Speak & Scribble
Dictation can be a valuable tool for screenwriters looking for variety in their writing process. Here are some ways dictation might enhance your craft:
Riffing out conversations between actors: Dictation can be a great way to capture the flow of conversation between characters. Rather than typing out dialogue, try speaking it out loud and recording it with Google’s recorder app or Apple Notes on your iPhone. This might help create a more natural flow to the dialogue, as well as reveal nuances in speech patterns and mannerisms.
Describing settings and situations from the first person: Use dictation to describe a scene or situation. By speaking out loud the visions you see in your head, you can engage all of your senses, describing the sights, sounds, and smells of a particular setting. This technique can also be useful for exploring a character's emotional state and inner monologue.
Stream-of-consciousness backstory explorations: Dictation can be a powerful tool for exploring a character's backstory. By allowing the words to flow freely, you can deep dive into motivations, fears, and desires. This technique could make it easier for you to explore the character's past experiences that have shaped who they are in the present and why they do what they do.
Recording notes and ideas: Sometimes, the best ideas come when we least expect them. Dictation can be a great way to capture these moments of inspiration, whether it's a new plot twist, a character's backstory, or a clever line of dialogue. By recording these ideas as they come, you can avoid losing them to the ether and incorporate them into your screenplay downstream.
By experimenting with different approaches, screenwriters can find the dictation practice that works best for them. So give it a try and see where the conversation takes you. Talking to yourself doesn’t mean you’re crazy, it means you’re creative!
