TED Talks Kinda Rock

Inspirational TED Talks are wonderful to watch.  Amy Cuddy, in her TED Talk, "Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are" would be wonderful for a Speech or Theater Class.  She shares a story of perseverance and courage.  It is incredibly informative and could be easily used in any class setting.

Body language is extremely important and just as important as what actually comes out of our mouths.  My Theater classes could definitely benefit from this video.  Nonverbal communication is essential when my actors and actresses are portraying their lines to the audience.  They have to actually do more than sound convincing; they must look convincing in order to suspend the disbelief of the audience.

Amy Cuddy brings up an amazing point - "Fake it until you make it."  When high school theater students try out for parts in a play, they may earn a part where their character's personality is completely different than their own.  Although they may have no idea how to successfully portray traits of their assigned characters, if they follow the, "Fake it until you make it," mentality it may be an easier transition.  They will be more successful.

Amy Cuddy also brought up a good point of body language in general - how we sit, how comfortable we are with ourselves, etc. has a powerful impact of how we are perceived by people around us.  I think my theater classes could turn this video into some sort of field study and do further independent investigating.