Aaron Sorkin Teaches Screenwriting

David Sedaris Teaches Storytelling and Humor

Helen Mirren Teaches Acting

James Patterson Teaches Writing

Jeff Goodby & Rich Silverstein Teach Advertising and Creativity

Judd Apatow Teaches Comedy

Martin Scorsese Teaches Filmmaking

Mira Nair Teaches Independent Filmmaking

Natalie Portman Teaches Acting

Neil deGrasse Tyson Teaches Scientific Thinking and Communication

Penn & Teller Teach the Art of Magic

Prepare to Be Unprepared

R.L. Stine Teaches Writing for Young Audiences

Roxane Gay Teaches Writing for Social Change

Spike Lee Teaches Independent Filmmaking

Steve Martin Teaches Comedy

Using Humor to Make Your Mark

Yo-Yo Ma Teaches Music and Connection

variant_1

Enjoy 7 days free

The promo may be over, but your opportunity isn't. Dive into the full experience, worry-free, with our 7-day money-back guarantee.

The offer has ended

Amount charged now

Your 7-day free trial starts today

Celebrating 10 years of MasterClass by giving one member the chance to jump-start their writing career.

We're celebrating 10 years of MasterClass by giving one member a chance at a life-changing experience.

Watch her class, and you and a guest will have a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Esther's relationship retreat in Paros, Greece.

From TIME ©2022 TIME USA LLC. All rights reserved. Used under license.

Times

Wirecutter

Reviewed - USA Today

Student Session: Workshopping Tim's Act

Breaking Down a Script

Human Behavior

Film Acting Technique, Part 2

Discovering Your Process

Stretching Your Budget

Adding Depth to Collaboration

Case Study: Working With Terrence Malick

Collaborating and Improvising with Actors

Casting

Directing: Production

Case Studies: Improvisation

The Evolution of a Scene: Knocked Up

Be a Good Listener

Take Up Space

Add Spontaneity to Your Stories

Communication Tactics

Finding Your Comedic Voice

Steve's Journey

Working With A Co-Author

Writing Scenes: Part 1

Introduction

Is It Funny Enough?

Discovering the Power of Humor

Kevin’s Wake-Up Call 

Facing Fear

Crafting Comedic Storylines

Structuring Films, Part 2

Writing Process: First Draft

Character, Part 2

Dialogue

Creating YA Characters

Roxane’s Writing Toolbox

Narrate Life Stories Comedically

Jokes and Bits

Delivery

Crafting Your Act

Creating Characters

Bonus Case Study: Speeches

Bonus Chapter No. 2: Piff the Magic Dragon

Using Humility and Self-Deprecation to Your Advantage

Writing Stand-Up Comedy

Directing: Tone

Editing and Testing Films, Part 1

Editing and Testing Films, Part 2

Perfect Your Comedic Timing

Getting Started in Comedy

Gathering Material

Developing a Comedic Persona

Student Session: Workshopping Nalini's First Stand-Up Act

Growing as a Performer

Final Thoughts

Revision Philosophy

Performing Stand-Up Comedy

Succeeding in Show Business

A Life in Comedy

Closing

Find Your Team

Sculpt Your Comedy Identity

Acting & Performing Arts

Teaches Comedy

Steve Martin

Teaches Acting

Helen Mirren

Teaches Storytelling and Humor

David Sedaris

Teaches Dramatic Writing

David Mamet

David Mamet Teaches Dramatic Writing

Teaches Ballet Technique and Artistry

Misty Copeland

Misty Copeland Teaches Ballet Technique and Artistry

Teaches Music for Film

Danny Elfman

Danny Elfman Teaches Music for Film

Teaches Writing and Performing Poetry

Amanda Gorman

Amanda Gorman Teaches Writing and Performing Poetry

Teaches Creativity in Choreography

Parris Goebel

Parris Goebel Teaches Creativity in Choreography

Teach the Art of Magic

Penn & Teller

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson Teaches Acting

Teaches Voice Acting

Nancy Cartwright

Nancy Cartwright Teaches Voice Acting

Natalie Portman

A Film About Patricia Field

Happy Clothes

Kevin Hart

Teaches The Art of Performance

Usher

Teaches The Art Of Performance

Usher Teaches The Art of Performance

Teaches the Power of Storytelling

LeVar Burton

Teaches the Power of Storytelling 

LeVar Burton Teaches the Power of Storytelling

Teaches Gymnastics Fundamentals

Simone Biles

Simone Biles Teaches Gymnastics Fundamentals

Teaches Modeling Fundamentals

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell Teaches Modeling Fundamentals

Teaches Filmmaking

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster Teaches Filmmaking

Judd Apatow

Teaches Creativity and Film

David Lynch

David Lynch Teaches Creativity and Film

Teaches Turning Ideas Into Art 

Es Devlin

Teaches Turning Ideas Into Art

Es Devlin Teaches Turning Ideas Into Art 

Amy Poehler

Teaches The Art of Negotiation

Chris Voss

Teaches the Art of Negotiation

Chris Voss Teaches The Art of Negotiation

Creativity is the ability to conceive new or imaginative ideas and turn them into reality. All creative work emerges from two actions: thinking and producing. Thinking is activating your imagination, allowing your mind to forge new connections between ideas, and exploring problem-solving approaches to an idea. The second is producing, which is the hard work involved in bringing those creative thoughts to fruition. 

Creativity is a necessary skill for those in the arts, but it has application in other areas, too. For example, creativity is the foundation for many modern businesses and industries. Many industries and entrepreneurs value inner creativity, empathy, and understanding more highly than analytical thinking. Creative thinking helps businesses find new and inventive ways to stand out from their competition and add value to their goods and services.
Creative thinking is not limited to naturally creative people. Research shows creativity is less of a gift than it is a skill you can learn through regular practice. Regularly engaging the creative process can even [improve creativity](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-creativity) over time.
If you want to [be more creative](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/st-vincents-tips-for-honing-your-creativity), try dedicating time each day to:

- __Daydream__. Mind-wandering, or daydreaming, might feel like procrastinating, but it frees the mind to explore creative problems to its furthest limits. Researchers suggest setting aside time to daydream by reducing distractions, relaxing, and letting ideas flow for a set number of minutes.
- __Doodle__. Many creative geniuses, including Pablo Picasso and Steve Jobs, stimulated their creative juices by doodling—creating a simple drawing without much effort or attention. Doodling provides a subconscious workspace for the brain to explore new problems and create new ideas.
- __Exercise__. Brainstorming during thirty minutes of exercise often helps break down creative blocks and fuel new ideas. Research shows moderate exercise has a positive impact on both creativity and cognitive thinking. 
- __Freewrite__. Busy schedules can leave us feeling in a rut and unable to free up space in the brain for creative thoughts. To get started with [freewriting](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/freewriting-prompts-to-help-break-your-writers-block), simply grab a piece of paper and let your words flow. The results might help you gain perspective and clarity. Many online sources provide daily [writing prompts](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-prompts) if you need ideas.
- __Play video games__. It might surprise you to learn video games help many young people develop their creativity and problem-solving skills. Research shows better social skills, improved concentration, motivation, and spatial skills are all linked to playing video games.
Grab the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and plumb the depths of your creativity with the help of modern artist Jeff Koons, abstract artist Futura, and stage designer Es Devlin. Our exclusive video lessons will teach you to do things like utilize color and scale, explore the beauty in everyday objects, and so much more.
Creativity is a skill everyone can learn. Discover new and unique ways to spark creative thoughts.

Creativity is a skill everyone can learn. Discover new and unique ways to spark creative thoughts.

How to Be Creative: Activities That Boost Creative Thinking

Creativity is the ability to conceive new or imaginative ideas and turn them into reality. All creative work emerges from two actions: thinking and producing. Thinking is activating your imagination, allowing your mind to forge new connections between ideas, and exploring problem-solving approaches to an idea. The second is producing, which is the hard work involved in bringing those creative thoughts to fruition. Creativity is a necessary skill for those in the arts, but it has application in other areas, too. For example, creativity is the foundation for many modern businesses and industries. Many industries and entrepreneurs value inner creativity, empathy, and understanding more highly than analytical thinking. Creative thinking helps businesses find new and inventive ways to stand out from their competition and add value to their goods and services.

What Is Creativity?

Creative thinking is not limited to naturally creative people. Research shows creativity is less of a gift than it is a skill you can learn through regular practice. Regularly engaging the creative process can even <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-creativity' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-creativity","linkCopy":"improve creativity","category":null}'>improve creativity</a> over time.

Can You Teach Yourself to Be Creative?

If you want to <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/st-vincents-tips-for-honing-your-creativity' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/st-vincents-tips-for-honing-your-creativity","linkCopy":"be more creative","category":null}'>be more creative</a>, try dedicating time each day to:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Daydream. Mind-wandering, or daydreaming, might feel like procrastinating, but it frees the mind to explore creative problems to its furthest limits. Researchers suggest setting aside time to daydream by reducing distractions, relaxing, and letting ideas flow for a set number of minutes. </li><li class="">Doodle. Many creative geniuses, including Pablo Picasso and Steve Jobs, stimulated their creative juices by doodling—creating a simple drawing without much effort or attention. Doodling provides a subconscious workspace for the brain to explore new problems and create new ideas. </li><li class="">Exercise. Brainstorming during thirty minutes of exercise often helps break down creative blocks and fuel new ideas. Research shows moderate exercise has a positive impact on both creativity and cognitive thinking. </li><li class="">Freewrite. Busy schedules can leave us feeling in a rut and unable to free up space in the brain for creative thoughts. To get started with <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/freewriting-prompts-to-help-break-your-writers-block' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/freewriting-prompts-to-help-break-your-writers-block","linkCopy":"freewriting","category":null}'>freewriting</a>, simply grab a piece of paper and let your words flow. The results might help you gain perspective and clarity. Many online sources provide daily <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-prompts' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/writing-prompts","linkCopy":"writing prompts","category":null}'>writing prompts</a> if you need ideas. </li><li class="">Play video games. It might surprise you to learn video games help many young people develop their creativity and problem-solving skills. Research shows better social skills, improved concentration, motivation, and spatial skills are all linked to playing video games. </li></ul>

How to Be Creative

Grab the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and plumb the depths of your creativity with the help of modern artist Jeff Koons, abstract artist Futura, and stage designer Es Devlin. Our exclusive video lessons will teach you to do things like utilize color and scale, explore the beauty in everyday objects, and so much more.

Ready to Tap Into Your Artistic Abilities?

Creativity is a skill everyone can learn. Discover new and unique ways to spark creative thoughts.

Creativity is a skill everyone can learn. Discover new and unique ways to spark creative thoughts.


Top view of a woman with her right hand poised to begin drawing on a blank page of a sketchbook. 

how-to-be-creative

Communication is the exchange of information both verbally and via nonverbal cues. Often, how you say things has more of an influence on a listener than the words you use, and the subconscious ways you move your body can add a different meaning or intent to your conversations. While tone and [body language](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-read-body-language) can inhibit clear communication, they can also amplify your message. Strong communication skills can help you better express yourself.
Here are ten important communication skills that increase employees’ workplace success: 

1. __Active listening__: One of the keys to becoming a great communicator is also being a good listener. Active listening skills involve paying close attention to a speaker, avoiding outside distractions, and asking clarifying questions when necessary. In doing so, you gain greater insight into the speaker’s point of view and make that person feel heard and respected.
2. __Clarity and volume__: Clarity involves not only <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-public-speaking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-public-speaking","linkCopy":"public speaking","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>public speaking</a> without poor communication habits like mumbling or stammering, but also speaking in a concise and professional manner to avoid excessive or confusing chatter. The tone of your voice, which includes the volume and pitch at which you speak and the emphasis you give to words, is also an <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills","linkCopy":"effective communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>effective communication</a> skill when attempting to convey an idea or convince a listener.
3. __Confidence__: Projecting confidence informs others that your words and ideas deserve notice and response. It’s also an effective form of communication in a job interview, where eye contact, good posture, and a firm but amicable tone convey preparedness for the position to recruiters.
4. __Feedback__: One of the most effective communication styles is the ability to both give and receive feedback. Receiving constructive criticism shows open-mindedness and adaptability, as well as an emphasis on teamwork and professional development. Giving constructive feedback is a cornerstone of leadership skills and one that shows the value of employee engagement through praise and effective guidance. 
5. __Friendliness__: A positive attitude toward others goes a long way in terms of team building and establishing trust. Friendliness also encourages others to maintain honest and open communication with you.
6. __Honesty__: A communication skill worth cultivating in both your personal and professional life, honesty shows you take company values seriously. It also establishes your trustworthiness and accountability.
7. __Nonverbal communication skills__: Your body language is also an important form of communication. Facial expressions, hand gestures, eye contact, and other nonverbal signals express your friendliness, confidence, and trustworthiness. Learning to read nonverbal cues when face-to-face with others is also a crucial skill set for a work environment. It allows you to perceive what others want to convey without words.
8. __Presentation__: Miscommunication often occurs when you don’t express ideas in a clear or appropriate manner. Examples of this include an overly technical explanation of software or a meeting with stakeholders that doesn’t involve sales or profitability figures. Choosing the right communication style to express an idea is one of the communication skills employers value. 
9. __Respect__: Like honesty, conveying respect is important for your social skills as well as your workplace communications. It builds trust through active listening and politeness, which can be as simple as letting others speak in team meetings without interruption.
10. __Writing skills__: Good communication skills aren’t limited to verbal and nonverbal means. Sharing information through concise and professional writing, whether through emails, reports, or other documentation is one of the most important business communication skills.
You can improve communication skills in several ways. You can: 

- __Choose the right types of communication__. Excellent communication often begins with picking the right communication channels. Consider the person and the information you need to share. You can use cover letters to effectively introduce yourself to prospective employers, while phone calls or emails work best with remote work employees than face-to-face visits. 
- __Make simple friendly gestures__. Sometimes the most effective workplace communication is a word or gesture that shows friendliness towards others. You don’t have to go overboard: A sincere greeting or honest praise both stand out as prime examples of simple efforts that express friendliness. 
- __Practice active listening__. Many strong communication skills begin with listening. Become a better listener by focusing not only on a speaker’s words but also their body language and facial expressions, which often convey additional information that may not be present in their language.
All you need is a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and our exclusive video lessons from the likes of Elaine Welteroth (the former <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief","linkCopy":"editor in chief","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>editor in chief</a> of *Teen Vogue* and host of CBS’ *The Talk*), Issa Rae (the powerhouse multihyphenate behind HBO’s *Insecure*), Robin Arzón (the lawyer-turned-head instructor of Peloton), and other luminaries who have have embraced the twists and turns on the path to professional success. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to lean into your strengths, follow your heart, and build the career of your dreams. 
Developing <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> skills builds trust and confidence in the workplace. Learn more about communication strengths.

Developing <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> skills builds trust and confidence in the workplace. Learn more about communication strengths.

Communication Strengths: 10 Communication Skills

Communication is the exchange of information both verbally and via nonverbal cues. Often, how you say things has more of an influence on a listener than the words you use, and the subconscious ways you move your body can add a different meaning or intent to your conversations. While tone and <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-read-body-language' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-read-body-language","linkCopy":"body language","category":null}'>body language</a> can inhibit clear communication, they can also amplify your message. Strong communication skills can help you better express yourself.

What Is Communication?

Here are ten important communication skills that increase employees’ workplace success: <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Active listening: One of the keys to becoming a great communicator is also being a good listener. Active listening skills involve paying close attention to a speaker, avoiding outside distractions, and asking clarifying questions when necessary. In doing so, you gain greater insight into the speaker’s point of view and make that person feel heard and respected. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Clarity and volume: Clarity involves not only <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-public-speaking' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-public-speaking","linkCopy":"public speaking","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>public speaking</a> without poor communication habits like mumbling or stammering, but also speaking in a concise and professional manner to avoid excessive or confusing chatter. The tone of your voice, which includes the volume and pitch at which you speak and the emphasis you give to words, is also an <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-improve-your-communication-skills","linkCopy":"effective communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>effective communication</a> skill when attempting to convey an idea or convince a listener. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Confidence: Projecting confidence informs others that your words and ideas deserve notice and response. It’s also an effective form of communication in a job interview, where eye contact, good posture, and a firm but amicable tone convey preparedness for the position to recruiters. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Feedback: One of the most effective communication styles is the ability to both give and receive feedback. Receiving constructive criticism shows open-mindedness and adaptability, as well as an emphasis on teamwork and professional development. Giving constructive feedback is a cornerstone of leadership skills and one that shows the value of employee engagement through praise and effective guidance. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Friendliness: A positive attitude toward others goes a long way in terms of team building and establishing trust. Friendliness also encourages others to maintain honest and open communication with you. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. Honesty: A communication skill worth cultivating in both your personal and professional life, honesty shows you take company values seriously. It also establishes your trustworthiness and accountability. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 7. Nonverbal communication skills: Your body language is also an important form of communication. Facial expressions, hand gestures, eye contact, and other nonverbal signals express your friendliness, confidence, and trustworthiness. Learning to read nonverbal cues when face-to-face with others is also a crucial skill set for a work environment. It allows you to perceive what others want to convey without words. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 8. Presentation: Miscommunication often occurs when you don’t express ideas in a clear or appropriate manner. Examples of this include an overly technical explanation of software or a meeting with stakeholders that doesn’t involve sales or profitability figures. Choosing the right communication style to express an idea is one of the communication skills employers value. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 9. Respect: Like honesty, conveying respect is important for your social skills as well as your workplace communications. It builds trust through active listening and politeness, which can be as simple as letting others speak in team meetings without interruption. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 10. Writing skills: Good communication skills aren’t limited to verbal and nonverbal means. Sharing information through concise and professional writing, whether through emails, reports, or other documentation is one of the most important business communication skills. </li></ol>

10 Communication Strengths

You can improve communication skills in several ways. You can: <ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Choose the right types of communication. Excellent communication often begins with picking the right communication channels. Consider the person and the information you need to share. You can use cover letters to effectively introduce yourself to prospective employers, while phone calls or emails work best with remote work employees than face-to-face visits. </li><li class="">Make simple friendly gestures. Sometimes the most effective workplace communication is a word or gesture that shows friendliness towards others. You don’t have to go overboard: A sincere greeting or honest praise both stand out as prime examples of simple efforts that express friendliness. </li><li class="">Practice active listening. Many strong communication skills begin with listening. Become a better listener by focusing not only on a speaker’s words but also their body language and facial expressions, which often convey additional information that may not be present in their language. </li></ul>

How to Improve Communication Skills at Work

All you need is a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and our exclusive video lessons from the likes of Elaine Welteroth (the former <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/how-to-become-editor-in-chief","linkCopy":"editor in chief","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>editor in chief</a> of Teen Vogue and host of CBS’ The Talk), Issa Rae (the powerhouse multihyphenate behind HBO’s Insecure), Robin Arzón (the lawyer-turned-head instructor of Peloton), and other luminaries who have have embraced the twists and turns on the path to professional success. With their guidance, you’ll learn how to lean into your strengths, follow your heart, and build the career of your dreams.

Ready to Start Designing Your Dream Career?

Developing <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> skills builds trust and confidence in the workplace. Learn more about communication strengths.

Developing <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communication","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communication</a> skills builds trust and confidence in the workplace. Learn more about communication strengths.

Confident business woman using her communication strengths to lead a meeting.

communication-strengths

A master at writing compelling dialogue, [Judy Blume](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/judy-blume-teaches-writing) is a beloved author whose bestselling books for younger readers have maintained relevance and impact for generations. Her best-known works include *Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret*, *Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing*, *Deenie*, and *Blubber*. Judy has also written four novels for adult readers, each one a *New York Times* bestseller. Judy Blume has won more than 90 literary awards, including the Library of Congress Living Legends Award, the National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters’ E.B. White Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Dialogue is a spoken exchange between [multiple characters](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-dialogue-between-multiple-characters) in a play, film, TV show, or another type of [creative writing](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-boost-creativity-and-improve-your-creative-writing). Writing dialogue reveals [character development](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/character-development-questions-to-ask-your-characters), speech patterns, and mannerisms, which can also propel the plot forward. Often, authors employ realistic dialogue that captures how specific people speak. Sometimes they use direct dialogue (showing what a character wants), and other times they are rich in [subtext](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-subtext) (illuminating depth beneath the surface of the exchange).
Writers use dialogue to express ideas, reveal [conflict](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-compelling-conflict), and move the plot forward. According to author Judy Blume, effective dialogue is also essential to character development. “Dialogue helps you advance your story,” Judy says. “Here's a scene, and here's dialogue in the scene. It’s advancing not only your story but your characters because you learn a lot about your characters [through dialogue].”

Great dialogue can reveal [character backstories](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-compelling-character-backstories) and quickly help introduce them the first time they speak. Characters’ dialogue can also show their inner wants, giving readers a clearer sense of how the story will unfold. As Judy says, “Dialogue helps me know who the characters are.”
Dialogue formatting can show verbal exchanges between two characters effectively. Consider these guidelines on how to punctuate dialogue:

- __Insert quotation marks__. Writers should use double [quotation marks](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/when-to-use-quotation-marks-guide) to encase a character’s spoken words. Single quotation marks may appear within dialogue when someone is quoting another. 
- __Place a dialogue tag at the end of a sentence__. Writers typically insert a comma at the end of a sentence as a [dialogue tag](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-dialogue-tags) to denote the speaker (such as: “Let’s eat,” Travis said.). The comma should appear comma before the closing set of quotation marks. 
- __Put closing punctuation after quotation marks__. An [exclamation point](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/exclamatory-sentence-guide) or question mark may also appear before the closing quotation marks.
- __Start a new paragraph__. When characters talk back and forth to one another, start a new section each time another character speaks a line of dialogue.

Categorically, long speeches are [monologues](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-monologue-with-examples), while a piece of dialogue implies an exchange of two or more voices back and forth
Consider the following <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/spike-lees-writing-process' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/spike-lees-writing-process","linkCopy":"writing tips","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>writing tips</a> from Judy Blume on how to craft strong dialogue:

1. __Dialogue breaks up your text__. Writers can use dialogue to enliven long blocks of text. “I'll flip through a book, and if it's dense, dense, dense, dense, no paragraphs, no dialogue, I don't want to read it,” Judy says. “But dialogue lightens up your book on the page. You want white space on the page. Dialogue gives you that: playlets, I often put in little playlets in my book; it's like a little play within a scene.”
2. __To write better dialogue, read more of it__. Authors write great dialogue by reading great dialogue. “Reading and reading and reading, you will find what's good dialogue, what you think is good dialogue, and what you think is wooden and not very good dialogue,” Judy says. “And you will learn from that just by reading it and reading it and going to the next book and finding it because it's there. It's in every novel. There's dialogue.”
3. __Keep your word choice simple__. In a few of her earlier works, Judy did not use the word “said” when writing dialogue. “I decided that I would write this whole novel without ever using he word ‘said,’ that said was such a boring word,” she says. “‘He said.’ ‘She said.’ I had my thesaurus by my side, and my characters did everything but say. My characters exclaimed. They beguiled. And they did everything but say. Throw away your thesaurus when you’re writing.” 
4. __Write realistic voices__. Developing a character’s voice requires observing real-life exchanges and using smart word choices. “It’s a question of capturing the way people talk when they're talking to each other on the street, you know, in the workplace, wherever,” Judy says. “Your characters should each speak as themselves, meaning they are believable and recognizable.”
Become a better writer with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Judy Blume, David Sedaris, Amy Tan, Roxane Gay, Neil Gaiman, Walter Mosley, Margaret Atwood, Dan Brown, and more.
Good dialogue in screenwriting, short stories, and dramatic plays pushes the plot forward and captures how real people speak. Learn author Judy Blume’s tips for crafting effective dialogue.

Good dialogue in screenwriting, short stories, and dramatic plays pushes the plot forward and captures how real people speak. Learn author Judy Blume’s tips for crafting effective dialogue.

Judy Blume on How to Write Dialogue

A master at writing compelling dialogue, <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/judy-blume-teaches-writing' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/judy-blume-teaches-writing","linkCopy":"Judy Blume","category":null}'>Judy Blume</a> is a beloved author whose bestselling books for younger readers have maintained relevance and impact for generations. Her best-known works include Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Deenie, and Blubber. Judy has also written four novels for adult readers, each one a New York Times bestseller. Judy Blume has won more than 90 literary awards, including the Library of Congress Living Legends Award, the National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters, and the American Academy of Arts and Letters’ E.B. White Award for Lifetime Achievement.

A Brief Introduction to Judy Blume

Dialogue is a spoken exchange between <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-dialogue-between-multiple-characters' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-dialogue-between-multiple-characters","linkCopy":"multiple characters","category":null}'>multiple characters</a> in a play, film, TV show, or another type of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-boost-creativity-and-improve-your-creative-writing' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-boost-creativity-and-improve-your-creative-writing","linkCopy":"creative writing","category":null}'>creative writing</a>. Writing dialogue reveals <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/character-development-questions-to-ask-your-characters' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/character-development-questions-to-ask-your-characters","linkCopy":"character development","category":null}'>character development</a>, speech patterns, and mannerisms, which can also propel the plot forward. Often, authors employ realistic dialogue that captures how specific people speak. Sometimes they use direct dialogue (showing what a character wants), and other times they are rich in <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-subtext' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-subtext","linkCopy":"subtext","category":null}'>subtext</a> (illuminating depth beneath the surface of the exchange).

What Is Dialogue?

Writers use dialogue to express ideas, reveal <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-compelling-conflict' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-compelling-conflict","linkCopy":"conflict","category":null}'>conflict</a>, and move the plot forward. According to author Judy Blume, effective dialogue is also essential to character development. “Dialogue helps you advance your story,” Judy says. “Here&#39;s a scene, and here&#39;s dialogue in the scene. It’s advancing not only your story but your characters because you learn a lot about your characters [through dialogue].”Great dialogue can reveal <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-compelling-character-backstories' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-compelling-character-backstories","linkCopy":"character backstories","category":null}'>character backstories</a> and quickly help introduce them the first time they speak. Characters’ dialogue can also show their inner wants, giving readers a clearer sense of how the story will unfold. As Judy says, “Dialogue helps me know who the characters are.”

The Importance of Dialogue

Dialogue formatting can show verbal exchanges between two characters effectively. Consider these guidelines on how to punctuate dialogue:<ul class="mc-m-4 list-styled"><li class="">Insert quotation marks. Writers should use double <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/when-to-use-quotation-marks-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/when-to-use-quotation-marks-guide","linkCopy":"quotation marks","category":null}'>quotation marks</a> to encase a character’s spoken words. Single quotation marks may appear within dialogue when someone is quoting another. </li><li class="">Place a dialogue tag at the end of a sentence. Writers typically insert a comma at the end of a sentence as a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-dialogue-tags' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-use-dialogue-tags","linkCopy":"dialogue tag","category":null}'>dialogue tag</a> to denote the speaker (such as: “Let’s eat,” Travis said.). The comma should appear comma before the closing set of quotation marks. </li><li class="">Put closing punctuation after quotation marks. An <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/exclamatory-sentence-guide' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/exclamatory-sentence-guide","linkCopy":"exclamation point","category":null}'>exclamation point</a> or question mark may also appear before the closing quotation marks. </li><li class="">Start a new paragraph. When characters talk back and forth to one another, start a new section each time another character speaks a line of dialogue. </li></ul>Categorically, long speeches are <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-monologue-with-examples' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-monologue-with-examples","linkCopy":"monologues","category":null}'>monologues</a>, while a piece of dialogue implies an exchange of two or more voices back and forth

Dialogue Rules: How to Format Dialogue

Consider the following <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/spike-lees-writing-process' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/spike-lees-writing-process","linkCopy":"writing tips","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>writing tips</a> from Judy Blume on how to craft strong dialogue:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Dialogue breaks up your text. Writers can use dialogue to enliven long blocks of text. “I&#39;ll flip through a book, and if it&#39;s dense, dense, dense, dense, no paragraphs, no dialogue, I don&#39;t want to read it,” Judy says. “But dialogue lightens up your book on the page. You want white space on the page. Dialogue gives you that: playlets, I often put in little playlets in my book; it&#39;s like a little play within a scene.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. To write better dialogue, read more of it. Authors write great dialogue by reading great dialogue. “Reading and reading and reading, you will find what&#39;s good dialogue, what you think is good dialogue, and what you think is wooden and not very good dialogue,” Judy says. “And you will learn from that just by reading it and reading it and going to the next book and finding it because it&#39;s there. It&#39;s in every novel. There&#39;s dialogue.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Keep your word choice simple. In a few of her earlier works, Judy did not use the word “said” when writing dialogue. “I decided that I would write this whole novel without ever using he word ‘said,’ that said was such a boring word,” she says. “‘He said.’ ‘She said.’ I had my thesaurus by my side, and my characters did everything but say. My characters exclaimed. They beguiled. And they did everything but say. Throw away your thesaurus when you’re writing.” </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Write realistic voices. Developing a character’s voice requires observing real-life exchanges and using smart word choices. “It’s a question of capturing the way people talk when they&#39;re talking to each other on the street, you know, in the workplace, wherever,” Judy says. “Your characters should each speak as themselves, meaning they are believable and recognizable.” </li></ol>

Become a better writer with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Judy Blume, David Sedaris, Amy Tan, Roxane Gay, Neil Gaiman, Walter Mosley, Margaret Atwood, Dan Brown, and more.

Want to Learn More About Writing?

Good dialogue in screenwriting, short stories, and dramatic plays pushes the plot forward and captures how real people speak. Learn author Judy Blume’s tips for crafting effective dialogue.

Good dialogue in screenwriting, short stories, and dramatic plays pushes the plot forward and captures how real people speak. Learn author Judy Blume’s tips for crafting effective dialogue.


Judy Blume sitting in a chair and smiling at the camera with a bookshelf behind her.

how-to-write-dialogue

Develop Comedy & Improv Skills