Is Effortless Acting Better Acting?

I am slowly concluding that no amount of effort whilst acting will make me a better actor. That effort, in the act of performance, is antithetical to good acting. Examples:

• Actors who are trying to be funny rarely are.
• Actors who attempt to broadcast (vs share) their love just look creepy, and make their lovers look like fools.
• Grandiose physical intimidation is rarely scary while subdued verbal intimidation is often terrifying.
• Ever watched a soap opera?

The thought that acting can be effortless is still difficult to reconcile, but I'm coming around to it. That said, there is still work to be done in preparing for performance, but once in performance it's a process of letting go, listening, and responding as the impulse to communicate occurs.

Can you think of any examples where the aphorism "never let 'em see you sweat" doesn't ring true?