Lesson 10 - Non-Verbal Communication
Mastering Subtext
“If you know why someone is doing what they’re doing, why they’re behaving the way they are, then that’s your job to reveal that, and often that’s situational. The storytelling does that, and then some of it’s your job as an actor to make that subtext come to life.”
Cate Blanchett
Non-verbal communication plays a crucial role in an actor’s performance, particularly when it comes to mastering subtext. Subtext refers to the underlying emotional or contextual meaning behind the words spoken by a character. By effectively utilizing non-verbal cues, an actor can convey subtext more powerfully, adding depth and nuance to their performance. Here are some key aspects of non-verbal communication for an actor.
Mastering Subtext
Body Language:
Posture: Experiment with different postures to reflect your character’s state of mind. For example, slouching might indicate boredom or dejection, while standing tall and straight can convey confidence or authority.
Gestures: Use gestures that align with your character’s emotions and intentions. For instance, clenched fists might indicate anger or determination, while open palms can signify vulnerability or openness.
Facial Expressions: Mastering subtle facial expressions is essential for conveying subtext. Practice expressing conflicting emotions simultaneously, such as a smile with sadness in the eyes or a frown with a hint of amusement.
Eye Contact:
Direct and Indirect: Explore the impact of direct and indirect eye contact. Direct eye contact can convey assertiveness or intimacy, while avoiding eye contact can indicate shyness, guilt, or deceit. The closeup shot is a powerful shot in film. You really get to see the emotional intensity of the character.
Eyebrows and Gaze: Pay attention to the movement of your eyebrows and the direction of your gaze. Raised eyebrows can indicate surprise or disbelief, while a focused gaze can reveal concentration or determination.
Proximity and Spatial Awareness
Personal Space: Experiment with how your character interacts with personal space. Moving closer to someone can denote intimacy or aggression, while maintaining distance can signify caution or respect. Something to consider when acting in film is a phenomenon with camera lenses that tend to make people look farther away than they really are. So get used to standing closer to your other actors than you normally would in real life.
Blocking: Consider how your character positions themselves in relation to others. Blocking choices, such as turning away or facing another character directly, can reveal power dynamics or emotional connection.
Vocal Cues:
Tone and Pitch: Explore how tone and pitch can convey subtext. For example, a soft and low tone might indicate vulnerability or secrecy, while a high and tense pitch can suggest excitement or anxiety. Always know what your character feels in that moment and honestly reflect it in your voice.
Beats, Pauses and Silences: A “Beat” is not the same as it would be in the music world. A beat for an actor is a pause. We utilize beats and silence strategically to enhance subtext. Sometimes what is left unsaid can be just as important as the spoken words, creating tension or conveying hidden emotions. So where do “Beats” show up? Typically, there are beats at punctuation. Periods, commas, exclamation points, question marks, and … are typical places where “Beats” so up. So how long is a “Beat”? Well….it’s as long as it need to be. That is part of your artistry. Just make sure that other actors know where you will be using a “Beat” or they may get nervous, think you have forgotten your line, and jump in.
Exercise
Object Work: Pantomime a scene without any dialogue, relying solely on non-verbal communication and subtext to convey the story and emotions. Pay attention to your body language, gestures, and facial expressions.
Mirror Exercise: Pair up with another actor and mirror each other’s movements and expressions. Focus on communicating emotions and intentions without words, mirroring the subtext between you.
Subtextual Improvisation: Engage in improvisation exercises where you’re given a situation or relationship dynamic, and you must communicate the underlying emotions and intentions without explicitly stating them.
Emotion Transformation: Practice transitioning between different emotions while maintaining physical stillness. This exercise helps you explore the subtleties of non-verbal communication by allowing the audience to witness the internal shifts in your character’s emotional state.
