4: Navigating Hierarchy and Authority in Public Speaking
Lessons from the Entertainment Industry
In my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with some renowned actors, including Richard E. Grant on the Scarlet Pimpernel series, assisting with casting for A Lion in Winter with Patrick Stewart, and even appearing as a guest dancer in The Phantom of the Opera movie. I’ve also shared the screen with David Bowie in an episode of Extras and worked on projects with Gerard Butler. These experiences have taught me valuable lessons about the arbitrary nature of hierarchy and authority—insights that are crucial for any public speaker.
Understanding Equality in Public Speaking
One key lesson is that regardless of someone’s achievements, they remain your equal. This perspective is essential for public speakers who often face the challenge of perceived hierarchy.
A Memorable Experience with Richard E. Grant
While filming in Prague, Richard E. Grant would often lead us to new restaurants. One day, I mentioned a “Camberwell Carrot,” a reference from his iconic film Withnail and I. I feared it might annoy him, but Richard remained gracious and welcoming. This moment highlighted that despite his fame, he was just as human as the rest of us, excited about a good meal and good company. It reminded me that status is often based on hearsay rather than direct experience.
The Power of Perspective Shifts
Hierarchy and authority are often constructs of our own minds. A shift in perspective can happen in an instant, transforming our view of others and ourselves. This is particularly relevant for public speakers who might feel intimidated by their audience.
An Audition with Patrick Stewart
I spent a week as a reader for A Lion in Winter auditions with Patrick Stewart. On the final day, Patrick and the casting director, Joyce Gallie, asked me to audition for a role. Despite my familiarity with the script, I delivered a lackluster performance. Moments earlier, Patrick and Joyce were colleagues; suddenly, they became my judges, and I felt like an imposter. This experience underscored how quickly our perception of authority can change and affect our performance.
Embrace Your Humanity
As public speakers, it’s crucial to remember that everyone, regardless of their status, is human. Embracing this can help alleviate the fear of judgment and improve your confidence and authenticity on stage.
The Impact of Status on Public Speaking: Lessons from the Entertainment Industry
Status can profoundly affect us, even physiologically. Let me share a couple of personal experiences that highlight this and offer valuable insights for public speaking executives.
An Encounter with David Bowie
I was cast in a small role on the show Extras, where I was to guide Ricky Gervais and Ashley Jensen to a VIP area, as well as an undisclosed star. On the day of filming, I discovered that the guest star was David Bowie. Arriving early for hair, makeup, and costume, I fell asleep to the sound of someone rehearsing on the piano. I woke up because something had changed - it was the extraordinary voice of David Bowie himself - sending chills down my spine.
When it was time to film, I was introduced to Bowie and noticed his different-colored eyes. My throat went dry, and I had to focus intensely on my lines, despite their simplicity. I felt every move was being judged. Interestingly, in TV, background noise is added post-production, so you have to speak louder than usual during filming. A fact I completely forgot. You can barely hear my lines in that scene. This experience taught me we can allow status to make us feel self aware and affect our performance.
The Arbitrary Nature of Status
I trained as a dancer with a special interest in Flamenco, which I pursued alongside my acting career. I auditioned for The Phantom of the Opera as a Flamenco dancer and got the job. This was a unique blend of my two passions.
As an actor, I was accustomed to being chauffeured to sets. As a dancer, I had to meet near a central London station and travel with the other dancers in a van. Coincidentally, I had previously starred in a TV series with Gerard Murphy, who was playing the Phantom. Despite his invitation to see him, a well-meaning PA informed me that I couldn’t because I was an “extra.” Technically, dancers are supporting artists, but I understood the point.
This experience highlighted that status is socially constructed and can change based on context. My relationship with Gerard outside the set was no different from inside, except for the socially agreed hierarchy of filmmaking. This realization is crucial for public speakers: status is made by human consensus and can shift in an instant.
Key Takeaways for Public Speaking Executives
Recognize the Impact of Status: Understand how perceived status can affect your physiological and psychological state.
Embrace Equality: Remember that everyone, regardless of their status, is human. This perspective can help alleviate the fear of judgment.
Shift Your Perspective: Acknowledge that hierarchy is often arbitrary and can change. Use this to boost your confidence and authenticity on stage.
By internalizing these lessons, you can navigate the complexities of status and authority in public speaking, enhancing your effectiveness and connection with your audience.
Exercise:
Next time you watch TV or a film notice how the camera placement is used to support Authority or a lack of it. For instance in the picture at the top of this article the camera angle is low and looking up at the authority figure - implying the same physical dynamic of a child facing an adult. Pause it if you can an imagine if the camera was at equal eye level or even higher - how would that change the feeling you get? You can do the same when the camera is looking down suggesting low/no authority
Also take a moment to imagine all the camera and crew around the actor. Consider that they all have cell phones and lives and all need to break for lunch etc... Remove the idea that the actor is any more special just because they are in the eye of the lens.
Imagine someone higher up in the hierarchy in your work. Imagine them in a high position and bring them down to eye level. Again, imagine their average morning. Coffee. Cleaning teeth. Commute. The shared mundanity of being human.
Any time you feel the labels of those around you are intimidating, see the labels as areas of expertise not higher worth. You also have your expertise that they don't share. Again see them at eye level in your imagination and notice those mundane human things that you share.
If you feel you need more 1 on 1 coaching head over to this quiz so we can tailor a plan just for you - head over to look at some tips and hacks in my YouTube shorts, or simply head on to the next blog!
