Post date: Jan 28, 2021 3:9:39 AM
DO NOW: Describe It! (8 minutes)
Think about an item that you saw today or yesterday.
Describe the way it...
1) Looks. (color, size, shape, etc)
2) Feels. (texture, weight, temperature)
3) Sounds.
4) Smells.
5) Tastes? (You can skip this one if you wouldn't put it in your mouth.)
Write your description down as though you were the character in a story, talking about it to someone else. Don't mention what it is until the end.
PAIR UP / SHARE UP:
Turn and talk with someone near you. How long does it take before they can guess what you are talking about?
This is "descriptive language." Writers use descriptive language about specific things to draw the audience in. It makes the writing more relatable. New writers often believe that their writing will be relatable if it is vague and universal, but the opposite is more often true. When a writer describes a true thing that is specific to them, it reminds the audience of what is specific to them in similar ways.
COLD READ: We need a volunteer to read the following monologue.
Listen for the specific "real" things that are mentioned. What visuals seem the most striking or memorable to you?
NOTE: I don't expect you to like Carter, or the things he says. Drama is not about liking everyone, but it helps us understand other people.
DISCUSS:
What visuals seem the most striking or memorable to you?
What do you learn about Carter from this monologue?
How does this writing mimic real-life speech patterns?
STUDIO TIME: Monologue
Take a look at your monologue that was started (or even finished) yesterday.
Write or revise it to include...
1) At least one piece of descriptive language (real items described in a way that stands out to listeners)
2) Real-life speech patterns.
Tips:
Who are you speaking to? Is it someone who is in your way? Or someone who could help? Someone that you know or a stranger?
What are you doing while you speak? Rarely do we speak uninterrupted for extended periods of time in real life. What are you doing while you are speaking?