Como (e por que) escrever diálogos sem "disse ele"

Summary

In this video, Vand shares insights into writing effective dialogue, especially for authors seeking to avoid repetition of the common phrase 'said he/she.' She discusses various alternatives to the verb 'said,' and how writers can balance clarity and fluidity in their dialogue. Examples from works by authors like Y. Fosse and Gwendolyn Brooks are used to illustrate different techniques, including minimizing or eliminating speech verbs entirely. Vand encourages writers to explore these options based on their personal style, emphasizing the importance of rhythm, context, and reader engagement in dialogue writing.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses various ways to write dialogue without overusing the verb 'said' or 'told', which are common verbs of speech in literature.
• 😀 Alternatives to the verb 'said' include verbs like 'asked', 'explained', 'questioned', and 'interrupted'. However, many writers prefer to stick with 'said' for simplicity.
• 😀 Some authors, like Stephen King, suggest using 'said' for clarity, while others prefer variety to avoid repetition.
• 😀 There is no definitive rule when it comes to dialogue writing, and choices depend on style and desired effect.
• 😀 Repetition of verbs like 'said' can contribute to the rhythm of a text, as seen in the example from 'Alis' by Y. Fosse, where the repetitive structure creates a unique flow.
• 😀 Varied verbs of speech, such as 'sigh', 'acknowledged', 'stated', and others, help avoid a monotonous tone in dialogue.
• 😀 If you want to reduce or eliminate the use of verbs of speech, the context of the dialogue itself can make it clear who is speaking.
• 😀 In dialogues with only two characters, the sequence of the dialogue is usually enough to indicate who is speaking without needing frequent attribution.
• 😀 When there are more than two characters, you may need to use subtle context or a minimal amount of speech attribution to make the dialogue clear.
• 😀 Writers can also opt for dialogue without any speech markers, relying entirely on context to indicate speakers, as demonstrated in works by Machado de Assis and others.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on offering alternative ways to avoid repetitive dialogue tags in writing, specifically avoiding the overuse of 'said' or similar words, while still maintaining clarity and fluidity in the dialogue.

What is a 'verbo de elocução' and why is it important in dialogue?

'Verbo de elocução' (elocution verb) refers to the verbs used to indicate speech in dialogue, such as 'say', 'ask', 'explain', or 'shout'. It's important because it helps the reader understand who is speaking in the dialogue.

What is the author's preference when choosing elocution verbs?

Some authors, like Stephen King, prefer to stick with 'say' as the most effective elocution verb, avoiding the need for many alternatives. Others, however, like to vary these verbs to avoid repetition and keep the dialogue fresh.

Why do some authors avoid using elocution verbs in dialogue?

Some authors avoid using elocution verbs altogether or minimize their use because it can create a more natural flow and rhythm in the dialogue, relying on the context and structure to clarify who is speaking.

How does the use of 'said' repeatedly contribute to the rhythm of the text in the example from the book 'Alis'?

In 'Alis', the repeated use of 'said' creates a rhythmic effect. The repetition, combined with short sentences and irregular punctuation, forms a natural pacing that feels deliberate, contributing to the overall tone and feel of the text.

Can varying the elocution verbs change the tone of a dialogue?

Yes, varying the elocution verbs can reduce repetition and alter the tone of the dialogue, making it more dynamic. For example, using verbs like 'questioned', 'explained', or 'interrupted' can provide more context and emotion, influencing the dialogue’s pacing and feel.

How can a writer avoid overusing 'said' without introducing too much complexity?

A writer can avoid overusing 'said' by alternating with a few synonyms or by relying on the context of the dialogue itself to clarify who is speaking. Writers can also experiment with formatting, such as paragraph breaks, to indicate changes in speakers.

What is an example of dialogue where the speaker is not immediately identified by an elocution verb?

An example from 'Condições Ideais de Navegação para Iniciantes' involves a dialogue between characters where the speaker is inferred from the context rather than explicitly marked with an elocution verb. The content and logic of the dialogue itself provide the cues for identifying speakers.

What are the advantages of writing dialogue without using elocution verbs?

The advantage of writing dialogue without elocution verbs is that it can create a more natural and fluid conversation, allowing the focus to remain on the content of the dialogue and the interaction between characters, rather than being interrupted by repetitive tags.

What is the main takeaway for writers about using or not using elocution verbs?

The main takeaway is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Writers should choose their methods based on their style and the effect they want to create. Using elocution verbs can clarify speech, but avoiding or minimizing them can offer a more immersive and fluid dialogue, depending on the context and intent.