The All-Important "Court Presence"

[rainmaker]

I actually had a little spare time yesterday, and I was browsing at the library where I found a book called "Action Techniques for Everyday Life or Look and Feel Self-Confident in Difficult Real-Life Situations". The concept intrigued me so I brought it home.

It has quite a few useful suggestions for people who need to come across strong, calm and in control (such as referees in big games).

Here are some sections:

The Outrageous Sound and Dance Exercise -- this is a warm-up, not something to do on-stage!! ( or the bball court)

Turning an Intimidating Person into Someone Else

Playing a Character
-- Now it's Your Turn to Play a Character

The Glassy-Eye Syndrome

How You can Play an Animal
Elsa's Cat and Her Tail
How Ethan Hawke Uses Animals

Do You Need to Slow Down?

Finding Your Perfect Prop

What Props Can Help You?

The Magic As-If

Like I say, these weren't written specifically for refs, but it looks as though they could be very helpful, especially for younger, newer refs, and also for us oldsters who have been told that we need to work on "presence" or coach management.

I may buy a copy, and study it this season, to see if it helps. Could I write it off on my taxes?

[Dan_ref]

Originally posted by rainmaker

I may buy a copy, and study it this season, to see if it helps. Could I write it off on my taxes?

Could you? Sure! Should you...well that's a different question.

Is this it?

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...roduct-details

[Mark Padgett]

Juulie - work a few more games with me and you won't need that book.


BTW - we have someone here in the office named "Julie" and I keep typing "Juulie" when I email her. Darn you!

[rainmaker]

Originally posted by Mark Padgett
Juulie - work a few more games with me and you won't need that book.

Mark -- I HAVE worked a few games with you, and I still want the book. Let's face it, no one could ever hope to imitate your presence. And there are folks who would say that no one should! Not me of course...

BTW - we have someone here in the office named "Julie" and I keep typing "Juulie" when I email her. Darn you!

Life is tough, Mark.

[rainmaker]

Dan --that's the one. I forgot to include the author's name which is Jane Marla Robbins.

Here is something she suggests which gives a little taste of the book. I think her wording and description is very good. It sounds kind of corny, but I had been doing this before, and it really helped me a lot.

"Sometimes actors can figure out how to move, talk, or even think as their characters by sensing the tempo rhythm of their character. Try hearing a Strauss waltz in your head and feel how you change, or a Beatles ballad, or something you choose yourself.... Notice ouw simply hearing the music in your head changes not only how you feel, but also how you walk and move. What music gives more bounce to your walk? What music makes you walk assertively?... How do you want to feel before you make a major presentation? Probably not sleepy, and a lullaby may not be what you need. On the other hand, if you're overexcited before a certain hot date, the lullaby may be just what you need to calm you down so you can focus and keep those feet on the ground."

I'm quoting this under the section of the copyright statement that says, "No part may be reproduced ...except by reviewers who may quote brief excerpts in connection with a review..."

[Mark Padgett]

Originally posted by rainmaker
Let's face it, no one could ever hope to imitate your presence. And there are folks who would say that no one should!

Have you been talking to my wife again?

[rainmaker]

Originally posted by Mark Padgett

Have you been talking to my wife again?

Actually it was a different family whose name starts with R, but you knew that, didn't you!

[mick]

Originally posted by rainmaker

Actually it was a different family whose name starts with R, but you knew that, didn't you!

Dan Ref.