Communicating is obviously an important aspect for all people. Everyone has to communicate. If not, social behavior becomes awkward, relationships grow strained, stress and tension increases, arguments escalate - this is true not only in the workplace, but within friendships, marriages and even the church.
For authors, we have a slightly different aspect of concern in regards to communication. =)
See, most people only have to worry about if they're communicating with their family, friends, coworkers, in-laws, etc.
Well, we writers have to worry about if our characters are communicating properly with each other but not just that - we also have to worry about whether or not we are communicating clearly through our characters. Is this dialogue portraying what it needs to? Is this narrative giving an accurate picture of what our character is thinking and feeling? Is all of this moving the story along? Is any of this wording unnecessary? Does it slow the story?
You might be thinking "of course you have to worry about those things, you're authors!" Duh!
Well, here's one angle you might not have thought about....we also have to make sure we're communicating properly as both men AND women.
Most of the fiction stories I personally write and a high percentage of the ones in the market today contain both the male and female character's point-of-view. It is important to the story that each character sound like themselves. A middle-aged man wouldn't say "Oh that looks lovely, dear, I just love that fuschia pashmina on you." An elderly woman is (most likely) not going to say "Totally rad!". That's not real life. And while fiction IS fiction, it's still supposed to be relatable and natural to the reader.
It's all about communication.
So, I found this quiz to determine if I communicate like a man or a woman, and thought it'd be fun to share.
Here are my results!
You empathize, talk things out, and express your emotions freely.You're a good listener, and you're non-judgmental with your advice. Communication is how you connect with people.You're always up for a long talk, no matter how difficult the subject matter is.
Click HERE to take the quiz! =)
2 comments:
Whew! I'm a woman too. For a minute I was pretty sure I was a man because I love to unwind quietly.
Georgiana and I are alike! I unwind quietly as well. LOL... but apparently I communicate like a woman. Good to know. Heck, I think my husband communicates like a woman -- he talks more than I do! LOL -- Gotta love him!
Rebecca Yauger
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