Lying Truthfully
Have you ever considered how we humans "act" all the time?
You have a "role" to play at school, a "role" to play at home, a "role" to play in special social situations. Most of us can "put on a happy face" even when we're feeling bad, pretend nothing is wrong when it really is, or make someone think we're interested in what they're saying even if we're bored to death.
Someone has defined acting as "lying truthfully." You've got to convince your audience that you really are the character you're playing. That doesn't mean that you become the character -- you'll never fool your brain into believing that you are someone else. But you can create the illusion of someone else's persona.
So ... talk to me:
Tell me about one of the "roles" you play in real life.
Be specific.
What "role" is it?
How do you talk? behave? respond? change your posture/facial expression to suit the role?
Some ideas: the happily obedient child (when you don't feel like it); confident guy (in front of the ladies); suave girl (in front of the guys); the interested older sibling (when your little brother/sister is talking your ears off) ...
I'll go first so you have an example (look in the comments section)
Cheerio till Thursday!
posted by lorojoro @ 8/23/2005 05:49:00 PM
9 comments
9 Comments:
I am a teacher, a wife, a friend, a counselor, a musician.
But when it comes to moments when I feel like I'm "acting":
THE WISE AUTHORITY FIGURE
You people under 20 think I know everything. OK... no, you don't.;)
If you could crawl inside my head during any given day, you'd discover that adults don't always know what to do next. Sometimes we *act* like we know because you expect us to know. We "rise to the occasion" so that you can rest securely while we worry about the problem.
So ... How do I "act" that role?
Well, I'm usually dealing with someone younger than I, so I'm in "authority mode." I speak with an authoritative edge to my voice. I attempt to command respect by how I respond -- not sounding uncertain or frightened (even if I am). Even my posture will change. My attention is very focused on the person who's talking to me.
I attempt a "poker face" that doesn't betray my inner feelings because "wise authority figures" don't show fear; they don't cry; they don't flip out; they don't break down. "No matter what happens, it'll be OK." That's the attitude I try to communicate.
And I bet if you've known me for any length of time, I've probably fooled you at some point. =)
I sometimes feel like I'm acting when I interact with my grandma. I love her, and enjoy spending time with her, but she has Alzheimers, so she doesn't remember a lot of short term stuff (for example: she'll ask the same question or say the same thing several times in a few minutes). I often act like I've never heard the question before, and answer it accordingly, when, in reality, she's asked it five times. I do it just to keep her from feeling bad or discouraged. It interesting...even though she's not totally "with it", she is still extremely perceptive when someone is being patronizing to her or is making fun of her, and it hurts her. Sometimes it takes acting to make her feel good about herself, and if that's what it takes, I'll do it. I love her!
The role I've found myself playing lately is at my house, I usually act the part of the indifferent teen, I talk like I don't really care about much that is going on, I behave with little emotion, I respond with short and abrupt answers, I shuffle my feet and I avoid eye contact....
I do the part of the indifferent teen for various reasons, but I think the one that comes first would be that my family isnt very close- It's not as perfect as onlookers percieve. and rather than have questions aimed at me...I'd rather act indifferent...
... So.. I guess I'd have to act at schooltoo- like everything is goin' ok... when in reality... um... yeah..
I have a notion in my head that I am not good at acting. At least not good enough to do "big stage" productions! (it is not a notion, its true!) But when I seriously start thinking about how I act differently with different people, I could probably be nominated for one of the best everyday actors! One of the biggest places I act is in the general public. If I am walking through the grocery store (except for when my dad and I go late at night to get that last minute thing and dance to the oldies music down the isles) I am not going to act like I do at home. I can get pretty crazy at home (normally only when I am tired), but no matter how tired I am, I don't go dancing down isles in broad daylight! :) I come across serious and shy, but ask anyone who knows me well, and they will tell you that everynow and then in a "safe" enviroment, I can get pretty loca!
Woops, forgot to put my name, its me, Bethany
I am a daughter, sister, friend.
when "acting" i am
*the patient sibling (when wanted to choke them :-) )
*the "suave" girl haha just kidding
* puttin on a happy face but really am crying/screaming on the inside.
* hyper to make other people wake up ;) even though i am still awake hehe
that is supposed to be asleep***
Sometimes I act like I'm doing great or have everything together when in reality my life is falling apart, and I'm depressed or super stressed. I play strong, put on a fake smile, and wait till I'm alone to burst into tears. (If you've known me long enough, you can see through my act.) I've found that this kind of acting is exhausting. It might just be easier to admit that I have struggles like everyone else. Rebekah
well i would have to say that when im around adults i dont act as laid back and i dont make jokes and cut up. and in the same way i act all grown up around little kids trying to seem older (in their eyes) then i am. but when im hanging with yous guys im more or less my normale old self with a few changes. XD
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