WRITERS’ CIRCLES
Read my lips
Explore verbal communication in these writing group exercises from Julie Phillips
Julie Phillips
Verbal communication is very important in a story. The words our characters say, the tone, volume, pauses, what they don’t say, all convey the messages we want our readers to hear. This month, it’s all about communication but with a twist for your group and the opportunity to discover how thinking differently about communication can enhance your writing.
Truth or lie
Give each member a piece of paper with either the number 1 or 2 on it but they aren’t to let anyone else know their number. Ask them to pair up with another member. Number 1s can only tell the truth and number 2s can only lie. Each person gives their partner a statement about themselves or something else. Whatever it is they say, they must do so convincingly. They won’t know each other’s number so will have no idea who is telling the truth and who isn’t. How do they communicate effectively and what other clues might they get as to who is lying and who is telling the truth? Can they discover who is the truth teller and who is the fibber? What was it about what their partner said or didn’t say, their body language or facial expression that gave them away? Now write a short conversation between two characters, based on the statements made. And read them out to the rest of the group. Can they tell which character is not being truthful and which one is? Taking note of body language, facial expression and how group members phrase things will help in deciding who is telling the truth and who isn’t. For