https://youtu.be/cYHQ9YjXrf4

The old adage holds true: actions really do speak louder than words. And it is this wisdom that actor-singer Tyrese Gibson shared with drama class students on at Alain LeRoy Locke College Preparatory Academy in Los Angeles during a visit to his old stomping ground.

One of the biggest mistakes a budding actor can make, the “Furious 7” star says, is to “rely on the power of words.” Instead, he advises using nonverbal communication to enrich a performance.

“It’s about focusing on your facial expressions and your body language and then allowing your words to re-emphasize your feelings,” he explains. “There’s a lot of people who can say stuff on TV shows and movies, and if their facial expressions and their body language doesn’t back up what they’re saying with their words, then you’re looking at a performance that’s not necessarily strong. “

It was nearly 20 years ago that Gibson began honing his talents in the very same hallways as some of the students receiving his advice. The 36-year-old returned to his alma mater on Sept. 17 to encourage teens to pursue performing arts activities, as well as philanthropy and community involvement through WE Day, the world’s largest youth empowerment event. Next year it will head to Southern California on April 7.