The melodic curves of speech are an expression of the complete organism and of all phases of its spiritual activities. They demonstrate whether a man is stupid or intelligent, sleepy or awake, tired or alert. They tell us whether he is a child or an old man, whether it is morning or evening, light or darkness, heat or frost, and disclose whether a person is alone or in company. The art of dramatic writing is to compose a melodic curve that will, as if by magic, reveal immediately a human being in one definite phase of his existence.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Speech patterns reveal a person's full physical and mental state. Dramatic writing uses these patterns to instantly characterize a person's current phase of life.
- In plain terms
- How someone speaks shows who they are and how they feel right now.
- What can you take from it?
- Use vocal cues to instantly reveal character in writing.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you judge people by their voice?
- What does your speech say about you?
Another view
Not all speech patterns are intentional or accurate indicators.
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