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Three anti-social skills to improve your writing - Nadia Kalman

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You need social skills to have a conversation in real life -- but they're quite different from the skills you need to write good dialogue. Educator Nadia Kalman suggests a few "anti-social skills," like eavesdropping and muttering to yourself, that can help you write an effective dialogue for your next story.

Most people tend to speak rather informally, using simple language, contractions, slang, etc. However, there are instances in which formal speech fits a character or a story. What kind of character might use an academic vocabulary and formal grammar? Also, in what kind of situation might a character adopt a formal speaking style?

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Director Joyce Stenneke
  • Educator Nadia Kalman
  • Narrator Rose Eveleth

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