What Can Entrepreneurs Learn from Actors?

What do entrepreneurs and actors have in common?

Well, let me tell you, it's a lot more than you think! 

Entrepreneurs must be able to navigate complex situations and communicate effectively with employees, customers, and investors, as well as a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally.

Similarly, actors must be able to embody their characters and convey complex emotions and messages to their audiences. 

Trust me, I know; I have been on both sides of the stage and the camera. 

Join me as we take a look behind the scenes at the benefits business professionals can gain from studying the techniques used by actors, such as myself, who have performed under pressure in front of live audiences, from auditions (pitches) to performance (storytelling), and the journeys in between. 

Body Language: A Powerful Communication Tool

From acting to entrepreneurship, what I found as I began coaching was the principles I learned from years of acting could be applied to how business professionals communicate, from presentations to pitches. 

Ever since I connected those dots, I've been able to combine my love for the stage and communication to help business professionals gain the confidence they need to be better, more effective communicators. 

And there's no greater lesson in acting than the importance of body language. As entrepreneurs, we often focus on what we say, but everything from how we move, stand and even our facial expressions are even more important.

And that makes sense as past studies have shown that nearly 93% of communication is nonverbal. Body language can convey emotions, intent, and even hidden messages. 

For actors, body language is an essential part of their craft. They must use their bodies to display the nuances and messages of their characters. They spend countless hours rehearsing and perfecting their movements through a camera lens, or in front of bright lights to ensure they transmit the right message to their audience.

Entrepreneurs can learn a lot from actors in this regard. By understanding the nuances of body language, entrepreneurs can better communicate with the people they build business relationships with. 

For example, you may be holding tension in your eyebrows or have crossed your arms without realizing it, which may communicate confusion or disregard.  By paying attention to body language, entrepreneurs can show confidence, assertiveness, and openness, ultimately building stronger relationships and trust.

The Importance of Authenticity in Acting and Entrepreneurship

Do you know why actors spend all their time practicing their lines, movements, and even tone of voice? Because they want to create an authentic character. When the curtain pulls back, it's time to put on a show, placing the person they are in the background and bringing the character they are playing forward. Otherwise, they wouldn't be very convincing to the audience.

Authenticity and believability are critical aspects of both acting and entrepreneurship. Just as actors must fully embody their characters to connect with their audience, entrepreneurs must fully embody their vision and values to inspire their team and customers (their audience). But why? Because people value authenticity.

In both worlds, audiences and customers can detect insincerity and inauthenticity. Entrepreneurs can learn from actors in this way by studying how they connect with their characters and finding ways to channel their values and vision in their day-to-day work.

Storytelling: An Essential Skill for Entrepreneurs and Actors

Let's be honest, we all have the ability to be storytellers, and we all have stories to tell. As an entrepreneur, your story is critical to your success. It helps to differentiate you from your competitors and it’s the number ONE thing that makes you memorable and connects you with your audience on a deeper level. And doesn't everyone love a good story?

Actors understand the art of storytelling. They use their voice and body to convey complex emotions that bring life to lines on a page and draw in their viewers by using their emotions to invoke thought, empathy, enthusiasm, and even sadness or shame.  

Entrepreneurs can incorporate those techniques into their own storytelling. By doing so, entrepreneurs can create a powerful narrative that connects with their customers on a deeper level and sets them apart from their competitors. 

Storytelling brings more interest and curiosity to those who are listening. It can inspire them to take action and start conversations. It also drives more authenticity and connectivity in communications; whether it's in person or virtual. 

Adaptability: Key to Success in Both Fields

I can tell you a thing or two about adaptability, not just from my career but also from my life as a digital nomad. We all have had to adapt to something in our lives, and we experienced this on a global level a short time ago. 

Actors and entrepreneurs can agree that they must be adaptable to succeed. In the world of acting, things can change quickly. An unexpected power outage, a disturbance in the crowd, stage fright, and the list can go on. They both must also adapt to different audiences and ever-changing environments. Nothing remains the same from one day to the next.

Similarly, entrepreneurs must be able to adapt to changing market conditions, customer needs, and regulatory requirements. By being adaptable, entrepreneurs can remain competitive and take advantage of new opportunities as they arise.

Auditions and Pitches are One and the Same 

I’ve had to audition more times than I can count. And every time, my job was to convince the director or casting team that I was the right actor for the role. I had to adapt quickly to my surroundings and audition for the casting in the best, most effective, and most provoking way.

It's the same for business professionals pitching proposals, presenting new ideas, or giving seminars. It's nerve-wracking and can sometimes be intimidating to stand before a group of people with confidence and deliver. 

Practicing your pitch is the absolute best thing you can do to feel more prepared. You are going to be nervous. Nervousness is natural. Practicing your pitch helps to reduce your nerves and anxiety that occur moments before you begin. And do you want to know a secret? Actors still get those feelings no matter how many playbills their names land in. 

To fight off those butterflies and become more comfortable in front of an audience, actors may often practice their lines, do voice exercises, and incorporate calming breathing techniques.

As it's said, the more you do something, the easier it will come to you and the more confident you will become. Confidence is key both ways, and practice and preparation help you build it. Think of it as a muscle you have to flex to get stronger.

Your pitch is equivalent to an actor's monologue. So you just gotta get up there and pitch like you're giving a performance.

Consider Partnering with a Communication Coach

As you can see, there are many similarities between entrepreneurship and acting. And I hadn't noticed them until I became an entrepreneur myself. Both require strong communication skills, authenticity, storytelling, and adaptability to make an impact to reach people long after the scene ends. 

If you're an entrepreneur, take some time to study the techniques used by actors. Use tongue twisters and vocal exercises to make your speech clear, engaging, and colorful. Take the time to practice adaptability and get creative in your storytelling to connect with your teams and customers.

While that may be a lot to bite off all at once, consider a communication coach to help guide you. You don't have to do it alone. Through my one-on-one sessions, we can focus on areas where you can improve and point out your strengths. It’s my goal to help you find what works best for you and encourage you to get comfortable doing more of it.   

If you're looking to gain the type of confidence an actor needs to perform in a sold-out show, whether that's to give a presentation, or improve your pronunciation and articulation in a second language, what better way to achieve that than by working with an experienced actor who knows and understands the life of entrepreneurship.