Striving for Excellence

Excellence: An action, characteristic, feature, etc. in which a person excels.

This is one of the definitions from Collins English Dictionary.

This month I want to speak about excellence. To me striving for excellence is a goal to reach for. Excellence is what you achieve when you truly try.

Now, when I say it is what you achieve, that does not mean that you have achieved that excellence for all time. The thing about excellence is you do the best you can in any situation, but continue to strive for better. This is the difference between excellence and perfection. I believe you can achieve excellence, but never perfection. Excellence gives you the chance to continue growing and still have a satisfaction in what you have done.

Let’s say that you are giving a speech or meeting a new prospect. If you were striving for perfection you could end up getting nowhere. You will always be behind, for perfection is rarely attained. When most people think of perfection I believe that in fact they are thinking of excellence. These new situations we find ourselves in are ones that for many create daunting prospects.

They say that public speaking is the one thing that most people are afraid of. I can understand that. We don’t want to be thought of as fools. That feeling that we will be seen a fools, I believe comes from wanting perfection. If instead you reach for excellence then you take some of the pressure off.

Having said that I want you to understand that you still need to prepare, still need to continue to strive for the best you can be and do. One of my favorite concepts is to do what you can, with what you have and move on from there. This to me is the concept behind excellence. Many of us beat ourselves up for making what we see as silly mistakes. Give yourself a break. Like I have said, you are doing the best you can at that point in time. The key is to keep the growth continuing, to strive for the excellence that is very achievable. You simply keep on striving, growing and trying. To me that is where the joy and excitement comes from.

Cold Reading

I have heard many say that they don't like or dread cold readings. They can be a bit frightening. Still there are ways to overcome that. (No, it is not imaging those who are listening to you in their underwear.)

First, remember that your voice is one of the instruments that you use in this job. To improve your voice and cold reading skills read out loud.

Sound simple huh! Well it is and it isn't. When you read out loud you should listen to yourself. Some people use a tape recorder or video recording. Unless your equipment is top rate, the sound you will hear when you play back is not very good. Additionally, you can't use a recorder when actually doing a cold read. Better to learn to hear yourself with out machinery. Learn to adjust your voice levels, the pitch of your voice and the speed at which a thing needs to be said. Practice using your voice and reading just the same as you would practice the piano, flute or any other instrument.

What should you use to practice. ANYTHING that is WRITTEN!! I have been known to practice reading the newspaper or magazine or even cereal boxes. The point it learn to read out loud. Learn the correct way to pronounce any word. Sometimes there are multiple ways to say any one word. Get comfortable enough that the unexpected does not throw you.

Personally, cold reading for me has become an easy task. I find I truly enjoy it. So the next time you have to cold read, relax, have fun. You have done your 'homework' and the next voice you hear on the screen or radio may be yours.

How others use your talent

Let's face it. Unless you are your own boss, others are going to be making use of your talent. It is called a job. You do the work, they pay your wages. Sounds simple. Now let's take a look at the reality.

For an actor, you will many times be called upon to use your talent for no monetary gain. This is the case for community theatre, being background in commercials, you get the idea. You choose to do this to build your resume and make contacts.

Then you finally get to the point where you are paid for your work. Many times you again work for little or nothing, but you get the experience, contacts and building your resume.

There will be times when you will have employers who love what you do, they make money, but you will be treated as less than special. It is a reality, whether you are an actor or any other worker. At that point you will need to decide if what you are receiving is worth being treated poorly. Make the choice. There is nothing wrong with your choice, it is the one for you. Be careful, however, when complaining. If you complain about a situation that you have chosen to remain in, it will probably get you labeled as someone who is difficult to work with.

If you have chosen to leave, then you may state your opinion, but be careful about continuing to complain. Those who work in the industry do not like those who just complain or find fault. You are the one who makes the choice. Be adult and live with it.

It is a great job, enjoy it whatever your choice. Most times people will treat you fairly, help you grow your career and just plain be great to work with. Don't dwell on the others, just be aware and make the best of what you have and what you choose to do.