This course establishes a foundation in practical acting techniques designed to enhance communication efficacy and confidence within professional and global business environments. By utilizing physical, vocal, and imaginative exercises from professional actor training, the curriculum provides a structured approach to managing the "performance" aspects of leadership and professional engagement.
Acting Skills for Business Communication and Leadership
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Acting Skills for Business Communication and Leadership
Instructor: Lauren Sage Browning
Included with
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
6 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Physical Presence: Identify and release tension to develop kinesthetic awareness and reclaim a grounded, natural presence in professional settings.
Vocal Authority: Optimize breath support and tonal range to enhance vocal resonance, ensuring maximum rhetorical impact and clarity.
Professional Intentionality: Use actor-based imaginative preparation to shift from self-consciousness to goal-oriented action in business.
Relational Communication: Master real-time responsiveness and read non-verbal cues through active listening and empathetic curiosity.
Skills you'll gain
- Team Building
- Active Listening
- Mindfulness
- Business Leadership
- Goal Setting
- Presentations
- Empathy
- Public Speaking
- Emotional Intelligence
- Communication Strategies
- Business Communication
- Assertiveness
- Interpersonal Communications
- Leadership
- Empowerment
- Influencing
- Initiative and Leadership
- Planning
- Communication
- Composure
Details to know
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Recently updated!
November 2025
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
There are 4 modules in this course
This module focuses on the physical mechanics of professional presence. Participants explore actor-based alignment and relaxation techniques to manage physical tension and project confidence. The curriculum establishes a foundation for using the body as a primary tool for authoritative communication in high-stakes business environments.
What's included
4 videos8 readings4 assignments
This section applies the "Objective and Action" framework of professional acting to business strategy. Participants learn to utilize imaginative preparation to define clear intentions for meetings and presentations. By shifting focus from self-consciousness to goal-oriented action, learners improve their ability to drive specific outcomes in professional interactions.
What's included
8 videos9 readings2 assignments
An investigation into the mechanics of the human voice, focusing on breath support, projection, and articulation. Learners apply vocal exercises to enhance clarity and tonal variety, ensuring their spoken communication is both audible and persuasive. This section bridges the gap between technical vocal health and professional rhetorical influence.
What's included
11 videos4 readings3 assignments
A deep dive into active listening and the relational nature of communication. This module utilizes improvisation-based exercises to cultivate "empathetic curiosity" and responsiveness. Learners develop the ability to read non-verbal cues and adapt their communication style in real-time to build stronger professional partnerships.
What's included
5 videos6 readings3 assignments
Instructor
1 Course 789 learners
Offered by
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Frequently asked questions
While traditional classes focus on theater craft and character performance for the stage, this course adapts professional actor training into a toolkit for the workplace. The emphasis is on "Performance Psychology"—using physical, vocal, and imaginative exercises to build a "Leader Self" rather than a fictional character.
Yes. This program is specifically designed for professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders who may never step on a stage but must "perform" in high-stakes meetings, presentations, and interviews. It translates creative techniques into actionable soft skills like executive presence and empathetic listening.
Most public speaking courses focus on rhetoric and slide decks. This course focuses on the "Instrument"—your body and voice. By mastering breath, alignment, and emotional intelligence, you develop the ability to adapt your communication style in real-time, which is essential for leadership and interpersonal influence.
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Financial aid available,
¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.