The Stage Manager Walk: Generally, running does not look very dignified. Speed-walking is just as undignified, with the added fact that you are clearly aware of, and trying to hide, the indignity inherent in the speed at which you are moving.
This venerated technique, however, allows you to move at great speed while still maintaining your dignity. The secret lies in having a purpose. Your walk - and your face, the importance of which should never be underestimated - should say "I have something of vital importance to do, and I know why, where and how to do it. I am not running out of panic - I am merely moving at sufficient speed to accomplish this goal."
This has another advantage: Once you have perfected the Walk, people will naturally move out of your way. Nobody wants to stop a man on a mission.
The Clipboard Of Authority: A surprisingly simple fact which is well-known even outside theatre is that, simply put, no-one will stop or challenge a man holding a clipboard.
Of course, the simple presence of the accessory is not enough. It must also be used in the right way. Carried in one arm, tilted low enough to be comfortable but high enough for its contents to be hidden from non-clipboard carriers, it should be glanced at regularly as if to verify the statements of anybody talking to you - or, indeed, to simply check that the universe as a whole has not deviated from the way the clipboard-bearer has planned.
The Voice of Command: Of course, sometimes the ability to move quickly and unchallenged is not sufficient. It is at times like these that the ability to issue orders is of great help.
Many people try to adapt an "I'm in charge" attitude when delivering orders. Now, this often works - after all, confidence is key. But there are many problems with this. Firstly, if you aren't actually in charge, whoever outranks you will probably react poorly, as will your equals and any underlings who prefer the current leader to you.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, in every group of people there are rebels (Particulary if you are a crew member dealing with cast, who often like to think they are the lords and ladies of creation). These people won't just fail to register a positive response to your attitude; they will respond negatively, actively fighting your attempts at control.
The secret, therefore, is to cultivate an attitude of "I know what I'm doing." If you can project an image of confidence in both the necessity and veracity of your knowledge and expertise, you will have an instant and attentive audience. Your superiors will think "This guy knows what he's doing, I'd better listen to him"; your equals will pay appropriate respect to your knowledge; your subordinates will readily lap up your wisdom and teaching; and rebels will have no authority to rebel against. Even cast - or the resident primadonnas in your particular field - will not risk looking bad on stage because they failed to listen to you.
Of course, it goes without saying that unless you are a particularly good actor, you had better actually know what you're doing. Feigned competence might get you an audience once, but should you be found out, good luck convincing anybody to listen to you again, even in areas where you are genuinely competent.
That's it for now, but I have many, many more of these, so more posts of this sort shall follow.
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