Show & Tell: Exercise

"BETWEEN THE LINES"SUPPORTING DIALOGUE WITH ACTION
FADE IN:
INT. IN FRONT OF YOUR COMPUTER - NOW
SCRIPTED WHIM                    Be attentive. Good dialogue
                   does not exist in a vacuum.
                   Words are not the only way
                   that characters communicate,
                   so choose non-verbal reactions
                   and responses that will impact
                   the plot and move the story
                   forward. This exercise will
                   help you add spark to even the
                   most boring dialog.

SCRIPTED WHIM                    Like the scene from JAWS above,
                   craft a four-page scene with
                   three characters. Only two of
                   them will speak. One should
                   have no dialog. Sit the three
                   at a table and create a mundane
                   conversation using neutral
                   dialogue, such as "Hello" and
                   "How are you?". Pay special
                   attention to non-verbal
                   communication. And remember...
                   conflict, conflict, conflict.FADE OUT:THE END