All posts by Joan Y Edwards

Joan Y. Edwards is author/illustrator of folktale Flip Flap Floodle, a happy little duck who never gives up on his song even in the Mr. Fox's belly. She is author of 4RV Publishing's Joan's Elder Care Guide. It is full of practical hints and resources to promote healing and make caregiving easier. She has published 80 Gospel-Based Crossword Puzzles for Year A, B, and C. She has a Master of Education. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and Charlotte Writers Club. She enjoys watching humorous mysteries, like Columbo and Monk. Time at home, beach and mountain with family and friends energizes her..
Writing

Watch How People Talk

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“Watch How People Talk” by Joan Y. Edwards

Have you ever noticed how people talk? Do the heads move when the mouth moves? Do the eyes up or down when they are talking? Are the hands still, or moving rapidly as the words come out?
One person may talk out of the right side of his mouth. Another may talk out of the left side of his mouth. A bell ringer may bellow like you can’t hear them unless they do. A little old lady might whisper so low you can’t hear her in a noisy crowded room.
I watched a western movie today and the star of the show barely opened his mouth to speak. It was as though the director told him, “Do not open your mouth to talk. There are a gazillion flies around here and one may go in. Don’t open your mouth to talk.”
I found a video showing two guys trying to talk with their mouths shut: lapajoe –  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1-QR3qdqV8
Is he a ventriloquist and talk and make it sound like the voice is coming from somewhere else?
Nina Conti, Ventriloquist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mF81Ns4cp4

Give your characters a special way to talk, it might make it easier for a reader to visualize a picture of them.
Does he lisp?
Does she stutter?
Look at yourself in the mirror and write 3 sentences to describe what your mouth does when you talk. How does talking influence your eyes? What about your hands?
Here are videos of other people talking: Watch their mouths, their eyes, and their hands. Make notes for the characters in the story you’re writing. Enjoy:

  1. Barry Schwartz, psychologist: http://www.ted.com/talks/barry_schwartz_on_our_loss_of_wisdom.html
  2. Joyce Meyer, Christian author and speaker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qh_7GGF5qs
  3. Bob Proctor, Motivational speaker, psychologist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRLvxbuJtW8
  4. Helena Bonham Carter, actress: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLkvDRPEKaY

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Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards, Author
Copyright © 2013-2019 Joan Y. Edwards
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
Flip Flap Floodle Will this little duck’s song save him from Mr. Fox?
Joan’s Elder Care Guide A guide to help caregivers and elders find solutions.
80 Gospel-Based Crossword Puzzles for Year B Fun for Children’s Liturgy, Children’s Church, Sunday School, and Home Bible Study.