Whether you're acting in a movie or television show or are auditioning for a part, improve your performance with strategies to argue convincingly in the scene. Try these methods to work with your emotions and characterization to stage a realistic confrontation.
Instructions
1. Study the motivation of your character and even invent a back story if you don't have one, to discover what would drive her to be a part of this argument. Get into character completely to stand behind those convictions and react as she would to the other character's responses and emotions.
2. React naturally, even if your tone or response isn't something the other actor or director expects. When you're in the heat of an argument, for example, it's not out of the ordinary to cry or speak quietly and deliberately, rather than pacing around and yelling.
3. Think about a recent argument you had with your significant other, a parent or a friend to dredge up the anger and frustration that you felt at the time. Dwell on your pet peeves or something that annoyed you at the grocery store the other day. Remember situations that get you so upset that you'll snap at others just to relieve your irritation. Keep those feelings at the surface as you're acting in the scene.
4. Consider personality quirks, exasperating comments or habits of the actor that you're arguing with in the scene. Let your irritation and derision bubble to the surface to make the fight more convincing.
5. Inflict a little physical pain on yourself like digging your nails into the palms of your hands. The action may get your adrenaline pumping and make you more tense, alert and responsive as you argue.
