Acting is such an over-crowded profession that the only advice that should be given to a
young person thinking of going on the stage is "Don"t!". But it is useless to try to discourage
someone who feels that he must act, though the chances of his becoming famous are slim. The
normal way to begin is too to a drama school. Usually only students who show promise and
talent are accepted, and the course lasts two years.
Then the young actor or actress takes up work with a repertory company, usually as an assistant
stage manager. This means doing everything that there is to do in the theatre: painting scenery,
looking after the furniture, taking care of the costumes, and even acting in very small parts. It is
very hard work indeed. The hours are long and the salary is tiny. But young actors with the stage
in their blood are happy, waiting for the chances of working with a better company, or perhaps
in films or television.
Of course, some people have unusual chances which lead to fame and success without this
long and dull training. Connie Pratt, for example, was just an ordinary girl working in a bicycle
factory. A film producer happened to catch sight of her one morning waiting at a bus stop, as he
drove past in his big car. He told the driver to stop, and he got out to speak to the girl. He asked
her if she would like to go to the film studio
to do a test, and at first she thought he was joking. Then she got angry and said she would call the
police. It took the producer twenty minutes to tell Connie that he was serious. Then an appointment
was made for her to go to the studio the next day. The test was successful. They gave her some
necessary lessons and within a few weeks she was playing the leading part opposite one of the
most famous actors of the day. Of
course, she was given a more dramatic name, which is now world-famous. But chances like this
happen once in a blue moon!
If you are asked to chair a meeting, remember the following six golden rules for meeting management.
1. Always start the meeting on time. If you begin on time, group members who show up late will realize
the value of time. Beginning on time reflects the skill as an effective time manager and sets an example for
others to follow.
2. Select a note-taker or arrange to have the meeting audio-taped .You may need to refer back to an
issue that was discussed during the meeting at a later date. Good record-keeping is a sign of a good meeting manager as well.
3. Learn to listen. So many times we think we are going to say and, in the process, block out important
points that other group members may be contributing. Additionally, we often hear only what we want to hear, rather than really listen to other people. Meetings that are characterized by effective listening are successful
meetings.
4. Keep the discussion on track .Many times important issues can get sidetracked in a meeting, especially when everyone has a different opinion about the topic. If an unexpected conflict develops once the meeting
is in progress, either appoint a subcommittee to look into the problem, or ask the participants involved in the
conflict to meet with you after the meeting. Doing so will help keep the discussion on track and minimize (减少) the chances of wasting participants" time of great value.
5. Give everyone an opportunity to be heard .Some people tend to control meetings, whereas others
wait to be asked their opinions. As the leader of the meeting, you need to keep an open mind and make sure
everyone feels welcome to contribute and express ideas without criticism.
6. End on time. If you said the meeting would last no longer than one hour, make sure the meeting lasts
for only one hour. Running late with a meeting makes members late for other appointments, increases the
chances that the members will mentally leave the meeting and reduces your reliability as an effective meeting
manager.
1. ▲ on how to manage a meeting
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