Feb 16 2008
Impersonations 101 - Dramatize Your Speech Or Presentation With Other Characters
Not everybody could, or should be Rich Little (I actually like some of his impersonations better than him, if you care.) However, he was a master at taking-on other characters. You will not necessarily aspire to showbiz quality impersonations, but you can give your other voices their own voice. Let’s back up just a bit. Your presentation, let’s call it a speech for the moment, but whether it is a motivational speech or a techy-one it should always have other “points of view.” I take the position as an actor - as most scripts have different points of view - the actor must assume a slightly different persona for each. This is simply effectuated with a shift in voice, posture and facial expression. That’s mostly it. Some people advocate, just look in the mirror and practice making faces. This is not my method but I am an advocate of “if it works - work it.”
If your presentation doesn’t have a different point of view then revise it till it does. At least two other points of view. Then when you come to that point of view just change something - preferably everything - voice, posture and expression. Why? Because it will be more interesting. Whoa, you say? I can’t possible do that, you say? The reason I call my drama workshop “Acting Naturally” is that you - we - do it all the time. At the grocery store we mimic the smart aleck cashier, the out-of-place cowboy, the mother who says a dozen time, “I ain’t gonna tell you again.” (Or my fav - “Don’t make me come over there.”) You see, mimicking, is just elementary impersonating.
Now don’t, in fact please don’t, overdo it. Not necessary, and if and when you do, it will be a caricature - you may not find that effective. The huge benefit is that it will be more interesting for you.
For the first element, lower or raise your voice just slightly. It’s more for you than for the audience. It will make you feel a little different and your persona will change.
Secondly, posture or stance. However you are standing, when you come to change in point of view, just do something different. Slouch to one side, rock up on your heels, lift one foot slightly, hands on your hips, cross your arms, something.
Add to that an expression. Roll your eyes, frown, grit your teeth, something. When you add expression your voice change will be semi-automatic.
Add the above to my other article “Public Speaking - How to Suck your Audience in Big Time. Then your presentation will become a continuing surprise - which captivates your audience. When the audience buys-in, you can sell them most anything, so be gentle.
Mac McConnell sold an award winning art gallery to form http://www.BibleActor.com devoting full time to scripting and performing one-man Biblical dramas. He gained a world flying speed record and received his black belt in TaeKwon-Do at age 60.
His first historical novel, “Forever Changed” is now out on the life of Zacchaeus. http://www.OneWayBooks.org/
More info on drama workshop at http://www.ActingNaturally.org
Tags: characterization, drama, Impersonation
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