Communication is everything. Not just on the stage, but in the wider world, too. Whether talking in front of a live audience, lecturing in a university hall, or even just chipping in your point in an important work meeting, how we speak, listen and communicate can have a huge impact. That’s why communication skills coaching is such an important part of performing arts training, especially in terms of personal development. At Italia Conti, we’ve seen the impact of acting training first-hand and how it can build better communicators. Techniques based on the teachings of Meisner and Demidov don’t just teach students how to act; they give them tools that are invaluable in every aspect of life, from leadership to collaboration to teaching and public speaking. Communication Skills Coaching: For Actors and Life Communication skills coaching is about helping individuals develop clarity, empathy and confidence in how they engage with others. In the performing arts industry, this often starts with actor training but is often developed through more focused training, such as teaching and coaching in the speaking voice, which gives attendees the communication skills for coaching others. At Italia Conti, our acting courses include several skills and techniques that will help students develop their communication skills. This includes… The Meisner Technique This technique places a big emphasis on listening and reacting truthfully. These are core communication skills that are essential not just for acting scenes, but for wider life conversations too. Actors will learn to tune into subtext, emotional shifts and body language, which are all skills that any great communicator must master. The Demidov Approach This approach nurtures presence, freedom of thought, and spontaneity. It encourages actors to respond from a place of authenticity. This mindset is incredibly valuable in both acting, coaching, teaching and leadership roles, whether in the performing arts industry or elsewhere. Improv Practice Improvisation also plays a big part in communication. It develops adaptability, creative thinking and the ability to read a room, and react suitably. Whether you’re navigating a scene that’s gone wrong or a tricky meeting, improv is an essential skill to master. Voice Training: A Tool for Every Communicator For those interested in mastering communication skills for coaching others, we offer an MA/MFA course in Teaching & Coaching the Speaking Voice. This offers advanced training in how the voice shapes communication. The course is ideal not just for actors, but for anyone who wants to work with professional voice users, including leaders, public speakers and coaches. Coaching Communication Skills: Why It Matters Strong communication skills are the foundation of every successful performance, and we don’t just mean on the stage. Actor training, or professional communication training, helps develop the courage to speak, the awareness to listen and the ability to adapt. And these skills are game-changing for anyone. Performing arts training and courses aren’t just about teaching people how to act, it’s about teaching people how to connect, communicate and make an impact.