Trial and theater
There is so much to learn from theater if we are to be great trial lawyers. Here is a sampling of thoughts.
It starts with actors quotes which have meaning for trial lawyers include the following:
Marlon Brando said:
"Acting in general, is something most people think they’re incapable of but they do it from morning to night. The subtlest acting I’ve ever seen is by ordinary people trying to show they feel something they don’t or trying to hide something. It’s something everyone learns at an early age." [Newsweek, 13 March 1972]
Bette Davis said: (1908 – 1989), The Lonely Life, 1962
"I do not regret one professional enemy I have made. Any actor who doesn’t dare to make an enemy should get out of the business."
My favorite acting quote is from John Wayne((1907 – 1979), Advice on acting
"Talk low, talk slow, and don’t talk too much."
Kate Reid has said "Acting is not being emotional, but being able to express emotion."
And Marlon Brando said:
"An actor’s a guy, who if you ain’t talking about him, ain’t listening"
It’s been written that:
"The main thing to learn about being an actor is (1) being human – shedding the outer shell (2) words – learning to use language and (3) the skill of story telling"
Actors are told that first impressions are lasting impressions, so walk with confidence and smile. Be sure to look good, neat and professional.
We are told that that magazine ads are viewed on average for 2 seconds – that’s how long you have to capture attention. The average attention span is only 30 seconds, which is one reason why TV ads are 30 seconds long so actors are told that in an audition the first few seconds are critical.
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