• A clear understanding of the character's pre-history
• A clear understanding of the story
• A well chosen objective/intention/"need"
• Real listening
• Investing in the "need" of the moment and not anticipating the future
• Being open to whatever happens next
• Being relaxed
• Trusting in yourself

Bad Influences on Performance

• Just focusing on telling the story
• Believing that a particular scene is a great vehicle for your acting
• Striving to be good
• Striving to exploit emotion
• Failing to listen because it is already known what will be said next
• Listening for cues not meaning
• Acting (instead of inter-acting)