What's In A Name? by Tonia

What's In A Name? by Tonia - August 2013 Scholarship Essay

I took an acting class in college and learned how to say my name, the right way. That might sound a little strange, considering a name is one of the very first things a person learns to say as a child. This was no different for me, I learned how to say and spell my name in the average time it takes a youngster. This class introduced me to a method that goes beyond stating my name when introducing myself to a new audience or producer. This method is entitled, slating. Slating is introducing yourself and stating what song or script you will be performing. Casting directors and producers use this slate to see if an actor is 'cast-able'. My professor explained that this introduction sets the precedence for an audition. But with everyone coming into an audition, slating and basically stating the same introduction, it is very easy to be forgettable. He taught me how to be memorable. His guidelines were:1. Pick a smell you LOVE. For example, the fresh scent of the waterfalls in a mountain spring laundry detergent or the arromatic fragrance of a cinnamon roll topped with sweet, rich cream and hot out  of the oven. (If it makes your mouth water or your heart smile, you've found the right smell.) 2. Now while this smell is fresh in your mind, state your name. Believe it or not, your name comes out a little more pleasant, as you remind yourself of this wonderful smell. You may even release a warm smile. After trying this exercise and recording my slate I realized this was true. Stating my name in a blissful state makes people want to know more about me. It makes an audience sit up in their chair and lean in a little closer. Now I use this method for slating and everyday introductions, and I have to say it has helped develop some relationships, even when I'm short on time.