The Second Circle: Discover Your Positive Presence and Realize Your Full Potential

Library Journal

As the former voice coach of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Rodenburg has worked with such A-list thespians as Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen. Here, she calls on her extensive acting knowledge to teach lay readers how to transform their lives by releasing their internal energy, or "presence." She defines "the second circle" as energy that is focused on a specific object or individual; it allows people to be aware and in the moment. When people are in this second circle, their energy is fully connecting them to the world, and they get energy back from that connection. On the other hand, when people focus on the first circle (inward energy), they are shy and disengaged. The third circle means energy is directed outward, which results in bombastic behavior. Rodenburg claims that her exercises-which involve improving posture, breath, voice, sensory awareness, listening, and clear thinking-can make their practitioners more successful in every aspect of life, from work to dating. Her concept makes sense, but readers may feel they are learning to "act" rather than "be" in the moment. Recommended with reservations for larger public libraries where self-help books are popular.
—Mary E. Jones