Writer Tip: Watch Videos with the Sound Off
Compelling writing is about emotions. Writers need to get good at understanding and using emotions to move narratives forward or, for non-fiction writers, to keep readers engaged. One useful tip: watch TV or movies with the sound off.
Writing emotions involves three key elements:
Sensations (e.g., tension in the throat)
Cognition (e.g., "I'm not going to get through this", “This sucks!”)
Outward expression (e.g., fidgeting, eyes darting)
When you watch a scene with sound, the dialogue distracts from the emotions unfolding on screen. By watching without sound, you can focus on the visual aspects of emotional expression.
As you watch, take notes and learn. Pay attention to:
Specific triggers for emotional reactions
What the person might be thinking
How they express emotions through their body
This exercise can help you develop a better understanding of how to portray emotions in your writing, leading to the ability to write more engaging, nuanced and relatable content.