From Inner State to Visible Action: An Acting-Based Methodology for Developing Authentic Self-Presentation and Nonverbal Communication
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This article presents VISIBLE YOU, an acting-based educational methodology developed by Irina Konkina to support authentic self-presentation and intentional nonverbal communication. The study examines the relationship between internal psychological states, communicative intentions, physical expression, and interpersonal perception, drawing on theoretical perspectives from acting pedagogy, social psychology, and nonverbal communication research. The proposed methodology challenges conventional approaches to self-presentation that emphasize the imitation of confident postures, standardized gestures, and predetermined emotional expressions. Instead, it conceptualizes effective self-presentation as a dynamic process through which individuals identify their internal state, establish a communicative intention, direct attention toward an interaction partner, and translate intention into observable action. The article introduces the five-stage VISIBLE YOU framework—State, Intention, Gaze, Action, and Impression—and examines the complementary S.I.G.N.A.L. instructional model. It also describes three progressive levels of expressive development: BE SEEN, BE FELT, and BE REMEMBERED. Practical applications include camera-based exercises, improvisation, micro-acting, role-based communication, and structured video feedback. The study proposes an educational framework for developing expressive flexibility and self-awareness across professional and everyday communication contexts. It further identifies methodological considerations for evaluating instructional outcomes, including behavioral observation, participant reflection, and comparative video analysis. As a conceptual and methodological study, the article does not claim experimentally verified effectiveness. Rather, it establishes a theoretical and pedagogical foundation for future empirical investigation of acting-based communication training. Keywords: acting pedagogy, authentic self-presentation, nonverbal communication, VISIBLE YOU methodology, embodied expression, camera presence, intentional action, expressive flexibility, communication confidence, video feedback.
Author: Irina Konkina
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W7223454463