Playwriting - Part 8A - Honing Skills Outside of Writing, Listening

One of the key points that has been mentioned over and over in creating dialogue is to listen to others. When you are actively listening to a partner or others you are in conversation with, there will be major differences than if you are just hearing what other people are saying.

Most people thinking listening simply means hearing, but it does not. You can easily hear sounds, but not understand what those sounds are. A person may be talking and you can say, "I hear you." That doesn't mean you are truly listening. Truly listening comes from actually paying attention to what is being said and concentrating on the words.

Listening is a full body activity. It is true that it only takes your ears to be able to hear sounds. However, in order to fully listen, your entire body will be engaged. When you are with another person, if you are listening to what they are saying, you will naturally lean in a little bit closer to them. You will look at that person, too.

When truly listening, it is likely that you will make small gestures like nodding your head in agreement. Your body language will let the other person know that you are truly listening.

Also, you won't interrupt this person, in general. There may be times interruptions happen in conversations. That's natural. However, you will be paying attention, so you won't be interrupting at strange times. The interruptions will come when they do seem natural, when you understand what is going to be said or at least the gist of what is going to be said or when the conversation turns into more playful banter.

By learning how to listen, you'll start listening to others better. When you start listening better, you will learn to pay attention to the small details of conversation.

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