Tony Abbott says he's dramatic enough not to need any acting classes.
The opposition leader has dismissed reports he's hired an acting coach to help soften his "aggressive he-man" image, accentuated in last week's debate with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
Recasting his image was an "impossible" task, he told DMG Radio Australia on Thursday.
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But he confirmed someone had offered to mould him into a more punter-friendly opposition leader.
'Parliamentary tough guy'
"I was approached informally some time ago by a friend of a friend and I've decided I'm not going to take up the offer," Mr Abbott said.
"I'm dramatic enough as it is, even at times melodramatic enough."
He defended his perception as a "parliamentary tough guy" saying it had long been his role as the leader of the house in government.
"Now that I'm the leader of the opposition it's my role to criticise the government when it deserves criticism," he said.
"I can't step back from that."
Mr Abbott's wife, Margaret, often told him to stay calm and "try to be prime ministerial", but he said he didn't always take her advice.
