Today we focus on the impact emotions have on facial expression when the emotion is not triggered by the objective.
Let’s be clear, emotions do not replace objectives. Emotions are triggered by our objective, and like our vocals, and gestures, follow the objective. They are guided and ruled by it.
When we allow an emotion to lead the story it is likely that we have not chosen our objective. Why not?
Emotions, like sound, are seductive. We like the way it feels when we are emotionally charged in the same way we like singing forte. It feels good. However, our emotions alone will not get us to the goal line. Until triggered by our objective, emotions become less valuable and even meaningless. Without the objective, our emotions are like water without the pitcher: wasted and messy. And, we risk being perceived as self-indulgent.
Why do we allow ourselves to become seduced by our emotions to such an extent that they become synonymous in our minds with our objective? Perhaps it’s because emotions feel good and real and we think that’s enough.
Unfortunately, what feels good and real might not be enough for the creative team or your audience who wonder what is triggering the emotion. If your objective were intact, they would know.
Your face reflects your soul. It’s that powerfully transparent. When you wait, listen for an internal cue, and trust it, what emanates from your hearts and souls is profoundly, personally yours. And, emotions specific to fulfilling your objective will emerge when they have an objective to ride out upon. This is what the creative team and your audience are waiting for—this marriage of emotion with objective.
Without the objective, the face is painted with emotion instead of imbued with it. Here are some examples to be aware of. Does this happen to you?
1. Frozen forehead with railroad tracks. The emotion gets physicalized on your forehead, causing lines or railroad tracks. All our attention leaves your eyes to watch your forehead wondering what it is attempting to communicate. Without an objective the emotions dangle. They are not rooted and therefore not justified.
2. Stuck eyes with tense muscles around eyes. When the forehead is pulled up the eyes follow. What results is a deer in headlights stare which looks unnatural, uncomfortable, and stuck.
3. Madonna smile. A general, pleasant smile which has no specific connection to story.
The easiest and most reliable solution is to choose objectives for your songs and monologues and trust that your emotions will follow. Your emotions will emerge effortlessly riding upon your objectives. Your face will be a relaxed, open, empty canvas filling organically with the emotions germane to reaching your objective. Then your facial expressions will be natural, justified, and poignantly real. Trust that you are enough, choose your objective, and allow your emotions to emerge from within organically. To your success!
Like this advice? Check out more from our Backstage Experts!
