Acting Techniques for Everyday Life: Look and Feel Self-Confident in Difficult, Real-Life Situations [Paperback]

Jane Marla Robbins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 10, 2002

Most people can name at least one situation—a business presentation, a job interview, a cocktail party, or a blind date—in which they felt uncomfortable, nervous, or simply self-conscious. Jane Marla Robbins, a successful stage and film actress and teacher for almost forty years, found that she could use the same acting techniques she employed to look and feel confident on stage and screen to make herself feel more comfortable in "real-life" situations. In clear and accessible language, Robbins describes acting techniques that actors having been using for centuries and explains—using real-life examples and easy-to-follow exercises—how each can be used by ordinary people to make difficult everyday situations easier to handle. Acting Techniques for Everyday Life will teach readers how to create a sense of well-being and self-confidence at will, giving them the tools they need to be as confident, strong, witty, authentic, relaxed, and happy as they want to be in any given situation.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Anyone who has ever endured an attack of nerves before participating in events such as a job interview, an important social function, or any form of public speaking will benefit from many of the strategies outlined in this self-help manual. A professional actress and teacher, Robbins shares a variety of acting techniques that performers use to relax themselves emotionally, mentally and spiritually. While not everyone will want to adopt the vocal exercises, which seem more specific to actors, other suggestions, including muscle warm-ups, meditation and sensory visualization, are useful for reducing stress. Drawing on the experiences of colleagues and students, Robbins explains how adopting the movements of an animal like a gorilla, as Marlon Brando did in preparation for his role in A Streetcar Named Desire, is a tool that liberates body movement. Although the author's organization of material is somewhat haphazard, there are many practical ideas for taking the tension out of stressful situations by preparing in advance. Her own favorite preparation ritual is "the inner walnut." A walnut, representing the heart, houses a personal symbol appropriate to the situation. For example, when Robbins wants to be amusing, she uses an image of Bugs Bunny as her symbol. Someone apprehensive about speaking in public may hold the image of a beloved friend in the walnut. In all, this book offers a creative slant on relaxation and preparation techniques.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A companion for any of us looking for help on our journey to the authentic self." -- —David B. Leof, M.D., psychiatrist at Jungian Psychoanalyst, San Francisco

"Destined to become the classic handbook for using acting techniques in everyday life." -- Talia Shire, actress

"Jane Marla Robbins teaches you actor skills so you can be that person you want to be. It works." -- —John G. Avildsen

"Jane's book is a page-turner and an eye opener! With every page she helped me open my eyes to myself!" -- Lynn Redgrave, actress, writer

"The book is psychologically savvy and fun...leads you out of your self-conscious funk and into the world of self-fulfillment." -- Cheryl Kleefeld, psychologist

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 251 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (December 10, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569245541
• ISBN-13: 978-1569245545
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #263,906 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful Book, April 26, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Acting Techniques for Everyday Life: Look and Feel Self-Confident in Difficult, Real-Life Situations (Paperback)

I got this book out of the library, but it is so useful, I am buying a copy. One of the very rare self-help books that actually has techniques that do help. The author gives us insights as to how actors develop their "presence" in the world, how they overcome stage fright and get through difficult situations, etc. How to "create" a better life with methods that work. Good book.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is changing my life., January 5, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Acting Techniques for Everyday Life: Look and Feel Self-Confident in Difficult, Real-Life Situations (Paperback)

My previous anxiousness and inability to do well when stressed are well on their way to disappearing. The best thing about the book is that there are easy and quick exercises that produce good results right away. I keep it on my nightstand and read a little every night. It's very fun and entertaining, too.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book works!, June 17, 2003

By 

The Real Deal "Educator" (Chicago, IL, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Acting Techniques for Everyday Life: Look and Feel Self-Confident in Difficult, Real-Life Situations (Paperback)

I teach Oral Communication at the college level, preparing my students to make presentations in the business world.

My students have bought and used Jane's book, and they tell me it works!

It offers practical, useful advice ... for everyone.

I highly recommend it.