The Actor Communicates: Practice One-Minded Connection

What it is; Why it's important & How to practice it.

Hi Actor,

Can you reflect on the last time you had someone's full, undivided attention? How did they make you feel? Pretty good right? Now think about the last time you had a conversation with someone where it was clear they were't taking in anything you had to say and were more interested in something else happening in the room. How did that feel? Not great?

We often remember people by how they made us feel. So if we want people to remember us in a positive light, lets make them feel great by using "undivided attention" or ... one-minded connection.

A lobby is a prime example of where a lack of one-minded connection occurs. Why? Because it's quite a distracting space to be in. The music is pumping, crowds of people are talking, there are likely 6 people you know well, 10 people you've met in passing, 4 industry heavyweights/ celebrities and another 70 currently unknown (to you) professionals all in the same room together. My recommendation is don't get distracted. It's loud, often semi-fast paced and it can be easy to fall into the trap of looking over the person you're talking to's shoulder.

I recently had an interaction with another actor in the lobby of a film festival. This person was really doing quite well for themselves (career wise). I spoke to them and asked about all the exciting things they'd been getting up to. Great! Actually really cool stuff! They must have spoken for 5 minutes before asking me about myself to which I told them that I too was an actor... I could see the interest drain from their face in that moment. Just because I was an actor and I guess assumably didn't have any direct opportunities for this person? What a horrible way to engage with the industry, not as in "ethically horrible". No. Ethically it's fine. I more mean, "how horrible" to feel like they could only connect with people who they thought they could get something from. Because they must think that others expect the same of them. I know I'm assuming a lot here and perhaps I am way off in my assumption, we can never really be sure of whats going on in someone else's mind, but regardless I believe I am talking to something very real and prevalent in this industry. A unrelenting sense of desperation. Not just from this actor but with many actors. Even funnily enough from the people booking work.

It sounds bad but it's also really understandable. I've been there. By societies standards, success in this industry is largely built on an unattainable image that doesn't really exist. The modern world of social media has crystallised this inadequacy in a majority of us and follows us around 24/7, in our pockets. The glitz and glamour of it all is quite tantalising, yes, but also equally soul crushing. It makes sense why someone would want to make the most of every event/ interaction - attempting to move from one important person to another. It's a bad look though and ultimately unhealthy. I believe we can smell ulterior motives from a mile a way, so lets make sure you're not feeding into that societal narrative and missing the opportunity to connect.

Let's simplify it, hey? Make it easy for yourself. It will make you a much happier person and you'll feel more excited to be in the industry. You'll likely be hugely surprised at what can come your way, if you just chilled out and spoke to the human in front of you, like a human. Take away any expectation that this person or any other person (especially that person "over there", over current persons shoulder) will give you an opportunity.

Focus on building the relationship right in front of you. Be curious. Always.

To enhance your ability to be one minded you may want to also consider a daily practice of "mindfulness". Ugh. I know, some of you may have just had a bit of a reaction to the word "Mindfulness". It has become a bit of a buzz word and supposedly "has the ability to cure unhappiness in every aspect of your life". The word "mindfulness" has also largely been mistakenly a replacement word for meditation. Meditation is in fact a practice of mindfulness but mindfulness is not exclusively meditation. For some people meditation doesn't work. So if meditation isn't your thing, find something else. It may be a little "trial and error" till you find something that works for you. Remember, daily practice is best!

Mindfulness can incorporate any of the following:

• Meditation

• Sketching

• Stretching

• Having a cup of coffee of a morning

• Going for a walk

• Sitting in silence

• Walking on grass in bare feet

• Swimming

• Breathing exercises

• Folding and tearing paper

• Drinking a glass of water

• Gardening

• Cleaning & tidying

• Writing

• Journalling

• Colouring in

• A shower

Anything that you use to bring your mind back to this current moment can be used as a mindfulness practice. Once you have established a daily practice, simply keep an eye out for people to connect with. Industry or otherwise. Build some really beautiful relationships with people and you'll be amazed at what comes your way.

Take aways:

• Be present with the people you meet.

• Don't let insecurities distract you from connecting with the people right in front of you.

• Develop a short daily practice of mindfulness.

Let me know in the comments: What is your mindfulness practice? How have you noticed it help? Feel free to reach out directly too!

Talk Soon.

Lachy

Lachlan is an Australian Actor who has been working within the industry nearing a decade. He’s worked in Film & Theatre.

© Lachlan Stuart 2025