A Failed Audition with Robert De Niro Led to a Pivotal Learning Experience, Empowering Me to Dominate every High-Pressure Situation, and the Same Strategy Could Work for You as Well.
Leonardo DiCaprio, the acclaimed actor, once had a memorable audition for a movie with none other than Robert De Niro. Despite overperforming and tripping over his words, the experience proved to be incredibly valuable for DiCaprio. Here, we delve into the lessons he learned from that fateful encounter and how they can be applied to command a room, pitch, present, or perform.
Leading up to the audition, DiCaprio felt a palpable sense of fear and anxiety. However, he soon realised that high-stakes moments, whether on a stage, in a boardroom, or across from someone who could change the trajectory of one's business or life, require a different approach.
The secret to owning a room, DiCaprio discovered, isn't being perfect, but being present, prepared, and fully oneself. Presence, he emphasises, is physical, and rehearsing should include voice, posture, and energy. He advises focusing on what the person in front of you needs in the moment, rather than getting lost in the high stakes of the situation.
DiCaprio's fourth lesson emphasises the importance of making a strong first impression. The first 10 seconds of an audition, pitch, or presentation are crucial for setting the tone. To achieve this, he suggests walking into a room as if you belong.
His fifth lesson is to stop trying to impress and start trying to connect. This means being authentic and genuine, rather than putting on a show. High-stakes moments can be daunting, but DiCaprio advises building an internal reset button to recover from mistakes. Power, he asserts, doesn't come from being flawless, but from knowing how to find your footing again.
One of DiCaprio's biggest mistakes during the audition was focusing on the outcome instead of the moment at hand. He was so caught up in the potential consequences that he spiralled and lost his composure. This led to his overperforming, tripping over his words, and cluttering his delivery.
However, DiCaprio doesn't dwell on past mistakes. Instead, he takes the lesson and leaves the rest. He now teaches his clients that mindset is their foundation. He advises not to dwell on past mistakes, but to learn from them and move forward.
In conclusion, DiCaprio's audition mishap with Robert De Niro was a valuable learning experience. The lessons he learned, such as the importance of presence, authenticity, and a strong first impression, can be applied to various situations, from auditions to presentations, to help command a room and connect with the audience.
