How to Show Real Emotion when Acting
Think of acting much like an artist or an author, in the sense you need to develop the right mentality before you can start., Visualize any scenes that pose a problem., Practice "being" the character., When trying to convey an emotion try to make...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Think of acting much like an artist or an author
Read the script or study the story and try to understand why each character reacts the way they do and how you would feel in that situation. -
Step 2: in the sense you need to develop the right mentality before you can start.
Why does the character react this way? What is the character thinking? What is the person usually like (posture, tone, register, age, body movements etc.) and try to build up the character.
Sometimes it is easy to make the character like you in some way and it can work, however acting should be like wearing a mask.
You become someone different and afterwards remove the mask again. , Find a mirror and recite lines while in character.
If possible, practice posture, tone, body movement and register to try to iron out any issues with believability.
Try to criticize but make sure you are realistic and not overly critical. , Try to build up their fears, their feelings and immerse yourself in the story.
It may seem slightly obsessive but most actors use this technique.
Al Pacino remarked that during the filming of Scarface, he went into a different world and felt as if Al was gone., Posture and gestures add to the effect and make it realistic. , Study any aspects of your character in greater detail and anything you don't understand in the story.
Watch videos and pay attention to the way the person moves, speaks and stands.
What register do they have? What tells you they are sad? What facial expressions are they using? What is their tone like? Also remember depending on the sex, age, and background of your character, they may react differently.
A gruff, Glaswegian gangster will not start to cry in front of all his friends, will he? -
Step 3: Visualize any scenes that pose a problem.
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Step 4: Practice "being" the character.
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Step 5: When trying to convey an emotion try to make yourself believe that you are the character.
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Step 6: Remember the conveying of emotion is more than just words and tone.
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Step 7: Studying is an important part of acting.
Detailed Guide
Read the script or study the story and try to understand why each character reacts the way they do and how you would feel in that situation.
Why does the character react this way? What is the character thinking? What is the person usually like (posture, tone, register, age, body movements etc.) and try to build up the character.
Sometimes it is easy to make the character like you in some way and it can work, however acting should be like wearing a mask.
You become someone different and afterwards remove the mask again. , Find a mirror and recite lines while in character.
If possible, practice posture, tone, body movement and register to try to iron out any issues with believability.
Try to criticize but make sure you are realistic and not overly critical. , Try to build up their fears, their feelings and immerse yourself in the story.
It may seem slightly obsessive but most actors use this technique.
Al Pacino remarked that during the filming of Scarface, he went into a different world and felt as if Al was gone., Posture and gestures add to the effect and make it realistic. , Study any aspects of your character in greater detail and anything you don't understand in the story.
Watch videos and pay attention to the way the person moves, speaks and stands.
What register do they have? What tells you they are sad? What facial expressions are they using? What is their tone like? Also remember depending on the sex, age, and background of your character, they may react differently.
A gruff, Glaswegian gangster will not start to cry in front of all his friends, will he?
About the Author
Judith Adams
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow practical skills tutorials.
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