they have everything they need to convert their opportunities. She has courage and kindness in her and understands the business of television extremely well. I cannot speak highly enough of Sancia’s professionalism, passion and work ethic etc.
Anthony Watt- Executive Producer CHANNEL NINE - (The Footy Show) ABC TV (Spicks and Specks)
Sancia is always the first person I ask to be my casting director. Her instincts in providing a great mix or people that work well together on a panel is second to none. Her passion in finding new talent as well as people from diverse backgrounds is vital. And her ability in keeping talent happy through long and often tedious days is essential.
Todd Abbott- Director of Programs and Development Guesswork Television
I wouldn’t trust anybody as much as I trust her to get the best performance out of talent, talent love her, whether they are actors, performers, comedians, everyone trusts her; she knows all aspects of the business, she is an amazing facilitator and confidence builder, and she is an amazing sculptor of performances of people. She is the first person you always call when you are building a television show
COMMENTS FROM PARENTS AND STUDENTS
Parents
“Just wanted to offer some feedback regarding this term. Ed absolutely loved working with Sancia and has been returning home each week buzzing and excited to tell us what they got up to and what he learned. He's a happy chap and whatever she was doing seemed to really fit with his personality and bring out the best in him. Congratulations to Sancia for being so intuitive and wonderful.”
“I just wanted to thank you. You have had an amazing impact on Samantha and she’s learnt soooo much from her time with you. She has absolutely loved every minute of your classes. You’ve lit an acting passion within her and she’s so determined and focused on learning. She really wanted to tell you that but she couldn’t get the words out!! I really hope she gets the opportunity to learn from you again.”
STUDENTS
“Sancia is truly an amazing acting teaching. Through her engagement of the class she motivates and encourages all students including myself to step out of our comfort zone and act roles that we aren't used to. Sancia herself has also provided a lot of support in helping me get out and break my shell of repetitiveness in humour and expand to a more serious form of acting rather than always satirical. Sancia's ability to demonstrate and always assist any student after class in need is also very inspiring due to her warm nature further motivating and inspiring students to pursue and break their comfort zones.”
“Sancia Robinson taught me so much in a really little amount of time, I can’t imagine what kind of actor I would be if she taught me for the whole year!! She helped me get out of my comfort zone while teaching the class so many amazing skills and life lessons. I would be lucky to have her as a teacher and I feel so honoured to have been one of her students. It was an absolute pleasure to work with her and I really do hope that I will see her in the future!!”
"Given Sancia's vast experience in the industry, Sancia is a real actor's coach. She has an incredible eye when working with actors in shaping their character work and finding the layers of truth behind it. Sancia was an instrumental coach and mentor at the start of my film and TV career in Melbourne in encouraging me to take creative risks, in finding the layers of depth in my work and given her infectious energy, inspiring me to work with lightness."