Think Like an Actor: Matt Zina on Authenticity and Influence

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-28

### Why Authenticity Beats Perfection We've all sat through presentations where the speaker reads slides word for word, never looking up. It's painful, right? Matt Zina, an award-winning acting coach and talent agent, says that's exactly the problem. In 2026, authenticity is everything. But what does that actually look like in practice? It looks like stumbling over your words and laughing it off instead of starting over. It looks like admitting you forgot a point and circling back. It looks human. And that humanity is what earns attention and trust. Zina's point is simple: emotions drive actions. If you want your audience to change their behavior, you have to make them feel something first. Stanislavski, the grandfather of modern acting technique, discovered this over a century ago. When actors were authentic in their roles, audiences had deeper emotional experiences. The same principle applies to business communication. ### What Business Leaders Can Learn from Actors Actors are business leaders in their own right. The ones who succeed treat their careers like a company—they market themselves, stay visible on social media, and communicate consistently. Zina sees many business leaders doing the opposite. They think they're above personal branding, that it's beneath them. But that's a mistake. The biggest source of influence today, whether you like it or not, is social media. If you're not showing up there, you're invisible to a huge portion of your audience. And it's not just about being present—it's about being real. - Authenticity over perfection: People connect with vulnerability, not polish. - Consistency matters: Show up regularly, even when it's uncomfortable. - Emotional connection: Make your audience feel something, and they'll act. ### How to Apply Acting Skills to Your Next Presentation So how do you bring this into your own work? Start by ditching the script. Instead of memorizing every word, know your key points and speak from the heart. Use stories that illustrate your message—stories are emotional, and emotion drives action. Another trick: focus on the back of the room. Not literally, but mentally. When you speak, imagine you're talking to the person farthest from you. That forces you to project energy and confidence, which translates to authenticity. Also, don't be afraid to pause. A pause isn't dead air—it's a moment for your audience to absorb what you've said. Actors use pauses to build tension and emphasis. You can too. ### Why This Matters for Your Personal Brand Your personal brand is your reputation, and it's built on how you communicate. If you're always polished and perfect, you come across as robotic. If you're authentic, you come across as trustworthy. And trust is the foundation of influence. Zina's advice is clear: stop trying to be perfect, start being real. Slip up, laugh, and move on. That's what people remember. That's what makes them lean in. In a world where attention is scarce, authenticity is the currency that buys it. So, the next time you're preparing a presentation or a post, ask yourself: Am I trying to impress, or am I trying to connect? The answer will change everything.