how to write telephone conversation in script

Daniel Parker

2 min read

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17-01-2025

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Writing a believable and engaging telephone conversation for a script, whether it's for a play, film, or even a novel, requires a different approach than writing regular dialogue. It needs to convey not just the words spoken, but also the nuances of a phone call—the pauses, the interruptions, the lack of visual cues. This guide will walk you through the process.

Key Elements of a Successful Phone Conversation Script

1. Clear Identification: Start each conversation by clearly identifying who's speaking and who they're calling. This prevents confusion and allows the reader to immediately understand the context.

2. Realistic Dialogue: Avoid overly formal or unnatural language. Phone conversations are often more casual and less structured than face-to-face interactions. Use contractions, colloquialisms, and interruptions to create a sense of realism.

3. Convey Non-Verbal Cues: Since you can't show facial expressions or body language, you need to find other ways to convey emotion and tone. Use descriptions like:

• (Whispering): Indicates secrecy or a quiet tone.
• (Shouting): Shows anger or urgency.
• (Laughing): Conveys happiness or amusement.
• (Sighing): Expresses sadness or frustration.
• (Pause): Creates suspense or allows for reflection.
• (Overlapping dialogue): Shows interruption or simultaneous speaking.

4. Use Action Lines: Action lines (descriptions of what's happening) are essential to bridge the gap between dialogue and context. They describe the environment, the characters' actions, and their emotional state.

5. Technical Details: Consider including details that indicate the use of technology, such as:

• Ringing: Indicates the start of the call.
• Dial tone: Could suggest a technical issue.
• Click: Indicates hanging up or being disconnected.
• Static: Adds to atmosphere and realism.

Structuring Your Telephone Conversation

Here's a sample of how to format a phone conversation in a script:

SCENE START

INT. APARTMENT - DAY

ANNA sits at her desk, looking stressed. Her phone rings.

ANNA (Answering) Hello?

(A beat. The sound of a busy office in the background.)

MARK (O.S.) Anna? It's Mark.

ANNA Mark! Hi. What's up?

MARK (O.S.) (Slightly rushed) Listen, I need you to take a look at this report…

ANNA (Interrupting) Mark, I'm in the middle of something…

MARK (O.S.) I know, but it's urgent. I can explain everything over the phone.

ANNA (Sighing) Okay, okay. Let's start with…

(The conversation continues.)

SCENE END

Example of a Telephone Conversation Script Snippet

Here's a more detailed example showing how to incorporate non-verbal cues:

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY

LIAM nervously sips his coffee. His phone rings.

LIAM (Answering, a little breathlessly) Hello?

CHLOE (O.S.) Liam? Is that you?

LIAM (Smiling) Chloe! Hi. How are you?

CHLOE (O.S.) (Laughing) I'm good. I just wanted to… (pause) … to ask if you’re free for dinner tonight?

LIAM (Hesitates) Dinner? Tonight? Um… (shuffles papers) … let me check my schedule… (long pause) … actually, yes! That would be great!

Tips for Writing Realistic Phone Conversations

• Listen to real phone calls: Pay attention to the rhythm, pacing, and interruptions of natural conversations.
• Use visual descriptions sparingly: Focus on the audio elements.
• Show, don't tell: Instead of saying "Anna was angry," show her anger through her words and tone.
• Keep it concise: Phone conversations often get to the point quickly.

By following these guidelines, you can write realistic and engaging telephone conversations that enhance your script and keep your audience captivated. Remember, the key is to focus on the auditory and emotional aspects of the phone call, rather than trying to visually represent what's happening.