Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Random Wednesday

Sometimes when I am at work or at a party, I like to pretend
that I am an actor in a movie delivering my lines. You
should try it sometimes, it is kind of fun.

Say you are at some kind of social gathering, or talking to
your neighbor, you know, just normal conversation. Imagine in
your mind the setting and the mood of the scene, the genre of
the movie you might be in, what the director might be looking
for, and maybe even the background music.

As you are speaking, and listening to the other person, picture
that they are reciting lines from a script, and when you are
talking, pay close attention to your mannerisms, gestures, and
the inflection of your voice.

Slow down, think about what you are going to say, and then
speak your part. For example:

I am saying: "Yeah, Bob, I understand that teenagers these
days can be real tough to figure out..."

In my mind, I am thinking about the various ways I could speak
this line...I could do it in a sombre mode with lots of
sympathy, using very low and concerned tones...
Or I could make it very upbeat and lively, to try to get him
to not take it so seriously.

Then, when Bob replies, "But all I am asking him to do is mow
the lawn, I don't think that is too much to ask."

In your mind, critique the way he is delivering his line...
is he being too whiney, is he using the correct inflection?

Try to get your own timing correct as you picture the script
in your head, and prepare to recite your next part.

I guess sometimes I have too much time on my hands...

Peace be with you.

16 comments:

  1. Joe--I find this idea disturbing and yet extremely intriguing. I have to go back to work soon and sit in a bunch of boring meetings. I just may try this. Better yet, I think I will critique people's performance after the meeting and give them my verbal feedback. This should make me very popular.

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  2. Ha Ha..great Idea...I crtique my co-workers lines all the time. Mostly to try and guess if they are telling a lie to the safety guy but I've never tried thinking about how I will deliver my "lines." Thanks for giving me something to try out today :)

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  3. I use to do that, and sometimes I think my life like a movie where I am the director.
    Love your post!
    Have a great day!
    B ;)

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  4. Re write: When I think about my life I see it like a movie. I'm both, the actress and the director in it.
    B ;)

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  5. I would like to invite you to visit my blog. I would love to hear your thoughts on my recent posts.

    http://alonganarrowway.com

    God Bless!

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  6. This could change the whole mood of a boring conversation :^)

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  7. Ha, too funny! I once purposefully spent a whole night out with a friend, only asking her back questions to what she said, and keeping the conversation fully focused on only her. From that night on, she saw me as her new bestest friend in the whole wide world. It proved a secret theory I held, most everyone just wants to be heard and valued (and stuff anyone else).. sigh.

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  8. Um, I forgot to add, it was also one of the most boring nights of my life, which sadly speaks volumes about me, too!

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  9. good one...but if I were to pretend to be one, being someone who's not very talkative, I'd mostly be in silent movie!..haha..

    :-)

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  10. Joe I actually do this sometimes at work as I am preparing to talk to a patient. But most often this whole movie dialogue thing goes on in my head after the fact (unfortunatley.) I often rework many conversations wishing i had said this or that this way or that way. Maybe we really are in a movie and don't even know it??? Maybe I have too much time on my hands too!!!

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  11. This is something to think about. I have tried it a few times but failed miserably. My friends were surprised to find me talking in a weird tone.
    This was too funny. Have a nice day, Joe:)

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  12. So it looks like a lot of folks have done this before.
    But Mr. Stupid...you say your friends were SURPRISED to hear you talking in a weird tone???

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  13. Actually I'm not pretending to be an actress... probably i'm a real actress an also a director in my own life... haha.. sometimes I think my life was just like a drama where the world as the stage..
    I love your post, Joe!!
    Make me move...

    nensa

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  14. Ha ha! I have never tried that Joe. But I shall now. I definitely shall! ACTION!

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  15. I should really try this out at the hospital ;)
    (By the way, your new blog template is HOT!)

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