The original meaning of 'burlesque' is ‘parody’, an ‘imitation of something in an exaggerated way’. As a burlesque coach, I refer to the art as 'dancing with sass'. When I work my day job, as a psychologist and wellbeing specialist, I transfer those skills to deliver my messages with moxie.
When hosting an event, I use the project management and stage presence that productions have taught me. When giving an interview, I use the confidence and poise, even under pressure, that I have learned. Plus, my years as a theatre director have given me a deep understanding of human behaviour and how it is portrayed, which helps me immeasurably in business.
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Here are three key lessons that HR professionals can learn from the stage.
Prepare to perform
Burlesque taught me that a star performance begins before you step on the stage. There are many things that you can do to build your confidence prior to having to demonstrate anything in performance, from a presentation to the board to a webinar with your professional peers.
Firstly, know your stage. Our memory responds to our environment so establish a sense of ownership of your space. Through doing this you will subconsciously channel confidence through familiarity.
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Secondly, find the light and use it to your advantage. Marketers will always remind us that people take three to seven seconds to form a 'thin slice' opinion, a judgement based on very limited information . This can be affected by the energy of the person who has presented before you. If they are great, utilise their reflected spotlight. If not, perhaps choose a completely different position to raise your points from.
You should also make sure to use an agenda or bullet points. As the US actor George Jessel once said: “The human brain starts working from the moment you are born, and doesn’t stop until you speak in public.”
When you have a limited time to speak, use bullet points to remind you of your key points and to stay on track. However, don’t use a full script, because unless you are good at learning lines, half learning something can be far more distracting to you when it comes to speaking.
Pay attention to rehearsals
Growth sometimes happens most effectively informally, in our day-to-day activities on the job. Use every day to practice, make mistakes and grow.
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With theatre, until the performance, it’s all a rehearsal. We have permission to fail and permission to make mistakes – if we learn from them. Don’t let perfectionism hold you back; nothing will be right first time. On the off-chance it is, we often don’t reflect.
Everyone in your team has a role. Play yours well, every day.
In a performance, every person counts. Your individual life, path and successes are unique, that's your distinct contribution. Make sure to maximise what you and only you can contribute.
While waiting in the wings, practice the steps
In the spirit of the musical character Alexander Hamilton: Don’t miss your shot! On the occasion you are called to step up, be prepared. This is why learning and personal development are vital. Wherever you are in your career, focus on building your competence and knowledge, because your time will come.
By Audrey Tang, psychologist, leadership trainer, burlesque coach and founder of the Click Arts Foundation
