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.
Participants investigate methodologies to refine empathetic listening, optimize vocal resonance, and master non-verbal communication. The program focuses on developing curious, creative, and authoritative communicators capable of navigating diverse professional interactions with executive presence and emotional intelligence.
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.
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4 vidéos8 lectures4 devoirs
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4 vidéos•Total 8 minutes
Introduction To Acting As Practical Psychology •2 minutes
Empathy•1 minute
Summary: Is Your Workplace Communication Style as Effective as it Could Be?•3 minutes
Replacing Value Judgements with Observations•2 minutes
Activity: Effective feedback for subjective work•5 minutes
4 devoirs•Total 34 minutes
Quiz Yourself: Acting Terms •5 minutes
Quiz Yourself: Engaging Empathy in Business Practices•2 minutes
Quiz Yourself: Subjective or Objective?•7 minutes
Defining your ‘Leader Self’•20 minutes
Imaginative Preparation and Goal Setting
Module 2•2 heures à terminer
Détails du module
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.
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8 vidéos9 lectures2 devoirs
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8 vidéos•Total 25 minutes
Objectives•2 minutes
Performance by August Gray Gall •3 minutes
Performance by Symone Holmes•4 minutes
Tactics•1 minute
Interview With Dr. Cindy Molloy (Part 1)•7 minutes
Interview With Dr. Cindy Molloy (Part 2)•3 minutes
Interview With Dr. Cindy Molloy (Part 3)•4 minutes
Obstacles•1 minute
9 lectures•Total 61 minutes
Introduction: Guest Actor Performance by August Gray Gall •1 minute
Analysis of Performance by August Gray Gall •10 minutes
Excerpt from “Audition" by Michael Shurtleff•20 minutes
Guest Actor Performance by Symone Holmes•1 minute
Analysis of Performance by Symone Holmes•10 minutes
Tactics as Verbs•2 minutes
Introduction: Guest Interview With Dr. Cindy Molloy•2 minutes
Anticipating Obstacles to Your Business Goal •10 minutes
Review: Tactics + Objectives•5 minutes
2 devoirs•Total 25 minutes
Activity: Setting a Business Goal •10 minutes
Test Yourself: Tactics + Objectives•15 minutes
Vocal Resonance and Rhetorical Impact
Module 3•1 heure à terminer
Détails du module
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.
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11 vidéos4 lectures3 devoirs
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11 vidéos•Total 30 minutes
Breathing Exercises•4 minutes
Summary: The Breathing Technique that Can Make You a Better Leader•1 minute
Body Posture•4 minutes
Physical Postures for Stress Relief and Improved Communication•4 minutes
Summary: Effective Communication in the Workplace - Navigating the Nuances of Language•1 minute
Active Listening•1 minute
The Intent to Understand•1 minute
Performance by Fiona Rose Dryer•1 minute
Interview with Hannah Keeney (Part 1)•3 minutes
Interview with Hannah Keeney (Part 2)•4 minutes
Interview with Hannah Keeney (Part 3)•5 minutes
4 lectures•Total 22 minutes
Activity: Set an Exercise Schedule•5 minutes
Nuance of Language•1 minute
Excerpt from CYRANO DE BERGERAC•15 minutes
Introduction: Guest Interview with Hannah Keeney•1 minute
3 devoirs•Total 21 minutes
Quiz Yourself: Listening and Understanding•1 minute
Test Yourself: Breath Placement•10 minutes
Test Yourself: Mirroring Exercise •10 minutes
Empathetic Listening and Relational Dynamics
Module 4•2 heures à terminer
Détails du module
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.
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5 vidéos6 lectures3 devoirs
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5 vidéos•Total 7 minutes
Preparing for Risk•1 minute
Hold on Tightly, Let Go Lightly •1 minute
Yes, and•2 minutes
Summary: What Improv Can Teach Next-Gen Leaders•2 minutes
Action!•1 minute
6 lectures•Total 53 minutes
Fail and Share•5 minutes
Team Success•5 minutes
Relaxed Confidence•5 minutes
Respect for Acting•15 minutes
Supplemental Activity: Perform a Monologue•20 minutes
Course Summary•3 minutes
3 devoirs•Total 47 minutes
Quiz: "Fail and Share" or "Hold on Tightly, Let Go Lightly?"•2 minutes
Quiz Yourself: 'Yes, and...' Improv•15 minutes
Test Yourself: Preparing for a Presentation or Pitch •30 minutes
CalArts has earned an international reputation as the leading college of the visual and performing arts in the United States. Offering rigorous undergraduate and graduate degree programs through six schools—Art, Critical Studies, Dance, Film/Video, Music, and Theater—CalArts has championed creative excellence, critical reflection, and the development of new forms and expressions.
Pour quelles raisons les étudiants sur Coursera nous choisissent-ils pour leur carrière ?
Felipe M.
Étudiant(e) depuis 2018
’Pouvoir suivre des cours à mon rythme à été une expérience extraordinaire. Je peux apprendre chaque fois que mon emploi du temps me le permet et en fonction de mon humeur.’
Jennifer J.
Étudiant(e) depuis 2020
’J'ai directement appliqué les concepts et les compétences que j'ai appris de mes cours à un nouveau projet passionnant au travail.’
Larry W.
Étudiant(e) depuis 2021
’Lorsque j'ai besoin de cours sur des sujets que mon université ne propose pas, Coursera est l'un des meilleurs endroits où se rendre.’
Chaitanya A.
’Apprendre, ce n'est pas seulement s'améliorer dans son travail : c'est bien plus que cela. Coursera me permet d'apprendre sans limites.’
How does this course differ from a traditional acting class?
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.
I’m not a performer; is this course right for me?
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.
How is this different from a standard "Public Speaking" course?
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.
I'm a CalArtian (current CalArts student, faculty, staff, or alumnx). How do I take this course for free?
CalArtians can access all of the content in the course and earn a certificate at no additional cost by joining through the Coursera for CalArts program and then using their CalArts email address when registering for a Coursera account.
What is CalArts, and why should I study business communication and leadership through an acting-based methodology?
The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) is a world-renowned laboratory for the performing arts, founded by Walt Disney to foster a "total arts" environment where creativity and technical mastery intersect. While a traditional business school teaches the theory of management, the CalArts pedagogy in this course focuses on the "mechanics" of human connection. By studying leadership through this professional acting lens, you aren't just learning "public speaking tips"—you are training your "instrument" (voice, body, and presence) to command a room, navigate high-stakes conflict, and lead with the same authenticity and psychological depth required for a professional stage performance.
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
To access the course materials, assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid. The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?
When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.