Acting for Business: Authenticity in the Workplace

Course Description

"Acting for Business: Authenticity in the Workplace" is an innovative course designed to help professionals enhance their communication skills and personal presence in various business settings. Unlike traditional acting classes that focus on portraying other characters, this course is essentially an "Acting 0" that teaches you how to authentically present the best version of yourself in different professional scenarios.

What Students Will Learn

• Techniques to adapt and present authentic versions of yourself in various professional roles
• Skills for effective communication in both in-person and remote settings
• Strategies to rally support from colleagues for new initiatives and projects
• Methods to prepare for diverse interactions with colleagues, clients, partners, and leaders
• Identification of personal "performance" based on audience, status, confidence, and setting
• Techniques tailored for live, in-person settings (e.g., boardrooms, one-on-one meetings)
• Techniques tailored for virtual, remote platforms (both live and pre-recorded)
• Ways to build confidence and speak up more in meetings
• Approaches to share unique ideas and act with integrity in challenging situations

Pre-requisites

No prior experience is necessary to enroll in this course. It is recommended to take this course as part of a program in conjunction with "Applied Storytelling," which is offered at a discounted rate for learners to maximize their experience.

Course Coverage

• Acting techniques applied to professional settings
• Authenticity in various workplace roles
• Effective communication in in-person and remote environments
• Adapting to different audiences and settings
• Building confidence and presence in professional interactions
• Strategies for team collaboration and support
• Techniques for virtual and in-person presentations
• Ethical decision-making and integrity in the workplace

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for professionals at all levels who want to improve their communication skills, personal presence, and authenticity in the workplace. It's particularly beneficial for:

• Individuals looking to advance their careers
• Team leaders and managers seeking to enhance their leadership presence
• Professionals transitioning to new roles or industries
• Anyone who wants to improve their confidence in workplace interactions
• Remote workers aiming to enhance their virtual communication skills

Real-World Applications

• Delivering more impactful presentations and pitches
• Improving team collaboration and communication
• Enhancing leadership presence in meetings and one-on-one interactions
• Building stronger relationships with colleagues, clients, and partners
• Navigating challenging workplace scenarios with confidence and integrity
• Adapting effectively to both in-person and remote work environments
• Advancing career prospects through improved self-presentation and communication

Syllabus Overview

• Introduction to authenticity in the workplace
• Acting techniques for professional settings
• Adapting to different roles and audiences
• In-person communication strategies
• Virtual communication techniques
• Building confidence and presence
• Collaborative skills and team support
• Ethical decision-making in challenging situations
• Practical applications and exercises

Additional Resources for Verified Track Learners

• A comprehensive facilitation guide for all exercises
• Exclusive access to an interview with legendary Davidson College basketball coach Bob McKillop, exploring connections between acting and sports in the workplace