Monologue and Dialogue

 Q.:-  What is the purpose of Monologue?

OR

What do you know about Dialogue?

Ans.:-

  Introduction:-

Talking is a part of our daily routine. We talk to our friends, relatives and others on general or specific matters. We present our views and listen to theirs. But sometimes we speak and the other(s) listen to us without giving some response, or vice versa. Sometimes we simply converse with each other and sometimes discuss specific matter(s). They are termed as monologue, conversation and dialogue respectively. They can take place for formal as well as informal purpose. We shall discuss all the situations one by one.



Monologue:-


The word monologue has its roots in the Greek word monologos meaning "speaking alone". It is a speech delivered by one person, or a long one-sided conversation. The speaker does all the speaking and no other person gets involved in the conversation. S/he performs all the function of speaking without expecting or getting feedback. It is a one-sided affair and non-interactive in nature. Though the listener(s) remains present during the course of action, listens to the speaker, interprets the meaning, but does not respond.



A monologue speaks at people, not with people. Many plays and shows involving performers begin with a single character giving a monologue to the audience before the plot or action starts. You would have found a stand-up comedian giving monologue in the beginning of a comedy show. It is not necessary that a monologue can be delivered only in the beginning, but can occur all of the time.


Monologues are frequently used in plays, films, poetry and novels. They are presented to express character's inner feelings or mental thoughts. When a character addresses to another character(s) or the audience to reveal character's inner feelings or thoughts, it is known as dramatic monologue. It can also be internal, where the character talks to oneself in order to understand character's dilemma. It is called 'interior monologue. It is spoken out loud. It is sometimes used to advance the action.


Many-a-times we read a story or a poem and fail to understand what the character is thinking about. Monologue helps us to understand his/her thoughts clearly. When a character speaks in a monologue, audience can read character's mind, and understand what motivates that character. Shakespeare has skillfully used monologues in many of his plays to portray the feeling and thinking of his characters. We find the example of monologue in famous balcony scene of his play “Romeo and Juliet”. Romeo reveals his thoughts to the audience through the monologue.


Conversation:-



Conversation is the talking between two or more individuals. It is an interactive process which involves the speaker(s) and the listener(s). Both the speaker and the listener interact and reciprocate in the process. It employs informal exchange of views, ideas and information through spoken words. It connects people to make social interaction possible. It helps to establish, maintain, improve and consolidate social as well as professional relations.

 Purpose:-



Conversation can take place to meet the following objectives:

(a) Interaction: Conversation is a social activity. We spend time with people whom we like and whose company we find stimulating. Whenever we find an opportunity to interact, we share our thoughts with them. We converse with them and try to get acknowledged. Interaction is the first and foremost aim of conversation. This is the driving force behind our social activities.

(b) Self-expression: We have some ideas and thoughts in our mind. We need to express them to get acknowledged. We communicate them through conversation. Self-expression is the other purpose of conversation.


(c) To know others: Self-expression is not the sole purpose of social interaction, rather knowing others' feelings and thinking is equally important. Conversation helps to understand others' views, ideas, feelings and thoughts. This is another purpose of conversation.


(d) To build trust: Mutual trust is essential in social as well as professional life. We cannot pour our heart before others. We need to establish our trust through our interaction. Building trust is another purpose of conversation.


(e) To carry-out various activities: We are social being and need others' help to carry out certain activities. Conversation helps to perform these activities in a better way.


Types:-



Conversations are interactional and transactional in nature. The type depends on the relationship between the participants. The first type of casual conversation occurs between the participants who are socially and culturally close to each other; and the second occurs between the participants who are less intimate. The type also depends on the situation. On that basis, the conversations can be divided into the following two categories:

  • Informal
  • Formal

(a) Informal Conversation-

This type of conversation is held in informal setting. It occurs when the participants have close and intimate relations. It involves the exchange of personal information, such as gossiping, general inquires, personal matters, etc.


Example:-
A Conversation between Two Friends
Jyoti  :  Hi, Vinita! We are meeting after long time. Where were you these days?
Vinita  :  Hi, Jyoti! You are right. We are meeting after a long time. Actually, I've not been feeling well for last one month.
Jyoti  :  What's troubling you?
Vinita  :  I always feel feverish. Moreover, I have body ache. Even sometimes I feel difficulty in walking. 
Jyoti  :  Oh! What does doctor say?
Vinita  :  I've consulted three doctors. But none of them has been able to diagnose the problem.
Jyoti  : In fact, you are talking it serious. People often fall sick during winter. You should try to boost your immunity.

(b) Formal Conversation- 

This type of conversation is different from informal conversation in content, style, language and approach. It occurs between the participants who are less intimate to each other or have formal relations. It takes place in semi- formal or formal setting. It involves the exchange of words in a formal manner. It may include the conversation with a shopkeeper, officer, professional, or so.

Example:- 

A Conversation among the principal and Teachers 

(Two teachers enter the Principal's room)

Teacher  :  Good morning sir!

Principal  :  Good morning, Mr. Aggarwal! And how're you Ms. Anuradha?

Mr. Aggarwal  :  Sir, I have come to ask about the admission process this year.

Principal  :  I have no information about the date when it may start. I have written to the university, but the response is still awaited.

Mr. Aggarwal  :  But we are to plan the things.

Principal  :  I do understand. But we should be ready and make necessary arrangements. Of course it may start in the last week of June.

Ways of Delivery:-

Conversation includes the exchange of words between two or more persons. The persons can be present at the same place or can talk to each other through some mechanical or electronic device. The conversation can occur in the following ways:
  1. Face-to-face
  2. Over telephone

(a) Face-to-face Conversation-

This type of conversation takes place when the participants are present at the same place. They can see each other as well as driver meaning from the body movements.


Example:-
A Conversation at a Restaurant

Abhishek  :  Sneha, I like this restaurant very much. How's the place?

Sneha  :  Lovely! Very nice!

Abhishek  :  I was sure that you'd like the place. I usually visit this restaurant. Let's sit in that corner, shall we?

Sneha  :  Yes! 

Abhishek  :  waiter! Waiter!

Waiter  :  Good morning sir. I'm very sorry to trouble you, but I wonder if you could possibly move to another table. I'm afraid to this table is reserved.

Abhishek  :  Oh yes, why not.

(b) Telephonic Conversation-

This type of conversation takes place between two or more persons over the telephone or a mobile phone. It is not necessary for the participant to be present at the same place. They can talk over the phone. Voice plays a central role in the type of conversation. Unlike face-to-face conversation, the participants cannot see the body movements and the facial expressions to each other. However modern technology has made it possible to some extent through video- calling.

Example:-

A Conversation between Two Friends

Amit  :  (over the phone) Am I taking to Aditi?

Aditi  :  (Recieving the call) Yes. Who's there?

Amit  : Hi, Aditi. I'm Amit. How're you?

Aditi  :  I'm fine. How about you?

Amit  :  Are you coming to the college today?

Aditi  :  Yes! What happened?

Amit  :  Could you please bring the notes of yesterday's class with you. I didn't attend the class.

Dialogue:-

Dialogue means ' a conversational exchange, discussion or negotiation.' It takes place between only two individuals. It includes questions and answers, requests and information. It occurs for some specific purpose. It is a kind of participatory process in which the person take part to discuss or resolve some issue and arrive at an amicable agreement or settlement. The participants come together to build mutual understanding across their differences and creates positive outcome through Conversation. Each participant, in spite of disagreement, tries to take others concerns into consideration. Sometimes one of the participants asks questions and the other answers them. The exchange takes place in a formal or semi- formal setting.


Objectives-

The main objective of dialogue is to listen to the problem, issue or matter, try to resolve it through conversational exchange, and arrive at an amicable solution. But it can also take place for other purposes, like:
  • To bring two parties closer to each other.
  • To dispel misunderstanding.
  • To create a climate of mutual trust.
  • To build relationships.
  • To make participants more sympathetic towards one another, in spite of their differences.
  • To prepare ground for negotiation.
  • To facilitate decision-making.

Types of Dialogue:-


Dialogues can be divided into the following categories:

(a) Conversational Dialogue-

This kind of dialogue takes place between the two persons in a conversational style. Both exchange their views and information in a cordial atmosphere. Both can ask questions from each other. They try to resolve the issue and reach to an amicable solution.


Example:-

A Dialogue between an Entrepreneur and the Bank Manager
Rakesh : May I come in sir?

Manager : Yes, do come in. (Rakesh enters the room) Please have a seat.

Rakesh  :  Sir, I'm Rakesh. I'm an engineer. I want to start a small business of my own. Could your Bank provide me the loan for the same?

Manager: Sure. We are here to help the entrepreneurs. But I'd love to know certain facts about you your proposed business.

Rakesh : Sure sir.

Manager : What is your area of specialization?

Rakesh : Mechanical.

Manager : What business do you want to start?

Rakesh : Sir, I want to set up a workshop.

Manager: Do you have some work related experience?

Rakesh : Yes sir. I have been working with a workshop for last five years. I'm well aware of each and every thing.

(b) Enquiry-

The dialogue can also occur to enquire about something. In this case, one of the participants makes queries and the other answers them.


Example:-

A Dialogue between the Receptionist and a Tourist at a Hotel
Receptionist  : Good morning sir. Welcome at the Hotel Grand. What can I do for you?

Tourist  : Good morning. I need a room. Do you have any room vacant?

Receptionist  : Double or single, sir?

Tourist  : I want one single.

Receptionist :  Please let me check. I'm sorry, sir. There's no single room vacant at the moment. But I have one vacancy at twelve. Could I book the room for you in advance?

Tourist :  Yes, please. It's quarter past eleven. I don't mind waiting for forty five minutes.

Receptionist :  All right, sir.

Tourist  : What're the charges for two nights?

Receptionist : It's five thousand only. You'll have to pay fifty percent in advance.

(c) Negotiation-

Negotiation means ‘reaching onto a consensus? It is a process in which two or more negotiating persons or parties take part. It is a give-and-take bargaining process. It can be held in formal or semi-formal situations. The prime objective of a negotiation is to arrive at an amicable solution or resolution to a conflict, issue or deal through dialogue.


Example:-

A dialogue between the shopkeeper and a customer

Shopkeeper: Good morning Mr. Lamba. Please have a seat. What would you like to have, hot or cold?

Customer : Thanks please. I've come with a complaint.

Shopkeeper: Calm down sir. We are here to resolve all the complaints. What's the issue sir?

Customer :  If you recollect, we purchased a refrigerator from your shop six months back.

Shopkeeper : Absolutely sir. You are our regular customer. Last year, you purchased the television as well. Have they been working perfectly?

Customer  :  The refrigerator has not been working properly. I request you to replace it with the
new one.

Shopkeeper : What problems have you been facing with the refrigerator?

Customer  :  It does not produce required cooling. The outer walls get heated within no time.

Tips to be a Good Conversationalist-

Most people find difficulty in conversation with others. They cannot present their views effectively. Sometimes they fail to argue and feel ashamed of. A good conversationalist can persuade people and get things done. Good conversation largely depends on the mannered attitude and ability to adjust with others. One can improve the conversational skills by following the below mentioned basic tips:

(a) Be an active listener: A good conversationalist should be a good listener. S/he should listen to the other participant(s) carefully and attentively. S/he should listen and understand the meaning of the conveyed message. S/he should not interrupt in between and let him/her complete the statement. Then s/he should present his/her views in a forceful manner. 

(b) Be a smart speaker: A good conversationalist should be a smart speaker. S/he should not speak whatever comes to her/his mind. S/he should think before speaking. S/he should evaluate the consequences of her/his statement. S/he should use an appropriate style to present her/his views.

(c) Be interested: A good conversationalist should be interested in the conversation. Her/his action, attitude and behaviour should reflect the interest. S/he should make active participation. Some conversationalists remain lifeless during conversation.They remain mere passive listener and do not contribute anything to the conversation. It shows that the person is not interested, and should be avoided.

(d) Be clear: A good conversationalist should be clear in thoughts as well as expression.S/he should present his/her views in clear and simple words. Words having double meaning should be avoided. The words should be used with proper intonation, pauses, to make the meaning clear.

(e) Be polite: Politeness is the key to an effective conversation. The conversationalist should present her/his views politely. S/he should be courteous and respect the other participant's views. If disagrees, s/he should express her/his disagreement or reservation in a friendly way. S/he should not be rude and impolite. S/he should avoid making the remark(s) that can hurt the other person. S/he should not jump to hasty conclusion.

(f) Be positive: The conversationalist should remain positive during the conversation. S/he should avoid criticizing others. S/he should appreciate the good and positive qualities of the other participant(s) and express her/his appreciation.

(g) Be flexible: The conversationalist should not be rigid. S/he should be flexible in approach, style and attitude. S/he should accept the right point(s) of the other person. S/he should not argue for argument's sake and avoid heated argument.

(h) Use proper body movements: Body movements make communication effective and forceful. The conversationalist should use body movements wherever required. S/he should maintain eye-contact with the other participant(s). It adds to the confidence and reflects person's liveliness.

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