Actors, how often do you say the word “try”? Or “might”? Or “maybe”?
You may well be talking yourself out of roles, jobs and opportunities.
Language is a powerful tool that shapes the way we think, perceive, and interact with the world. The words we choose have a profound impact on, well, everything that we are and how we show up in the world. It’s fascinating once you start to pay attention and a big part of the work I do with actors.
A simple word like “try” might seem harmless and insignificant but it’s actually undermining your commitment. It carries a subtle implication of doubt and potential failure – we forget our whole body hears the words we speak (and think!). When we say, “I’ll try to do this,” we are creating an escape clause that allows us to abandon our commitment if things get tough. It gives us an excuse for not making it happen and can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure and inaction.
If you had a friend who said “I’ll try and meet you at 5.” and another friend who said “I will meet you at 5.” I bet you know who to be on time for.
The Science of Language
Recent research in psychology and neuroscience has revealed the profound connection between language and our frame of mind. Our choice of words can influence everything that makes us, us: our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours, even the way we breathe. This phenomenon is known as the “linguistic relativity principle,” which suggests that the language we speak shapes our perception of reality.
The Power of Commitment
Commitment is a critical factor in being an actor: your focus, determination, and resilience rely on it. As does your ability to jump, to show up whole with every part of you. It’s one of the reasons why I take actors canyoning and jumping off huge rocks into the Irish Sea. You have to commit to the jump. You have to look forward, take a breath and go “I’m all in”.
“No! Try not! Do or Do Not. There is no Try”
~ the wee man himself, Yoda.
The Alternative: Empowering Language
So start now to replace disempowering language with empowering words that reflect your commitment to yourself and your work, be that person who says “Yes, I will” or “No, I can’t”, rather than “OK, I’ll try”. By doing so, you can tap into the science of language and show up as the human, the actor, the artist, the maker, the friend, the partner you know you can be.
Both Feet Actor training is about producing happy, healthy actors. No shouting, no destroying your morale or damaging your mental wellbeing, just support. We’re dedicated to changing the narrative – You don’t need to “suffer” for your art.
We want to work with you to change that mentality. We are actors, we are humans, we are more than the parts we play. Come and learn a new way of working. A new way of feeling about yourself. Value yourself as much as your craft. This is a community that we can believe in, a space people can call home.
We want to show actors and creatives that there IS another way. You don’t need to break yourself down to build up a character.
When I look around at the actors I have met over the years there are a few common themes: a lack of trust, self respect and clear boundaries, an internal instability and with that can come chaos.
We must work from the inside out in order to give ourselves the strongest possible foundation to live and create from.
Our training combines The Meisner Technique with neuroscience and neuro linguistic programming (NLP) coaching. Our courses are powerful, short, accessible, all have payment plans and most courses offer scholarship places. We also run the only training of its kind in the world: our renowned actor training retreats in North Wales from our purpose built studio overlooking the glorious Welsh countryside.
Our retreats are immersive and experiential and through a combination of actor training and the Great Outdoors will move deep into your neurology and stay with you for your lifetime.
If you want to change the way you work, change the way you feel and bring stability into your core so you can be the actor you know you can be, get in touch. We want to work with you.