Seeing your audience through an actor's eyes: an interview with George Stalk

Purpose – To convey the potential of hidden benefits in well‐selected arts‐based training – in this particular instance, theatrically‐based training.Design/methodology/approach – A leading international consultancy put numerous vice presidents through training with The Actors Institute (TAI) over about ten years. This paper is an interview with a leading consultant who frequently gives presentations that had been consistently rated highly by his audiences before he began attending. After ten years, he still periodically returns to TAI for assistance.Findings – The original intent was to improve presentations. In fact, participants gained a better sense for dealing with all kinds of audiences, extending to client engagements and personal situations.Practical implications – Many executives don't feel the need for training when they hit a certain level. When the training is based on developmental skills and is over an extended period rather than a brief one‐time experience, and the training organization wise...