5 Ways Successful Askers are Like Good Actors

The work of a successful nonprofit asker is like the work of a good actor in many ways.

Now, I know that suggesting askers work like actors may feel a bit of a stretch, but it works. I’m living proof. Over the course of more than two decades of being an asker in a variety of capacities I’ve used my work as an actor to overcome my fear of asking.

Actors and askers rely on many of the same tools and skills to do their work. Above all a commitment to truth and authenticity is a must for both. With this a given, here are just five of the ways actors and askers are alike.

1. Listening
   If an actor is lacking in the listening skills department, they are disconnected to what is going on around them with other actors. The more you listen the more profound the connection with others. For askers this means a more meaningful connection with their prospects. Listening actively is a skill that benefits ourselves and others.
2. Connecting
   Both actors and askers must be adept at connecting with others quickly, effortlessly, and authentically. There's a process actors go through to get to know a character - to connect with them. Actors also connect with words, scripts, other actors, props, and sets just to name a few. The asker who can remain fully present with the environment around them as well as with the moment they are in like an actor does will be living in the moment with their prospect which connects asker and prospect on a more meaningful level.
3. Analysis
   There are three types of analysis an actor conducts when creating a character. All three are equally important for askers as well. Character analysis is akin to prospect analysis and gives askers a chance to become better acquainted with a prospect. Audience analysis for actors happens prior to performance as well as during a performance so they know if the story being told is landing with the audience. For askers audience analysis is ongoing observation of a prospect in and out of visits to determine whether what they are sharing is being heard. The third type of analysis, self-analysis, is important on an ongoing basis to make sure your objectives and tactics as an asker are in alignment with your prospects as well as with your organization and its mission.
4. Adapting
   Actors and askers must remain flexible in any situation or environment they find themselves in. You have to adapt quickly as details, topics, energy, attitudes, and moods change. A major part of the job for actors and askers is an ability and willingness to adapt to the unexpected to keep things moving forward.
   
5. Inner Monologue
   We're all familiar with the power of our inner monologues. You may call it something different, but it's the voice in your head that is on a constant loop. Actors actively engage with their own personal inner monologue as well as their character's outside of work, in rehearsals, and during performance. This strengthens their ability to effectively concentrate on more than one thing at a time. Askers who are attentive to their own inner monologue on a regular basis outside of prospect visits learn to trust and adjust it during visits which helps them focus more on their prospect rather than focusing too much on the voice in their head. Working on your own inner monologue can also help you "listen in on" your prospect's inner monologue through things like tone, body language, and gestures.

Actors become masters at using the tools of their trade to tell a story to an audience. The nonprofit asker who masters those same tools is better equipped to communicate their organization's mission and make confident, successful asks.