Tip #4: Tune Up Your Voice and Listening Skills
Your voice is one of the most powerful tools in your acting arsenal, but it’s only part of the equation. Great acting also relies on sharp listening skills—your ability to hear nuance, emotion, and rhythm in performances. These two abilities go hand in hand, and this exercise will help you strengthen both.
Exercise: Sharpen Your Vocal and Listening Tools
Respond to Music: Pick a piece of music—any genre that inspires you—and let it guide your response. Move your body or use your voice, but stay away from words. Focus on how the sounds influence your expression and emotions.
Listen Without Watching: Choose a scene from a TV show or movie that you enjoy. This time, turn off the visuals and focus solely on the audio. What do you notice in the voices, pacing, and tone that you might have missed before? How does this deepen your understanding of the performances?
Revisit Your Own Work: Take one of your past self-tapes or reel clips and watch it… with your eyes closed. Without the visuals, what stands out in your delivery? Pay attention to areas of strength as well as spots where you can refine your craft.
Why This Matters
By isolating the sound from the visuals, you’ll become more attuned to the subtleties of vocal performance and the emotional cues that come from listening deeply. This practice not only enhances your acting but also strengthens your presence and ability to connect with others on stage and screen.
For more guidance on refining your craft, check out our vocal coaching and part-time courses at Acting Coach Scotland. Our expert tutors can help you build the skills you need to shine.
Stay tuned for more tips in the Actor’s Edge series, where we focus on empowering you to stay sharp, motivated, and ready for whatever comes next.
