AMANDA’S CONFIDENCE TRICKS

YOU ARE WELL-KNOWN FOR PLAYING STRONG, CONFIDENT WOMEN. IS THAT THE REAL YOU?

Not really. I’m actually quite shy – lots of actors are. But I feel more confident since I lost the weight I put on after my mother died. I spiralled into it. I felt uncomfortable in myself, and therefore I didn’t want to go anywhere. As I lost it, I started to get more confident, so it’s important to me to keep that going.

WHERE ELSE DO YOU FIND CONFIDENCE?

From my husband, Damian. He gives me confidence because I have never-ending support from him. It is unusual in a relationship in that his support is almost unconditional, which is something you only get with your children.

YOU HAVE BEEN HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE FIND THEIR OWN CONFIDENCE SINCE 1995, WHEN YOU OPENED THE ARTISTS THEATRE SCHOOL…

It’s wonderful. I get a huge amount out of it. Watching young people grow, find themselves, their voice and their confidence, is a joy. I teach there every Saturday if I’m in London, and I bulldoze every actor I know to do masterclasses there!

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT PUBLIC SPEAKING? CAN YOU SHARE ANY TIPS FOR MAKING IT EASIER?

It terrifies the life out of me! I make sure that I’m really heavily prepared. I am not one of those people who can do off the cuff. Lots of people can – I admire that hugely, and they are naturally witty. Not me. I need to know exactly what I’m going to say. I go slowly. If you start to speak fast, that’s when you stumble and lose yourself. I would say preparation is the big thing.