• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Front page
  • Archives
  • About
    • About
    • Site author Douglas Eby
    • About product links
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
  • Related sites
  • Interviews
    • Interviews – audio
    • Interviews – text
  • Resources
    • Selected Articles
    • Resources for Creative People
    • Books For Your Creative Mind
    • Emotional Health Resources
    • Products & Programs
    • RSS Feed
  • The Creative Mind Daily

The Creative Mind

creativity research | personal growth for creative people

  • Developing Creativity
  • Personality
  • Sensitivity / Introversion
  • Self-esteem
  • Mental Wellness
  • More topics
You are here: Home / Actors and acting / Kerry Washington on the power of silence
MasterClass creativity training programs

Kerry Washington on the power of silence

Kerry Washington in Scandal

Kerry Washington talked about using silence as an actor:

When I was substitute teaching in New York City public school…I kept getting offered full-time teaching jobs, and I kept going, wow, I could leave this acting thing and have benefits and a regular income, and (laugh) make a difference in the world, and feel good about my work.

And not have to worry about what’s out there, available, as an actor. But I think that job taught me a lot about the power of communication, the power of silences. I learned in my substitute teaching how you get attention through silence. And how to really own your power in a room.

I think so often as actors or just as people, we wanna talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. And two things. Really, communication is about listening. I think so often when someone else is talking, we’re just thinking about the next thing we’re gonna say, whether it’s actors thinking about our line, or even when we’re in a conversation with our significant others.

And I think real communication happens when we’re able to listen, which requires a level of silence and receiving. I think also when we allow ourselves to be still in a room, people are drawn to that. Because there is a lack of need. There’s a security in stillness and in silence that’s really important.

Kerry Washington on “The Tavis Smiley Show” on KCET tv, Jan 11 2007.

~~~~~~~

Save

Social Emotional Health Program for Creative, Gifted, Highly Sensitive People
Discover the Power of Self-Compassion free video series
The Self-Acceptance Summit

 

Filed Under: Actors and acting, Consciousness Tagged With: self confidence, self-concept
By Douglas Eby: Resume | Facebook/The Creative Mind page

About Douglas Eby

Douglas Eby (M.A./Psychology) is author of the Talent Development Resources series of sites including High Ability; Highly Sensitive and Creative; The Creative Mind and others - which provide "Information and inspiration to enhance creativity and personal development." Also see Résumé.

Primary Sidebar

The Creative Mind Network

The Creative Mind is part of a series of sites by Douglas Eby - providing information and inspiration for exploring your creativity and personal development.

The Creative Mind Daily
Scoop.it Content Curation by Douglas Eby        Flipboard
Mindfulness Daily
Annie Leibovitz Teaches Photography
The Self-Acceptance Summit article

Popular Posts

  • The Complex Personality of Creative People
  • Growing up exceptional: Emma Watson on being smart
  • Creativity and Asperger’s
  • ADHD and the Creative Mind
  • Owning Our Shadow Self
  • What Keeps You Away From Creative Work?

search this site

search ALL Creative Mind sites

More Creative Mind Sites

Talent Development Resources

Developing Multiple Talents – the book

High Ability

Highly Sensitive and Creative

Actors and acting

The Inner Entrepreneur

Personal Growth Information

Emotional Health Resources

Anxiety Relief Solutions

More sites & Facebook pages of Douglas Eby

Copyright © 2018 · Lifestyle Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · on WordPress