how to write a speech about books

Speech on Books for Students and Children

Speech on books.

Hello and a warm welcome to all my teachers and dear friends present in the Auditorium. I am here to deliver a speech on books. I would like to start my speech with a famous phrase of Ernest Hemingway which says, ” There is no friend as loyal as a book”. Books are like our fellow friend with no demands and complaints. They improve our knowledge, wisdom, and information, thus helping us in taking the right decisions in life.

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Books are the best option for self-learners to avail of information on all issues and topics. Great Authors, writers, and poets put all their emotions, thoughts and experience to make books important and beneficial for us. The treasure of books is inexhaustible, as they continuously extract the gold of art, literature, science, and philosophy for us. Books pass the knowledge from generation to generation which ultimately helps in the advancement of civilizations.

Types of Books

There are mainly two types of books, one is fictional while other is non-fictional. Fictional books are completely based on the author’s imagination, on the other hand, non-fictional are about a particular person, story, News or information. The different age group of people prefers different types of books like religious, comical, fantasy and educational.

The corporate world generally prefers business magazines and journals. Books under subcategory educational and guides, horoscope and scientific, articles and essays and many more. Generally, popularity in books depends on the age group and the mindset of people. Students prefer educational and professional books, kids mostly prefer stories and fantasy books, while the mature ones prefer the literature and novelistic books.

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Advantages of Reading Books

The habit of reading good books enables us to become well educated and informed. Books also help to change our physical and mental fitness in addition to building our lifestyle. Reading a book gives us kind of pleasure, energy, and confidence which we cannot find around any other place.

We feel fresh, happy and knowledgeable after reading a good book. When we feel down and negativity starts affecting us, books prove to be our best guide, inspiration and moral supporter. In the long run, we are not alone in the company of a good book.

The kingdom of books is vast providing pleasant pastime for many of us. Books spread our positive views and also popularize the fruits of our research and knowledge. Books are our permanent friends as they help enrich our thoughts. They inspire us to fight the odds and do great things in life.

In the current scenario of the advancement of science and technology, the utility of books is getting down. People are depending much on the Internet and social media platforms to gain knowledge. We must understand that Google gives us knowledge but books us wisdom.

We should never stop reading, while reading we always get something new that is valuable and informative in our future. Books take us to a journey with the author which widens our outlook. Books our minds with noble thoughts and awaken our soul.

Although books are very useful we must be very cautious while choosing one. Some books can mislead and spoil our life. A person reading a good book with a positive mindset is ultimately an asset to society and the country as well.

Our country is a land of great personalities whose biographies are available to us through books. We must step out and read them for the advancement of the country and its civilization. I will conclude my speech with a famous phrase of Fran Lebowitz which says “Think before you speak. Read before you think”

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Speech Script: Importance Of Reading

In a world where information is readily available at our fingertips, the significance of reading often goes unnoticed. However, the act of reading is not merely a pastime; it is a gateway to knowledge, imagination, and personal growth. As a speaker, you have the opportunity to inspire and ignite a passion for reading within your audience. This article will guide you through the process of crafting a compelling speech on the importance of reading, enabling you to articulate the transformative power of books and instill a love for reading in your listeners.

Table of Contents

Importance Of Reading Speech Tips

Begin with a captivating opening.

To capture your audience’s attention from the outset, consider starting your speech with a thought-provoking quote, an engaging anecdote, or a surprising fact related to reading. By leveraging the element of curiosity, you can pique their interest and create a strong foundation for your message. For example, you might begin by sharing a personal story about how a particular book transformed your life or describe the astonishing statistics on the decline of reading habits in modern society. This will set the stage for the importance of your topic and create an emotional connection with your listeners.

Establish the Significance of Reading

In this section, emphasize the immense value and impact that reading has on individuals and society as a whole. Highlight how reading expands knowledge, broadens perspectives, and cultivates critical thinking skills. Discuss the role of reading in fostering empathy, promoting cultural understanding, and nurturing imagination. Support your claims with relevant statistics, research findings, and compelling examples. For instance, you can reference studies that demonstrate the positive correlation between reading proficiency and academic achievement or share inspiring stories of individuals whose lives were transformed through the power of books. By painting a vivid picture of the benefits of reading, you can reinforce the importance of incorporating reading into our lives.

Appeal to Emotions

To make your speech memorable and impactful, tap into the emotions of your audience. Share personal anecdotes or stories that evoke empathy, inspire hope, or ignite a sense of wonder. Discuss how reading can provide solace during difficult times, transport us to different worlds, or foster a sense of belonging. Highlight the emotional connections that can be forged through shared reading experiences, such as book clubs or parent-child reading sessions. By appealing to the emotions of your audience, you can create a deeper connection and motivate them to embrace reading as a transformative and enriching activity.

Provide Practical Tips and Resources

While conveying the importance of reading is vital, it is equally crucial to empower your audience with practical strategies to incorporate reading into their daily lives. Offer tips on how to establish a reading routine, select books that align with their interests, and create a conducive reading environment. Recommend resources such as libraries, bookstores, or online platforms that provide access to a wide range of books. Encourage the exploration of different genres and formats, including e-books and audiobooks, to cater to diverse preferences. Additionally, emphasize the significance of reading aloud to children and the positive impact it has on their language development and cognitive abilities. By providing tangible tools and resources, you enable your audience to take immediate action and embark on their reading journey.

Conclude with a Call to Action

In the final section of your speech, inspire your audience to embrace reading as a lifelong pursuit. Encourage them to make a commitment to read regularly, to explore new genres and authors, and to share their love for reading with others. Emphasize the enduring impact that reading can have on personal growth, empathy, and intellectual curiosity. Leave them with a powerful call to action, urging them to become ambassadors of reading, to support literacy initiatives, or to join local book clubs and reading communities. By concluding with a compelling call to action, you empower your audience to make a difference and become advocates for the transformative power of reading.

Importance Of Reading Speech Example #1

Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and fellow book enthusiasts,

Today, I stand before you to emphasize a timeless pursuit that holds the key to knowledge, imagination, and personal growth—the importance of reading. In a world filled with distractions and instant gratification, reading often takes a backseat. However, it is crucial to recognize that reading is not just a hobby; it is a transformative activity that can shape our minds and enrich our lives in countless ways.

First and foremost, reading expands our knowledge. It opens doors to new ideas, perspectives, and cultures that we may never encounter otherwise. Through books, we can explore the depths of history, delve into the complexities of science, and unravel the mysteries of the human experience. Reading equips us with information, enabling us to navigate the world with a deeper understanding and a broader worldview.

Beyond knowledge, reading nurtures our imagination. Books transport us to distant lands, introduce us to fascinating characters, and invite us into captivating narratives. They spark our creativity and allow us to envision realities beyond our own. In the realm of literature, we can embark on epic adventures, solve intricate mysteries, and traverse the boundaries of time and space. Imagination not only fuels our dreams but also enhances our problem-solving skills and fosters innovation in all aspects of our lives.

Moreover, reading cultivates critical thinking skills. As we engage with various texts, we learn to question, analyze, and evaluate ideas. We develop the ability to think independently, to discern between fact and fiction, and to form well-reasoned opinions. Reading challenges our assumptions, stimulates intellectual curiosity, and encourages us to explore diverse perspectives. In a world that is increasingly polarized, the ability to think critically is more essential than ever.

Reading also plays a vital role in nurturing empathy and fostering connections. When we immerse ourselves in stories, we are invited to walk in the shoes of characters from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. By witnessing their triumphs, struggles, and vulnerabilities, we develop a deeper understanding of the human condition. This empathy extends beyond the realm of fiction, enabling us to relate to and connect with others in our daily lives. Through literature, we discover our shared humanity and build bridges of understanding and compassion.

Furthermore, reading serves as a refuge, a sanctuary in the midst of the chaos of the modern world. It offers solace, comfort, and an escape from our daily worries. Whether it is through the pages of a novel, the lines of poetry, or the wisdom of non-fiction, books have the power to heal, inspire, and uplift our spirits. They provide a sense of companionship and a source of solace during challenging times. In the words of Jorge Luis Borges, “I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.”

In conclusion, the importance of reading cannot be overstated. It enriches our lives, expands our horizons, and nourishes our souls. Reading is not a solitary act but a shared experience that connects humanity across time and space. It empowers us to become lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and compassionate individuals. So, let us embrace the written word, immerse ourselves in the beauty of literature, and inspire others to embark on their own reading journey. Together, we can unlock the transformative power of books and create a world where reading thrives.

Importance Of Reading Speech Example #2

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, I stand before you to shed light on a practice that has been a cornerstone of human civilization since the dawn of time—the importance of reading. In an era dominated by screens and digital distractions, it is crucial to rekindle our appreciation for the written word and recognize the profound impact that reading can have on our lives.

Reading is the foundation of education and the gateway to knowledge. It is through reading that we acquire information, learn new concepts, and expand our intellectual horizons. Whether it’s delving into textbooks, exploring scientific journals, or immersing ourselves in literary classics, reading equips us with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the complexities of the world. It empowers us to engage in meaningful conversations, make informed decisions, and contribute to the progress of society.

Beyond the acquisition of knowledge, reading is an exercise in empathy and understanding. When we pick up a book, we embark on a journey of discovery, venturing into the minds and hearts of characters who are often vastly different from ourselves. This immersion in diverse perspectives fosters empathy, compassion, and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the human experience. It broadens our worldview, dismantles prejudices, and promotes inclusivity. Through reading, we transcend our own limitations and embrace the beauty of diversity.

In addition to its cognitive and emotional benefits, reading is a catalyst for personal growth and self-reflection. Books provide us with mirrors that reflect our own struggles, hopes, and dreams, allowing us to gain insight into our own lives. They offer guidance, inspiration, and wisdom from the voices of those who have walked before us. Whether it’s a memoir, a self-help book, or a philosophical treatise, reading prompts us to question, introspect, and strive for personal development. It awakens our innermost desires and fuels our aspirations.

Moreover, reading enhances our communication skills and fuels our imagination. As we immerse ourselves in the words of skilled authors, we absorb their techniques, expand our vocabulary, and refine our own writing and speaking abilities. Reading provides us with a wellspring of ideas, sparking our creativity and enabling us to think outside the box. It stimulates our imagination, allowing us to envision new possibilities, solve problems, and innovate in various spheres of life. By embracing reading, we become better communicators, more imaginative thinkers, and more effective problem-solvers.

Let us not forget that reading is also a source of pure joy and entertainment. It offers an escape from the pressures and stresses of our daily lives, transporting us to enchanting worlds and engaging narratives. Whether it’s through the pages of a gripping thriller, the verses of a captivating poem, or the pages of a heartwarming novel, reading allows us to lose ourselves in stories that captivate our hearts and minds. It provides us with moments of respite, relaxation, and pure bliss.

In conclusion, the importance of reading cannot be overstated. It is a transformative practice that fuels our intellectual growth, nurtures our empathy, and sparks our imagination. Reading is not merely a pastime; it is a lifelong companion that accompanies us on our journey of personal and intellectual development. So, let us celebrate the written word, embrace the power of reading, and pass on this invaluable gift to future generations. By doing so, we ensure that the light of knowledge, empathy, and imagination continues to shine brightly in our world.

Importance Of Reading Speech Example #3

Today, I stand before you to emphasize a fundamental truth that has withstood the test of time—the importance of reading. In a fast-paced world driven by technology and instant gratification, reading often takes a backseat. However, the significance of reading extends far beyond the pages of a book. It is a gateway to personal growth, empowerment, and a brighter future.

At its core, reading is a tool for education and empowerment. It equips us with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of life. Through reading, we gain access to a wealth of information, ideas, and perspectives that broaden our horizons. It empowers us to become critical thinkers, discerning consumers of information, and active participants in society. Reading lays the foundation for lifelong learning, enabling us to adapt to the ever-changing world and make informed decisions.

Beyond its educational value, reading fuels our imagination and creativity. It transports us to different worlds, introduces us to diverse characters, and invites us to explore limitless possibilities. When we immerse ourselves in a story, we become part of a narrative that unfolds in our minds. We visualize scenes, empathize with characters, and experience emotions that expand our capacity for empathy, understanding, and emotional intelligence. Reading ignites the spark of creativity within us, inspiring us to think outside the box, innovate, and envision a better future.

Moreover, reading is a catalyst for personal development and self-reflection. It offers us the opportunity to delve into the depths of our own thoughts and emotions. Whether it’s through self-help books, memoirs, or philosophical works, reading prompts us to question our beliefs, confront our biases, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. It encourages introspection, self-awareness, and personal growth. Through the pages of a book, we find solace, guidance, and the inspiration to overcome our challenges and reach our full potential.

Reading also fosters empathy and understanding. As we engage with stories from different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, we develop a broader perspective of the world. We gain insight into the lives of others, their struggles, triumphs, and joys. This empathy extends beyond the realm of fiction, allowing us to connect with people from diverse backgrounds in our daily lives. Reading builds bridges of understanding, breaks down barriers, and cultivates a sense of compassion and unity within society.

Furthermore, reading enhances our communication skills and fosters intellectual curiosity. It expands our vocabulary, refines our language skills, and improves our ability to articulate our thoughts and ideas. Reading exposes us to different writing styles, narrative techniques, and rhetorical devices, enabling us to become more effective communicators. It also sparks our curiosity, encouraging us to explore new subjects, ask questions, and seek knowledge beyond our immediate surroundings. Reading is a continuous journey of intellectual growth and discovery.

In conclusion, the importance of reading cannot be overstated. It is a powerful tool for education, empowerment, and personal growth. Reading nourishes our minds, expands our horizons, and fuels our imagination. It fosters empathy, understanding, and connection. It is a source of inspiration, enlightenment, and joy. Let us embrace the written word, encourage a love for reading in ourselves and others, and recognize the transformative power that lies within the pages of a book. For in reading, we unlock the doors to a world of endless possibilities and shape a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come.

Final Thoughts

Crafting a speech on the importance of reading allows you to inspire and influence your audience positively. By capturing their attention with a captivating opening, establishing the significance of reading, appealing to emotions, providing practical tips and resources, and concluding with a call to action, you can create a thought-provoking and impactful speech that instills a love for reading in your listeners. Remember, your words have the power to ignite a passion for reading and unlock a world of knowledge and imagination. Use this opportunity to inspire and empower your audience to embark on a lifelong reading journey.

About Mr. Greg

Mr. Greg is an English teacher from Edinburgh, Scotland, currently based in Hong Kong. He has over 5 years teaching experience and recently completed his PGCE at the University of Essex Online. In 2013, he graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a BEng(Hons) in Computing, with a focus on social media.

Mr. Greg’s English Cloud was created in 2020 during the pandemic, aiming to provide students and parents with resources to help facilitate their learning at home.

In his spare time, he likes to compete in powerlifitng events and the odd strongman event!

Whatsapp: +85259609792

[email protected]

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Home / Book Writing / How to Format Dialogue (2024 Rules): The Ultimate Guide for Authors

How to Format Dialogue (2024 Rules): The Ultimate Guide for Authors

Dialogue is one of the most ever-present components of writing, especially in fiction. Yet even experienced authors sometimes format dialogue incorrectly.

There are so many rules, standards, and recommendations to format dialogue that it can be easy to get lost and not know what to do.

Thankfully, this article will help you know exactly what to do when formatting and writing dialogue, and I’ll even mention a tool that will make the whole process a lot easier, but more on that later.

• The basic rules for good dialogue
• Grammar rules for effective dialogue
• The difference between curly and straight quotes
• Common stylistic choices
• And other recommendations

Table of contents

• Basic Dialogue Rules
• 1. The Correct Use of Quotation Marks
• 2. The Correct Use of Dialogue Tags
• 3. The Correct Use of Question and Exclamation Marks
• 4. The Correct Use Of Em-Dashes And Ellipses
• 5. Capitalization Rules
• 6. Breaking Dialogue Into Multiple Paragraphs
• 7. Using Quotation Marks With Direct Dialogue vs Indirect Dialogue 
• Using Quotation Marks With Direct Dialogue vs Reported Dialogue
• Keyboard Shortcuts for PC or Windows
• Keyboard Shortcuts for Mac
• Formatting Quotes with Atticus
• Best Practice: Dialogue Tags
• If dialogue is interrupted by a tag and action…
• If dialogue is interrupted by just an action…
• Best Practices: She Said vs. Said She
• Best Practice: Using Beats to Break up Your Dialogue
• 1. Italicized With a Tag
• 2. Italicized Without a Tag
• 3. Not Italicized
• 1. Make It Clear Who Is Speaking
• 2. Focus on Character Voice
• 3. Don't Overdo Your Character Voice
• 4. Don't Info-Dump with Dialogue
• 5. Avoid Repetitive Dialogue Tags
• Final Thoughts on Formatting Dialogue

Why You Should Trust Me

So I've been writing and formatting books for a long time. 10+ years as of this writing.

But I actually found formatting to be a huge pain, which is why I actually created my own formatting software that solved all my problems. I called it Atticus.

But this isn't meant to be a sales pitch. I just want to make sure it's clear that I know what I'm talking about. The amount of research that went into not only formatting my own books, but also creating a formatting software is huge.

I researched everything, from tiny margin requirements, to the specific type of quotes to use (curly or straight, it makes a difference).

And yes, of course, that includes how to format dialogue.

So if all that makes sense, hopefully you'll come along with me as show you everything I've learned.

There are some basic rules that most people are aware of, but still need to be mentioned in an article about formatting dialogue.

The following are some of the very basic instructions you will need to follow:

• New speaker, new paragraph: whenever a new person speaks, you should start a new paragraph. This is true, even if your character is alone and talking out loud, or even if all they say is one word.
• Indent each paragraph: as with any paragraph, you should indent it. There are small exceptions, such as at the beginning of a chapter or scene break.
• Quotation marks go around the dialogue: use quotation marks at the beginning and end of your character's dialogue. Any punctuation that is part of the dialogue should be kept within the quotes.

Now that you have these basics in mind, let's dive into the specific rules of grammar and punctuation for formatting dialogue.

Dialogue Punctuation

To punctuate dialogue correctly, there are a few rules you should know:

• The correct use of quotation marks
• The correct use of dialogue tags
• The correct use of question and exclamation marks
• The correct use of em-dashes and ellipses
• Capitalization rules
• Breaking dialogue into multiple paragraphs
• Using quotation marks with direct dialogue versus indirect dialogue
• Using quotation marks with direct dialogue vs reported dialogue

Let's dive into each of these one by one…

For American writing, you will use a set of quotation marks (” “). These are placed directly before and after the dialogue spoken by your character.

Furthermore, the quotation marks are placed around any punctuation, such as a comma, question mark, or exclamation mark.

Example:  

“I love writing books!” said John.

You can use the same set of quotation marks around more than one sentence.

Example: 

“I love writing books! It makes me feel so accomplished.”

Note: the double quote is used heavily in American writing and in some other parts of the world, with single quotes used to quote dialogue within a larger quote. However these roles are often reversed outside of American writing, and some cultures even use angle brackets instead (<< >>).

A dialogue tag is simply a phrase at the beginning or end of your dialogue that tells us who is speaking. Dialogue tags are optional, but should be used when there are multiple people speaking and it is not clear which dialogue belongs to whom.

Your dialogue tag should use a comma to separate itself from the dialogue. If your dialogue tag appears at the beginning of your quote, the comma should appear after the dialogue tag and before your first quotation mark. If your dialogue tag is after your quote, the comma should appear after the dialogue, but before the closing quotation mark.

John said, “I love to write books.”

“I love to write books,” said John.

If a sentence of dialogue is interrupted by the dialogue tag, then you should use two commas that follow the above rules.

“I love to write books,” said John, “every single day.”

If you are using a question or exclamation mark, those are placed within the quotation marks, just as a comma would be.

“You like to write books?”

If you are following up the dialogue with a dialogue tag, you do not need to capitalize the first word of the dialogue tag.

“You like to write books?” said Lucy.

“You like to write books?” Said Lucy.

Both em-dashes and ellipses are used to show incomplete dialogue, but their uses vary.

Em-dashes should be used when dialogue is interrupted by someone else's dialogue, or any other interruption that leads to an abrupt ending.

Note that the em-dash is contained within the quotation marks, and replaces any punctuation. If the em-dash appears at the start of the quote, the following word should not be capitalized.

“Have I ever told you—”

“Yes, yes you have.”

“—that I love writing books?”

Ellipses are used when the dialogue trails off, but there is not an obvious interruption.

“What was I saying just…

In most cases, you should capitalize the first word of your dialogue. This is true, even if the dialogue does not technically begin the sentence.

John said, “But I love to write books!”

John said, “but I love to write books!”

The exception to this is if you are starting in the middle of your character's sentence, such as after an em-dash, or anytime the first quoted word is not the first word of the character's full sentence.

Lucy rolled her eyes, ready to hear again just how much John “loved to write books.”

If you have especially long dialogue, you might want to divide that dialogue into multiple paragraphs.

When this happens, place the first quotation mark at the beginning of the dialogue, but do not place a quotation mark at the end of that first paragraph.

You also place a quotation mark at the beginning of each subsequent paragraph until the dialogue ends. The last paragraph of dialogue has a quotation mark at the beginning and the end.

John said, “I can't explain to you why I love writing books so much. Perhaps it has something to do with my childhood. I always loved writing books as a child and making up stories . My mom told me I should be playing outside, but I preferred writing.

“Or maybe it was in college when I started learning the rules of good creative writing and saw my characters come to life in a way that I had never seen in my youth. It excited me more.

“Or maybe I'm just weird.” 

Before I get into the specifics of how to use quotation marks with direct dialogue versus indirect dialogue, you have to understand what each is.

Direct dialogue is written between inverted commas or quotes. This is someone actually speaking the words you’ve written down. It looks like this:

“Hello, I like to write books,” he said.

Indirect dialogue is basically you telling someone about what another person said.

He said hello and that he liked to write books.

Note that no quotation marks are required because it’s not a direct quote — the speaker is paraphrasing.

However, most of the formatting and punctuation tips I work with in this article pertain to direct dialogue.

Besides direct dialogue and indirect dialogue, I also have reported dialogue.

Reported dialogue is when one line of dialogue is quoting something else.

With American usage of quotation marks, I place double quotation marks around the direct dialogue (a.k.a. the main quote), with single quotation marks around the reported dialogue (a.k.a. the quote within the quote).

“I was talking to John the other day, and he kept saying ‘I love writing books' all the time,” said Lucy.

Note that this is common for American writing, and is often reversed outside of North America. Check your local style guides to know exactly how to embed one quote within another.

Curly Quotes or Straight Quotes?

Some authors don't even realize this, but there is a big difference between straight quotes and curly quotes.

Straight quotes do not bend inward, but remain straight. They are identical, whether they are located at the beginning or end of your quote.

John said, “I just like to write books, okay?”

By default, most keyboards use straight quotes instead of smart quotes. It is also the standard for web-based writing, since it simplifies the HTML needed to render a webpage (notice that most quotes in this article are straight quotes).

Curly quotes (sometimes called smart quotes) curve inward toward the line of dialogue that they encapsulate.

John said, “I just like to write books, okay?”

Curly quotes are more common in publishing, fiction, and are generally considered the standard when doing dialogue.

How to Change Straight Quotes to Curly Quotes

Since most keyboards use straight quotes, and is the default for many programs, you will have to change them to smart quotes manually.

While some programs have this functionality, you can also use keyboard shortcuts. For example:

To use keyboard shortcuts for PC, hold down the alt key, then type the four-digit code using your number pad:

• Opening double quote shortcut: alt 0147
• Closing double quote shortcut: alt 0148
• Opening single quote shortcut: alt 0145 
• Closing single quote shortcut: alt 0146

Note that you must type these numbers in with your number pad, and not the top row of numbers on your keyboard. The top row will not work.

The same process applies here, but the commands are slightly different. With a Mac, hold down the different keys shown here:

• Opening double quote shortcut: Option + [
• Closing double quote shortcut: Option + Shift + [
• Opening single quote shortcut: Option + ]
• Closing single quote shortcut: Option + Shift + ]

The downside to using the short codes is that it can become extremely tedious, especially if you have to go through your entire book and replace all of the quotes.

Thankfully, there is an option to make this a lot easier…

When you use Atticus, you can automatically swap your straight quotes for curly quotes with the touch of a button.

To do this, look on the top writing toolbar, and you will see two icons on the right.

If you click the button labeled “Apply Smart Quotes”, it will give you the following pop-up:

Do this for each of your chapters, and you should see the little red warning icon change to a green icon, indicating that your entire book is free of straight quotes.

This saves you a ton of hassle, it is by far the easiest way to improve your quotes in a writing or formatting program.

We've already talked about the grammatical rules for dialogue tags above, but let's talk a little more about, because there are ways to use dialogue tags that are grammatically correct, but not great from a stylistic standpoint.

For example, should you use words other than “said” for your dialogue tag?

Technically, you can do this. You can use many words as a dialogue tag. For example:

“You like to write books?” asked Lucy.

“You like to write books?” scoffed Lucy.

“You like to write books?” snickered Lucy.

“You like to write books?” intoned Lucy.

In this case, I have used alternative dialogue tags in each example. It's common for newer writers to think that mixing up the dialogue tags like this is a good thing, but this is not the case.

In fact, most authors agree the best practice is to use just “said” and “asked”. 

You can use other words on occasion (I sometimes use “clarified”, “shouted”, or “whispered”), but these should be rare.

The reason for this is simple: readers expect to see the words “said” and “asked”. Their mind brushes right over it, taking the necessary attribution data, and nothing else. Using “said” over and over again will not seem repetitive, because it is expected.

Using unusual dialogue tags is a quick way to draw the reader out of the book.

Best Practice: Formatting Interruptions

I’ve talked, briefly, about em-dashes and ellipses above, but there are a few other considerations to make when formatting dialogue interruptions.

You can format it in two ways. First of all:

“I love writing books,” John said, rubbing his hands together, “but I don’t like editing them that much.”

In this first example, you write your starting dialogue, tag, and action as usual, but instead of finishing the sentence with a period, you place a comma, open a new quotation mark and continue the sentence with a conjunction. At the end of that sentence, you’d use a period and close the speech.

But you can also format that interruption by separating the spoken pieces into two separate sentences as follows:

“I love writing books,” John said, rubbing his hands together. “But I don’t like editing them that much.”

Here, the sentence ends after John has rubbed his hands together. Because of that, when you start your new line of dialogue, you format it with a capitalized ‘But’ and end it with a period.

Say your speaker is being erratic, or just doing something that would interrupt his speech, like taking a sip of water or coughing uncontrollably, you wouldn’t have a well-planned and inserted interruption. The text would look broken because the dialogue is being broken by the action.

You’d format that as follows:

“I love writing books”–John took a sip of water–“but I’m not a fan of editing them.”

Note: The em-dashes are outside of the dialogue for this type of formatting.

You might be surprised to learn that there is a best practice for the word order for your dialogue tags.

For example, should you say “Lucy said” or “said Lucy”?

It may be common for you to guess that “said Lucy” is an acceptable practice (at least I did), but while this is technically grammatically correct, it is actually discouraged.

The correct way to format this is “Lucy said”.

Think of it this way, would it feel more natural to say “she said” or “said she”? Since “she said” is more natural with pronouns, the logic is that “Lucy said” is the superior form of dialogue tag.

Instead of dialogue tags, one alternative that you can use are beats.

Beats are small actions to give to your characters, so it doesn't sound like the dialogue is being spoken between two talking heads in a void.

It helps to move the story along, creates a sense of realism, and gives you a chance to reduce the number of dialogue tags that you use, without confusing the reader.

“I love to write books!” John sat at the keyboard and cracked his knuckles.

You can also add a beat to your dialogue tag.

“I love to write books!” said John, then sat at the keyboard and cracked his knuckles.

Additionally, you can use a beat to interrupt the flow of dialogue. This is even encouraged at times, because it can create diversity in how you use your dialogue.

“I love to write books!” John sat at the keyboard and cracked his knuckles. “But I don't like editing them as much.”

Best Practice: Formatting Inner Dialogue

When you are formatting internal dialogue (particularly when writing from 3rd person point of view), there are three ways that you can format it.

It’s common to see inner dialogue treated the same as quoted dialogue, but with the entire inner dialogue italicized instead of using quotation marks.

I just love to write books, John thought. Why can’t Lucy understand this?

Likewise, you can often leave out the tag all together, as the reader is able to understand by the italics that this is a thought. However, you might want to accompany this with a beat.

John sat at his desk. I just love to write books. Why can’t Lucy understand this?

If you are writing from a deeper point of view, you might not need italics or a tag. This is especially common when writing in first-person point of view, where literally all of the prose represents that person’s thoughts.

I sat at my desk. I just love to write books. Why can’t Lucy understand this?

Other Tips for Formatting Dialogue

In addition to the above, there are a few miscellaneous tips that I would like to share:

When using dialogue, you never want the reader to be confused as to who is saying the dialogue. There are a couple of ways to do this.

• Use dialogue tags effectively
• Never leave out dialogue tags unless you only have two people, and it is obvious which one is speaking
• Use beats appropriately

Each character should have a unique way of speaking.

A good way to practice different voices is to record a conversation, such as around the dinner table, and transcribe it. Notice how everyone uses a different “flow” to our sentences, or have favorite words that I like to use.

Do they speak in short, choppy sentences? Or are they more prone to elegant, long-winded paragraphs?

Another great exercise is to write a conversation with two people, and don't use dialogue tags. Instead, try to make how they are speaking make it obvious who is actually talking.

Despite my recommendation above, it is possible to overdo character voice.

Examples of this include:

• Overdoing a heavy accent, where every word of their dialogue is spelled slightly different to convey the dialect.
• Including curse words in every other sentence, even if this is realistically based on someone you know.
• Including a lot of “ums” and “uhs” in your sentence. While these are common in real life, they can dramatically pull your reader out of the story.

While it is okay for the character to explain some of what is going on in their dialogue, you have to be careful with this.

Above all, make sure your dialogue naturally fits the character in the scene. Info dumping can easily lead to “Maid and Butler dialogue”, where it feels like the characters just talking for the benefit of the reader, and not for the actual situation they are in.

While it is important to use “said” and “asked” the most when doing your dialogue tags, there are other ways that you should use to diversify your tags, such as:

• Use beats instead
• Use dialogue tags before, after, and in the middle of your dialogue
• Remove dialogue tags when you have a back-and-forth conversation between two people and it is obvious who is saying what

This is not just relevant for dialogue tags, but also for your dialogue styles. If you have had three lines of dialogue in a row that all placed your dialogue tag in the middle of the dialogue, then you might want to change things up a bit.

While it is easy to get overwhelmed with all of the little tips and tricks to formatting dialogue, once you have enough practice, it becomes second nature.

Additionally, a tool like Atticus can make some of the technical bits so much easier, such as changing your street quotes to curly quotes.

In addition to formatting dialogue, Atticus is the number one software for writing and formatting a book. Plus, unlike other leading formatting software is, it is available on all platforms, and costs over $100 less than the leading alternative.

Dave Chesson

When I’m not sipping tea with princesses or lightsaber dueling with little Jedi, I’m a book marketing nut. Having consulted multiple publishing companies and NYT best-selling authors, I created Kindlepreneur to help authors sell more books. I’ve even been called “The Kindlepreneur” by Amazon publicly, and I’m here to help you with your author journey.

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12 Tips on Giving a Good Author Talk

by Louise Allan | Apr 9, 2019 | ON WRITING | 20 comments

As a published author, you’re expected to speak at writers festivals, libraries, book clubs and to writing and community groups. But, if you’re anything like me, the notion of public speaking might fill you with terror.

I’m not, by nature, a public speaker. Speaking to an audience, no matter how small—even a group around a table—used to make me anxious. As a student, I had to rehearse questions I wanted to ask in front of the class. If I ever had to do a presentation, I couldn’t sleep the night before, and I’d spend the day panicking, cursing myself for putting my hand up and thinking of excuses to pull out.

Prior to my book coming out, I was dreading the public speaking I’d have to do. Yet, here I am just over a year down the track, and it’s probably the thing I’ve most enjoyed about being published. I look forward to author talks—it’s a thrill and a privilege to have people turn up to hear you speak, and to be able to talk about your own book feels positively self-indulgent.

So, I thought I’d share a few of my tips for giving a good author talk. This list is by no means exhaustive; it’s just a few things I’ve noticed along the way:

• The audience is on your side.

They truly are. People haven’t come to criticise you or trip you up; they want you to succeed. It’s not like you’re a politician on  Q&A, and I’m yet to come across anyone argumentative in the audience. In fact, there’s always someone nodding and smiling encouragingly who I can look at if I’m needing a boost of confidence.  

2. If you’re not feeling confident, fake it.

No one will know this is your first time unless you tell them. No one will know your gut is roiling or that your knees are jelly or that you’ve hardly slept. Pretend you’ve done it a hundred times before.

I borrowed this tip from my son’s piano teacher, something she calls ‘champion pose’. You can read more about it here , but before I was due to go onstage or give a talk, I took five minutes to go to the bathroom where I stood in front of a mirror, flexed and told myself I was good enough. I said things like, ‘You’ve got this’, ‘You know what you’re doing’, ‘You can do it’.

Apparently, it works by raising testosterone levels, so you strut out feeling pumped. I don’t care how it works, even if it’s placebo, the very fact it does is enough. Plus, it’s good to remind yourself that you can do this.

It’s a quick little weapon to have in your arsenal if you’re feeling anxious before a gig.

3. Remember the talk is for the audience, not the author .

What’s the point of giving an author talk if the audience isn’t interested? Audiences have given up their time and gone out of their way to hear you speak, so you want to make it worth their while, give them something they’ll enjoy, be entertaining.

So, think of your audience when you’re preparing your talk. For example, vary your talk depending on whether it’s for a book club or a writers’ group or for a group of business people. What you talk about should depend on their interests.

And try not to bore them. Keep an eye on the audience and if they’re fidgeting or restless, wind up that topic as quickly as you can even if you’re only halfway through.

When an audience is engaged, they’re very still and you can hear the proverbial pin drop. I got to know the parts of my talk that engaged people—the personal anecdotes—and added more of those, and I abbreviated the parts that sent them to sleep—the research sections (I’m speaking generally here—I recognise authors are invited to speak about their research at times).

4. Talk About Yourself .

Audiences always sit up straighter when authors speak personally. They want to hear about your book but, really, they want to get to know you, the author.

I find it as hard as the next person to talk personally, but it is possible to talk about yourself without feeling like you’ve overshared. I told audiences about books I’d read as a child, or stories and poems I’d written when young. I talked about being a doctor and changing careers in midlife. I spoke about my writing process because people have no idea what it’s like to author a book and they’re incredibly interested. I told them how long it took to write and how many drafts. Audiences are interested in the downsides, too—the rejections and disappointments.

Because my story was very much based on my family history, I talked about my grandparents and, because my story is about two sisters, I mentioned my own sister and her death in 1987 . At this point, the room always went still and quiet, and after almost every talk, someone would come up to me, often in tears, to share their own story.

5. Prepare beforehand.

This goes without saying and, as someone who gets really anxious, it helped allay my anxiety to know in advance what I was going to say. A talk might lack spontaneity if it’s over-rehearsed, but it’s preferable to being under-prepared.

6. Give the audience something to look at.

I prepared a slideshow, which took me about 12 hours to set up, but I used it, or variations of it, for nearly every talk I did. 

Before each event, I went over the presentation and reminded myself of the order of the slides. I also tweaked it depending on the audience (see above). It evolved over the course of the year, and is now an almost completely different talk to the one I gave at the beginning. That made it more enjoyable for me as I wasn’t saying the same things over and over.

7. Include Humour .

This is probably self-explanatory—every audience loves a funny anecdote! Bonus tip: you can recycle anecdotes because rarely do the same people attend your talk twice!

8. Be Yourself.

Treat the audience like they’re a friend, and talk as you would to a group of people you know well. Be authentic and honest. Don’t just talk about the wins, but include the hard bits, the rejections, failures and embarrassments. Tell the audience about the time you forgot your husband’s name, or when you wanted to hand back your advance because you thought your publisher would change their mind when they saw the hash-job you’d made of the edits.

Tell them the mistakes you’ve made and what you’ve learnt, not just in writing, but in life in general. Audiences love seeing the human side of you.

9. Involve the audience in your talk.

Ask questions of the audience as you go—who’s a writer, who likes reading, who’s read your book, and always make time for audience questions at the end.

10. Arrive in plenty of time and take spares of everything

I try to arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time to give me plenty of time if traffic’s tight, which happens as many talks are at peak hour. It also allows time to set up and check that everything’s working, sort out any problems and, hopefully, still have time to mentally prepare for the talk ahead. (And do champion pose!)

I have a bag pre-packed with everything I need, and a list I check before I leave the house. I take a spare of  everything  because things go wrong. I take my own computer as sometimes there’s a problem with the computer at the venue. I have a copy of my talk on my lap-top, as well as on a USB, as well as in the cloud. I have plenty of cables to fit almost any socket, so I can use my laptop if needed. I also bought my own remote control, one I’m familiar with and that I know has plenty of battery. (I take spare batteries, too!)

11. Be polite.

Be polite and gracious and smiling, even when something goes wrong because, at the end of the day, it is unlikely to be life-threatening, or even limb-threatening, and the audience probably won’t even notice. 

I’ve had events with no bookseller organised (which is why I always carry a box of books in the car). I’ve had a computer freeze mid-talk, so I carried on without the slideshow and the audience barely noticed. Equipment has been missing, the sound not working, the computer software out of date and not running Powerpoint. There have been questions from the audience that have been difficult to answer.

Yet, despite all the things that have gone wrong, I can honestly say I’ve never had a ‘bad’ author talk.

12. Don’t do a post-mortem

Don’t go over every tiny detail of your talk afterwards, berating yourself for what you omitted or wincing at something that came out the wrong way. Most likely, the audience didn’t even notice or, if they did, they didn’t mind, just as you don’t mind if a speaker occasionally stumbles.

So go easy on yourself and let it go.

The thing is, as a result of giving author talks, I’ve learnt more about my book, not just from my own preparation, but from things people have told me about my story. I know it so much better and am now able to speak about it on a deeper level than when I first started.

I’ve also gained in confidence and grown as a speaker. I don’t get nervous at all anymore, and my talks are more candid, less rehearsed. I talk less to ‘script’ and treat it more like a chat with the audience. They return the chattiness and there’s a lovely feeling in the room.

So, that’s my tuppence on author talks. Like I say, it’s by no means comprehensive, but something to start with to make your author talk special.

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20 comments.

Thanks Louise, very helpful.

Thanks Louise I found this really helpful and encouraging. Sometimes I get asked to interview authors (also nerve-racking!) and your tips will help to make me less nervous and bring the best out of the author!

I think interviewing authors is harder than being interviewed! It’s very nerve-racking, as you say! I’m glad you found the post helpful!

I’m pleased you found it useful, Sonia!

This is such a generous, honest and helpful post Louise – thank you. Now I just need to become and published author and all will be well … just kidding!! I actually have a reading coming up at a friend’s book launch and I am going to use several of your tips in preparing 😊xx

Oh, I am sure you’ll be a published author one day soon, Fi! And I can’t wait to hear more about the impending reading—maybe some photos? A video? 😉

Great advice Louise. I have always wondered how writers feel giving author talks especially when they are shy and introverted. Public speaking is not for everyone and getting past that feeling of panic is the hardest thing to contemplate, so it is good to hear that this became easier for you and now you enjoy it.

Public speaking’s harder for some than for others. I used to be the proverbial rabbit in the headlights with a brain full of fuzz. I could write a book about the silly things I’ve done in a public forum over the years! It’s all about confidence, which comes with (a) allowing yourself to learn and make mistakes, and (b) practice!

I hope that one day I will be giving author talks – and this is such great advice, like everything you offer Louise – from the heart and with others in mind.

I hope you’re one day giving author talks, too, Shannon! Thanks for reading and I’m so pleased you found it useful! 🙂

Seriously so helpful Louise, especially as I am now at the point of doing some author talks and feeling like I have no idea how to structure them! Thanks so much for being so generous and sharing your experience with the rest of us. 🙂

I’ve seen and heard you speak, and you’re wonderful at it! Honestly, Holden, your intuition is serving you well so just keep doing what you’re doing. 🙂

Thanks so much Louise for the vote of confidence! 🙂

Definitely a vote of confidence! 😊

Thanks for your great tips Louise. I’ll keep them in mind.

I’ve heard you speak and you’re wonderful, Helen. You’ll be great when your book comes out! 🙂

Thanks Louise. You are very generous to share these insights.

That’s lovely of you to say, Christine. Others did the same for me, so I like paying it forward too. 🙂

Can’t wait to see one of your author talks one day, Louise!

I‘d love to visit your neck of the woods one day! 😀

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• Speech Writing /

Speech on Why Books are Better Than Movies?

• Updated on  
• December 22, 2023

What would be your choice – Detailed information, character development, intricate plots, or just some animation on screen? Arguments for and against the idea that books are better than movies depend on the individual.

Johannes Gutenberg, a German Goldsmith, invented the printing press in 1436, which paved the way for publishing books. Today, more than 100 million books exist in multiple fields. Books are often considered our best friend because of the knowledge they offer us. In recent years, there has been a debate on ‘Whether are books better than movies, what can we learn from books which movies lack, etc.’ Today, we will provide you with a speech on why books are better than their movies.

10 Lines on Books Are Better Than Movies

Here are 10 lines on why books are better than movies. Feel free to use them in your school topics.

• Books offer an extensive exploration of characters, providing in-depth insights into their thoughts, feelings, and backgrounds.
• Reading books allows us to personalize and imagine experiences.
• Reading books helps us to visualize scenes and characters according to our interpretations and preferences.
• The literary format allows authors to delve into intricate details, nuanced emotions, and complex plots that may be challenging to convey in a condensed movie format.
• Books empower us to use our creativity, filling in gaps and envisioning the story in our minds, fostering a deeper connection to the narrative.
• Books offer a more leisurely and comprehensive exploration of the story, subplots, and character arcs.
• Internal dialogues and character introspection are more effectively conveyed in books.
• Books provide a richer understanding of the character’s motivations and growth throughout the narrative.
• The reader has the flexibility to pause, reflect, and return to any part of the story, 
• Books foster a more immersive and contemplative reading experience.

Books are better than movies because you design the set the way you want it to look pic.twitter.com/pImXogDi0i — MobiQuotes (@mobiquotes) December 20, 2023

2-Minute Speech on Books Are Better Than Movies

‘Good morning my classmates and teacher. Today, I would like to express my speech on why books are better than movies. From our imagination to language skills, books offer a more comprehensive understanding of the subject. Books provide us with detailed information, character development, and complicated plots.’

‘Reading the written words allows us a deep exploration of the character’s thoughts, emotions, and motivation that is more challenging to convey through a movie. We can visualize the character through our imaginations. Books can delve into the internal thoughts and monologues of characters, providing insights into their minds.’

‘The visualization power offered by books does not judge characters based on their looks, something which movies do. In a movie, only a selected character can play a role, but in books, no such thing exists.’

‘As readers, we can control the pace at which we want to consume a story. we can linger over a beautifully written passage, reread sections for better understanding, or skip ahead if we are eager to know what happens next. Movies, on the other hand, have a fixed pace set by the director and editors.’

‘Movies have time constraints because of which certain elements of a story are omitted or skipped. Reading books requires active mental participation, as we need to interpret the text, imagine the scenes, and connect the dots.’

‘Books can offer multiple perspectives, internal dialogues, and diverse narrative styles that may not be as easily conveyed in a visual medium. 

‘Books possess a transformative power, which moves lack. This power goes beyond time and technology, through which we can embark on our personal growth, self-discovery and exploration.’

‘Whether we are reading academic or non-academic books, it’s always a great experience to understand it from our perspective. Whether books are better than movies depends on individual preferences, and both mediums have their strengths and unique ways of storytelling.

Thank you.’

Ans: Books offer in-depth details about the characters, their personalities, thoughts, emotions, and background. Almost every movie has time constraints, where we are required to finish it in the given time frame. On the other hand, books offer us the flexibility to read anything and anywhere. To watch movies, we need proper resources like a TV, laptop or cell phone with an internet connection. Books are easy to carry and don’t need any resources.

Ans: Books keep our minds active and engaged, and offer is diverse range of words and expressions which enhance our vocabulary. Reading books reduces stress levels, improves focus and concentration, enhances imagination and creativity, etc.

Ans: Books provide us with detailed information, character development, and complicated plots. Reading the written words allows us a deep exploration of the character’s thoughts, emotions, and motivation which is more challenging to convey through a movie. We can visualize the character through our imaginations. Books can delve into the internal thoughts and monologues of characters, providing insights into their minds.

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For more information on such interesting speech topics for your school, visit our speech writing page and follow Leverage Edu .

Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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