Five quick tips from Yelena Olenina for successful self-expression on and off stage

Honoured Artist of Russia, director, teacher, member of the Union of Writers of Russia and actress at the Moscow Drama Theatre "Chelovek" ("Human") Yelena Olenina shared a series of brief but meaningful tips at the National Centre RUSSIA. They will be useful not only to aspiring theatre professionals, but also to anyone who wants to feel more confident in everyday life.

Asked how to cope with anxiety, the actress gave a concise answer that reflects years of stage experience: "Breathe, and the anxiety will subside."

Her advice on learning to speak expressively sounds almost like a theatrical credo: "Always look at your partner and speak to them and for them. That is what makes your speech expressive." According to Yelena Olenina, genuine interest in the listener and close attention to them make speech lively and authentic.

To hold an audience's attention, the actress advises focusing on the message rather than on fears or doubts: "Think about what you want to convey and make every effort to convey it."

Yelena Olenina believes that complacency and being too comfortable are the main obstacles facing aspiring actors. In her view, these qualities stand in the way of professional growth and development.

And when asked whether it is possible to learn to speak well, the actress answered with just one word: "Absolutely."

Yelena Olenina opened the creative programme of the "Legacy. Theatre. The Greats" exposition project, marking the 150th anniversary of the Union of Theatre Workers of Russia and implemented with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives. She led a stage speech workshop for visitors to the exposition.

The exposition and all events in its programme are free to attend until 25 September with advance registration on the russia.ru website.