How do you truly put yourself in someone else's shoes?

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Question:

I was asked to play John McCain in an upcoming mock debate at my high school!. I don't have to act or look like him or anything, but rather, I have to carry on an intelligent debate against my opponent and debate from McCain's positions and beliefs!.

My problem is not the debate part!. I am one of the top ten high school debaters in my state!. The problem is that I am having trouble debating from McCain's positions!. I have very strong political views that are making it difficult for me to debate as McCain would debate, to say the things that he would say!. How can I put myself in his shoes and "become" McCain for the debate, so as to represent him most accurately!? Any advice from actors or others on how to "become" someone else for a while!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

You need to find out as much info about McCain as you can, most of the info being in his own words!. You could write him a letter, watch the news, read articles, anything that has quotes from McCain you you know how he talks, his "style" of speaking,and any other little thing that would help your debate!.
Actors have it tough!. Usually, if they aren't impersonating someone in real life, they only have their script and director to go by as to how they're supposed to act!.
Good luck on your debate!
God bless,
SarahWww@QuestionHome@Com

Like you said, it has nothing to do with becoming John McCain or acting like him!. So don't try!. You just have to set aside your beliefs in order to do the assignment!. You said you have strong political beliefs and that's great, but you were asked to present McCain's beliefs so do research about what he believes and watch some debates to see how he approaches the questions!. You don't have to agree with it just do it for the grade!.Www@QuestionHome@Com