The Rule of 93/7

The word Drama means ‘to do’ in Greek. It does not mean to pretend, to become or to emote. Acting is dramatic doing.

Human communication is 7% verbal. Read that again. 7%. And most actors base most of their decisions on what the character says in the script. But the remaining 93% is where the magic is. The remainder is made up of body language, facial expression, eye contact, gesture, proximity, posture and elements of speech like tone, rhythm, pitch, volume and pace.

It is the 93% that reminds of the maxim – Actions speak louder than Words.

It is not what you say that communicates to the audience. It is what you do. Acting is doing, doing that is true to the moment, aligned with the needs of the script, taking place in the terrifying unforeseen moment, working off your partner’s behaviour.

When an actor speaks lines, they generally use whatever tactic the line implies but lines are simply the fuel for the scene. If you pursue a task, the lines come to life from the inside and so does the actor. The lines change their meaning to suit the needs of the moment.

To You, the Best
COACH