“The best Original
Song goes to....”
“The best Cinematography goes to... “
“The best Production Design goes to....”
At the recent Academy Awards event,
viewers listened to all of the above statements as the Oscars were given out. However, many individuals would say that they
have little or no interest in these categories. Most of us only want to know who will win best
actor/actress, supporting roles and picture of the year. The producers of the evening
are aware of our bias and therefore hold us in suspense as long as possible before
revealing our favourite awards.
Music, screen sets and photography, when
done well, are imperceptible. However, they focus the eye through the camera lens,
move us emotionally with lyrics or melodies and provide context for the script
and actions. Without these valuable background features, films would be flat
and forgettable.
This illustration can be applied to
other areas of our life.
In communication it’s often the ‘how’ of
saying something that impacts us more than the ‘what’. “I won’t remember what
you said, but how it made me feel.” Body language or the non verbal is what
makes up ninety percent of the message.
When introducing change, the existing
climate or environment will determine success and outcomes; like the water in a
fish tank—if it’s not treated, the fish will die.
Written stories also require music/sound,
photography/focus and staging/setting to engage the reader. Next time you watch a movie, notice these
invisible, but essential, components and imagine how you can recreate them in
your writing; let’s think like directors with our/His script.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ
Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Eph. 2:10
(NIV)
I welcome your comments on the topic.
Carol Ford, Speaker, Career Coach, Author
A short story about my first Christmas in my adoptive home will appear in Christmas with Hot Apple Cider, October 2017. I'm co-author of devotional entitled: As the Ink Flows: Devotions to Inspire Christian Writers & Speakers (shortlisted for 2017 awards). To learn more about Carol Ford go to: https/carolfordassociates.wordpress.com
