At 22 years old, Amanda Gorman is the youngest poet ever to speak at a presidential inauguration. Last week, people across the United States and the world were captivated when Gorman read her moving poem titled “The Hill We Climb.” Less than a week later, she’s a sensation. As I listened to her stirring recitation and watched her interviews on television, I couldn’t help but think how much young actors can learn from this young woman.

1. Overcoming obstacles.

I have many students with dyslexia who wonder if they’ll be able to act because of their learning disability. Reading out loud, even though it’s hard, is one of the best ways to combat it. Speaking wasn’t always easy for Gorman. She struggled with a speech impediment and auditory processing issues throughout her life. Speech articulation was particularly challenging for her. She struggled with the R sound in particular. Gorman listened to the Aaron Burr song from “Hamilton” over and over, which helped her master the R sounds. Acting requires continual practice to develop skill and confidence.

2. Hard work pays off.

A recent Harvard grad, Gorman is getting the attention she deserves not because of luck but because of hard work. In her “Good Morning America” interview she spoke of her doubts and fear about speaking at the inauguration. She worked hard to overcome those doubts and delivered a wonderful presentation. Success comes to those who work for it. Acting looks easy because good actors make it look that way. It takes years of training and discipline before it all pays off.

3. Command of language.

Audiences respond to precise speech supported by inflection and tone. They can’t help but listen. Watching Gorman recite her poem with simplicity and ease, I was magnetized by her exquisite pronunciation. Young actors who master diction will command attention from their audiences.

4. Physicality.

Actors don’t just act with their voices but their bodies too. Gorman used her hand gestures to support each line of her poem. In my classes, I teach the Laban method of interpreting and visualizing human movement. As young actors become more comfortable moving their bodies, their physicality will support their words, just as Amanda’s did.

5. Truth and simplicity.

Skillful actors find the truth in their work. Gorman spoke with simplicity and sincerity. No one could doubt that she was speaking her truth. What makes great actors great is finding the truth in their work. When young actors find their truth, they communicate it with ease and simplicity, delivering powerful performances.

6. Passion.

When I played this speech for my students, they described the presentation as electrifying, dynamic, moving, honest, and passionate. Gorman’s passionate belief in her words enabled her to speak them with such impact. For actors, in every scene the character played is equally as passionate about what they need. When young actors discover their character’s passion, they too will electrify audiences.