The Second Circle: Using Positive Energy for Success in Every Situation

by Patsy Rodenburg

You know that person: the one with that certain something. And you’ve probably dismissed that something as unattainable, simply innate. But it’s a myth that some are born with “it” and others aren’t. Everybody can have that presence—and the peaceful self-acceptance that powers it. Patsy Rodenburg reveals that the secret is learning to inhabit “the second circle”: the optimal state between the first circle of introversion and self-doubt and the third of aggression and narcissism. She provides exercises to help you break the habits that constrict your real power and to better cope with the negative behaviors and attitudes of those around you. With wisdom and patience, Rodenburg teaches you how to communicate effectively at home, work, school, and—most important—with yourself. The Second Circle will empower you to meet life’s most extraordinary trials with brio and to embrace the joys and challenges of every single day.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Theatre

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm bummed to only be able to give this book three stars, when the mental model Rodenberg describes (the First, Second, and Third Circles of energy) is so darn useful. And it is extremely useful. It's a quick way to size up any situation and determine whether or not you are truly present, loving, and engaged in the moment (Second Circle), or if you're withdrawn (First Circle) or forcing yourself onto others (Third Circle). It's also a nice way to determine the level of engagement others have with you. I now frequently use this mental model in my life and interactions, and remind myself to return to Second Circle as often as I notice myself slipping out. What's more, I appreciated that Rodenberg includes exercises to access Second Circle more quickly and deeply.

However, the book drags on WAAAAAAAY too long. I found myself bored stiff during Part Two, and, ironically enough, skimmed the last section in a disengaged First Circle. I'm still including it on my "Self Help that Really Helps" list, with the caveat that you might also find yourself pretty much done with it after Part One. Part One is definitely worth the read, though, especially if you are interested in learning to live in the present and stay open to the experiences life offers!

[Parnian.K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was one of the textbooks for my Voice and Speech class in college. I read up to chapter 15, Heart, and only skimmed the rest. I felt this was sufficient, as the author introduced all her central ideas in the first half of the book, while the rest seemed repetitive to me.

Personally, while I don’t believe in “energy” in a spiritual sense, the concept of second circle energy here aligns closely with the idea of mindfulness. The author breaks energy into three categories: first circle energy, second circle energy, and third circle energy, with the second circle being the desired state—a state of mindfulness. She then explains how these energies manifest in different contexts, whether on stage, at work, or in personal relationships.

I found this breakdown of energies helpful for my acting journey, as it allowed us to more easily identify where we were standing in terms of presence and connection. The book also offers interesting exercises to help detect one’s current energy and develop second circle energy through body, voice, and breath.

However, my main issue with the book lies in its attempt to go beyond acting and speech, presenting itself as a universal guide for all of life’s situations. The author makes numerous sweeping statements that lack scientific support or references. These unsubstantiated claims are presented with unwavering confidence, which can be frustrating for readers looking for more grounded arguments. It often feels like the book is trying too hard to fit its central idea into every possible situation, even when it doesn’t always apply.

I also think the title is overly commercial and designed to attract a spiritual audience. Maybe the book consciously goes beyond the acting journey even in its title to sell more copies? “Positive energy?” “Success in EVERY situation?” That sounds like a joke to me. If it hadn’t been my textbook, I never would have bought it based on the title alone.

Moreover, the book is not very inclusive, and it does not seem to consider neurodivergent individuals as part of its audience. For example, the author writes:

“There are certain topics that have many people fidgeting and wriggling in their seats. This is a sure sign of unease, if not distress. Isn’t it wonderful that ideas can produce such physical reactions? The discomfort comes from fear, and fear can create knee-jerk reactions in even the most reasonable individual.”(page 25)

How can she be so certain that discomfort always comes from fear? What about neurodivergent individuals with ADHD, whose fidgeting may have entirely different causes? Claims like this need to be supported with evidence. While I understand that this isn’t a scientific book, the author’s overconfidence in generalized statements is difficult to overlook.

In conclusion, the book offers valuable insights and exercises that can support an acting journey, particularly in exploring presence, energy, and mindfulness. However, it’s important to approach it critically. While some ideas and practices may resonate, others lack the scientific backing or inclusivity needed to make them universally applicable. Take what is useful, but don’t hesitate to question or set aside what doesn’t align with your experience or understanding.

[Cris · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Title I bought was, THE SECOND CIRCLE how to use positive energy for success in every situation. And the jacket looks different, but it was published by the same author in 2008, so I assume this is the same book. Interesting perspective from a very successful acting and speaking coach. Good exercises; started dragging half-way and I thought the book was about twice as long as it should have been.

[Michael Sanderson-green · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with most books that have one concept they are peddling it goes on far too much which in the end starts to sound cultish .
Having said that ,it is worth a read just take what is useful to you.

[Suresh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't get a chance to complete the book. But the concept behind is interesting, the author claims any personality could be classified into -

First circle - typically introverts who keeps the thoughts to themselves, speak low, polite, don't respond well in social gatherings etc.

Third circle - Typically the office boss guy. I pictured in my mind as someone like the boss who comes in the movie "Office space". Loud, Insensitive, boastful, thinks always the life centers around them.

Second circle - Take the positive qualities of the first circle and third circle but leaving all negative qualities.

The author give some interesting tips on how to be a Second circle person (breathing techniques, chin up etc.)

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great concept. I feel as though it probably only needed to be half as long. Or perhaps the recent slough of self-help writers out there are saying very much the same thing in different words. Presence, presence, presence. I'm into it, but Rodenburg spends a lot of time arguing the value of being "in a second circle state of presence". If one values it already, and doesn't feel the point needs to be proven, much of the book is redundant. If the idea of present state awareness, of a balance between sending and receiving personal energy is new to you, by all means read this book.

[Emily Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by my daughter - read it very slowly trying to digest the wisdom. I found the concept of Second Circle a new way of viewing “presence” while contrasting first and third circle. While originally designed to help actors, there are much wider applications - it has helped me tremendously with my business connections and how I show up in meetings in particular. I have much more awareness when I have drifted out of second - sometimes intentionally and sometimes not.

This energy of connecting is what I want to live for - quite honestly. “We are more connected through our sameness, than divided by our differences.”

I have so many notes from this book and know I will find myself referring to it time and again.

[Chuck Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that seems at first puzzling and simplistic until one continues to read and think about the import of what's being read. There is a new and very different life ahead if one is willing to follow this adventure.

[Samantha Bakker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eén van de meest mooie, leuke en praktische boeken die ik ooit heb gelezen.

[Anthony Giancola · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have an apprehension towards books that prescribe human behavior.

[Andrea Frisby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book of utter brilliance. A guide to life.

[Kimmie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda weird ngl

[Ethan Washington · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept is valuable, but you understand it within the first few chapters and then it just keeps going.

[Güvenç Altaş · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you interest in mindfulness do not miss the book !

[Víctor Iván López Espíritu Santo · Rating 5 out of 5]

El segundo círculo – Patsy Rodenburg o de ¿Cómo dominar la energía positiva para el éxito escénico? En el escenario, no basta con saber el texto o dominar la técnica: hay algo más profundo que distingue a un actor que está verdaderamente presente. Ese algo, para Patsy Rodenburg —coach vocal de algunos de los más grandes actores del mundo—, es la energía del segundo círculo. Este libro, esencial para intérpretes y formadores escénicos, introduce un sistema simple y revelador: El primer círculo es de repliegue y desconexión. El tercero, de proyección forzada y egocéntrica.Pero es en el segundo círculo donde ocurre la magia: presencia, escucha, verdad, conexión viva con el otro. A través de ejercicios prácticos (respiración, voz, postura, foco, sentidos), Rodenburg nos enseña a entrar en ese estado donde el actor no actúa hacia afuera ni se encierra en sí mismo, sino que habita el momento con todo su ser. Un texto imprescindible para cualquiera que busque actuar con verdad, comunicar con potencia y vibrar en escena. Lectura obligada en cualquier escuela de teatro, porque entrenar el segundo círculo es entrenar el alma del actor. #victorthereader #ElSegundoCírculo #PatsyRodenburg #PresenciaEscénica #VozYActuación #LibrosParaActores #EnergíaEscénica #ActingTools

[Gustavo Tavares · Rating 3 out of 5]

O livro é muito bom, mas peca em alguns aspectos estilistícos e de concepção:

1 - A autora não se preocupa em definir ou explicar o que diferencia os três círculos, deixando esta responsabilidade toda com o leitor. Caso ele não consiga criar estas diferenciações com base nas suas próprias referências corre o risco de ficar o livro todo perdido.

2 - A autora optou por um estilo romântico, tipo new age. Isto torna as suas conclusões e prescrições sem credibilidade. Me ajudou muito a perceber a qualidade do livro estudos anteriores relacionados a neurociência, principalmente Kahneman e Levitin. A impressão é que ela chegou a estes conhecimentos por si só, o que é louvável. Mas sem a base teórica, dificilmente outras pessoas podem obter o conhecimento somente a partir do seu livro.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book for people who are intuitive, at all, ever. Patsy Rodenburg sees the energetic language we are all speaking to each other, and explains it in a way that her students can get a handle on it and understand how to use it to an advantage, their own and the world's. Really solid advice for people in general, but especially performers or people whose jobs entail talking and connecting with others. Wonderful advice, highly recommended.

[Rachel Rizzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patsy's book compliments but is no substitute for her classes. It's great to see her how her philosophy applies to so many contexts and it makes me long even more to be in class with the author herself, in second circle no less.