In the ever-growing files of the “He Said What…?” cabinet, it may (or may not) come as a surprise to you that I graduated from Baylor University (Sic Em’ Bears!) with a degree in Acting.
Yes…Acting.
From the time I was old enough to successfully sneak into R-rated films, I had grown to admire actors like Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, Robert Deniro and Sally Field – not only because of their intensity, but also because of their ability to truly make a character ‘breathe’ a certain sense of vulnerability and coolness at the same time.
So, when the opportunity came around for me to take an ‘acting for non-majors’ class, I jumped on it. Not fully grasping what great and fun things awaited me, I told myself that I’d stay the course with my degree plan and use this class to have some fun. And I did pretty well with this ‘plan’…for half a semester.
Now, you may think that this acting degree may not have done much for what I’m doing these days with public relations and social media. But I say, “Nay Nay!” There are TONS of things I am using (every day) that I got from my Shakespearian Acting class, Meisner Technique sessions, Movement courses, etc. More often than not, these principles and techniques come to use without me actually thinking about it.
It is with this in mind that I will begin to elaborate a bit more on how my actor training has made me a stronger public relations professional…next week. In a series of four posts, I will argue that (among other things) wearing tights in a mask characterization class helped me in more ways than one – in public relations and social media.
Tights…masks…classical theatre (spelled ‘re’)…post modern performance…it’s on!
Til’ then, I ask you to search out and consider what odd/unusual training or job has come to help you in your current career? What have you learned in you last gig that has helped you better understand social media?
Brilliant idea! I incorporate my screenwriter training and passion into my pr practice. Looking forward to your series…I was very involved in speech and debate in hs and college.
I’m looking forward to this series.
For me, my performance studies classes in the communication department has helped me in adapting to various roles that I am called upon to ‘play’ on a daily basis. Being able to move in and out functional roles quickly is a tremendous asset and I owe a ton to those types of performance classes.
Can’t wait to read the series! I don’t immediately see similar inspiration from my days as a cashier (fast food, grocery, record store, gift shop, candy store and gas station), cook or file clerk, but maybe I can find something in my early studies for engineering. 😉
This should be good.
Brilliant! Tights… I love it. Well, I never really ever liked wearing tights, nylons, what have you but…to your point – when we are pushed out of comfort zone good things can happen.
For me training in martial arts has helped me in PR, marketing and all parts of my life. You wouldn’t think learning a new form would help but it blatantly shows the different learning curves in the room, and that some people will surprise you along the way (both good and bad). Same applies to collaboration and working with clients. You can’t always see the learning curves when talking with folks about strategy, but it requires starting at a level playing field to let the unfolding happen.
Great post and I think it’s a good reminder that every past job or role prepares us for our current careers. I worked in retail from the time I was 15 years old until I started my PR career thanks to a love of fashion. It’s not hard to see how helping consumers of all shapes and sizes find flattering and tasteful clothing to fit their specific needs helps teach you how to ask the right questions, think strategically and also to communicate effectively. It also does wonders for teaching you how to build relationships. My years in retail were a great stepping stone to where I am today.
WOW – who knew that we had people with experience in (among others) martial arts, retail and engineering! Thans for your feedback on this topic! I’m hoping to bring in something a little fresh, cheesey and useful in the next four posts!
Good stuff. I can relate from my days in television news. I wasn’t a weatherman, but I played one on TV! Communication comes in all forms, whether on stage or on the phone. Good communicators make strong PR pros. Look forward to reading more!
Bravo! Every time I share my theatRE background as being one of the building blocks of my social media/pr training with prospective clients, they look at me a wee bit cross-eyed. That is, until I explain how it honed my passion for choosing the right words in the right context for the right audience. Most important, any actor worth his/her salt knows that an authentic voice is the only one that will resonate past the footlights. I bring that voice to my work each day and encourage my clients to do the same. Rock on thespians!
[…] This post was Twitted by AlexHalvachs – Real-url.org […]
[…] Read the original post: Leveraging Shakespeare in PR « Metho… […]
And I thought my post about how working at McDonalds helped me in PR (it did) but acting more cool 😉
Funny but I also was an acting major for one year, then I switched to a music minor and sang in the Opera program at George Mason. I learned a lot of useful things.
Looking forward to your series.
Great topic and I’m looking forward to the series! My working life began as a waitress which got me through high school and college. I believe this background prepared me for a life of customer service and PR – which serves me well today as a marketing communications professional. I learned early on that the customer is always right – even if I didn’t think so, I needed to convey that they were and work toward a happy ending. Problem solving, resolutions, listening – all skills learned pre-career!
[…] Leveraging Shakespeare in PR « Method + Moxie […]
Great idea for some posts, Narciso. Really looking forward to reading them.
Katbron took my example, as I used to wait tables, but I would like to echo what she said. Waiting tables is also lot like PR because you are the restaurant’s face. How waitstaff interacts with customers can directly effect whether or not they return or not and if they recommend the restaurant to others. A wait staff plays a huge part in a restaurant’s branding, just as PR does.
I’ve also been very involved in team sports since I was about 5 years old. It’s amazing how team sports experience has translated to office life. Most PR companies tackle clients with teams. Working together for a common goal and being a “team-player” is critical to both sports teams and PR teams. The whole has the potential to be greater than the sum of its parts when people are able to support one another on team projects.
Tom O’Keefe
@tomokeefe1