The Secret to Impactful Speaking and Performing
“What an actor has to do is be personal in public,” said the legendary acting teacher, Lee Strasberg. That phrase resonates deeply with anyone who has stood on a stage or in front of a camera—or who leads a team, pitches an idea, or delivers a keynote.
Strasberg wasn’t just teaching actors to “perform”; he was urging them to connect with their audience. His method encouraged authenticity, vulnerability, and presence. The same is true for speakers. Being in front of an audience makes you larger than life. That’s the nature of the stage. But size without sincerity is hollow. You must be both commanding and personal. That’s where the magic happens.
Let’s take this idea from theory to the screen…
Modern Movie Examples: When Actors Are Personal in Public
- A Star Is Born (Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga)
Watch Ally’s first solo performance. She’s terrified. She doesn’t perform at the audience—she invites them in. That vulnerability is what makes the moment unforgettable. It’s personal. It’s public. It’s powerful.
- King Richard (Will Smith)
Smith plays Richard Williams, the intense, flawed, loving father of Venus and Serena. His speeches to his daughters and their coaches aren’t textbook performances—they’re emotionally charged, deeply personal declarations. Audiences felt it. So did the Academy.
- CODA (Emilia Jones)
In the final performance scene, Ruby sings while using sign language to communicate with her deaf family. She doesn’t just sing the song—she communicates meaning. The audience within the film, as well as the one watching it, is moved. That’s personal in public.
What This Means for Speakers
As a speaker, you may rehearse every word, every movement, and every pause. That’s essential. However, our real job is to connect. Your audience wants to feel that you see them and that you let them see you.
Being personal in public means:
Sharing your real emotions—not reciting them
Telling stories only you can tell
Letting your personality shine through your structure
Rehearsing until you sound spontaneous. I say to my clients, “Know it so well, you can forget it.” It is in your body.
Yes, the stage magnifies you. Your humanity is what audiences remember.
As I remind my clients and FrippVT members: Your audience may not remember your exact words, but they will never forget how you made them feel.
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