Why do I feel like I’m bluffing?

Convener(s): Jenny/Saira/Ro

Participants: Unknown 

Summary of discussion, conclusions and/or recommendations: 

• Is everyone bluffing?
• Need/want of clarification/feedback – am I working in the right way/what is the right way/is there a right way?
• Part of working in the arts is about forging new pathways, looking at things from a new perspective, if there is no precedent how can you tell if you’re doing it right? Is there a wrong way?
• Is it actually wrong to bluff? Part of our work is often to instill confidence in ourselves in others, gives them security and confidence in our abilities.
• Everyone has insecurities, is to ‘bluff’ just not burdening others’ with them?
• Pretensions/confidence/arrogance – is the feeling of ‘bluffing’ a way to psychologically avoid being/being perceived as pretentious?
• If you can bluff effectively then you are doing the job well – if you are projecting the right image and not ‘making mistakes’ or ‘getting found out’, doesn’t that mean you’re doing it well?
• Image projection/confidence/façade
• Chutzpah
• Arranged failure - not to be afraid of making mistakes
• Acting – If you are able to fake the truth, then you’ve made it
• Life/work – balance/dividing line – is there one in the arts?
• Out of control/relationship to others/trust
• Self assessment/management
• Forming your own opinions and having confidence in them
• Vulnerability
• Self consciousness/doubt are part of the learning process
• Reflection
• The actor and the target – the answer is within - don’t need affirmations – danger of comparing
• Mimicry – benefits of learning from others/watching/listening
• What are the consequences of bluffing?
• Play/Bluff
• You can’t know everything