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  • Dialogue

  • The Art of Verbal Action for Page, Stage, and Screen
  • Written by: Robert McKee
  • Narrated by: Robert McKee
  • Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (33 ratings)

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Dialogue

Written by: Robert McKee
Narrated by: Robert McKee
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Publisher's Summary

The long-awaited follow-up to the perennially best-selling writers' guide Story, from the most sought-after expert in the art of storytelling. 

Robert McKee's popular writing workshops have earned him an international reputation. The list of alumni with Oscars runs off the page. The cornerstone of his program is his singular book, Story, which has defined how we talk about the art of story creation. 

Now, in Dialogue, McKee offers the same in-depth analysis for how characters speak on the screen, on the stage, and on the page in believable and engaging ways. From Macbeth to Breaking Bad, McKee deconstructs key scenes to illustrate the strategies and techniques of dialogue. 

Dialogue applies a framework of incisive thinking to instruct the prospective writer on how to craft artful, impactful speech. Famous McKee alumni include Peter Jackson, Jane Campion, Geoffrey Rush, Paul Haggis, the writing team for Pixar, and many others. 

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. 

©2016 Robert McKee (P)2016 Hachette Audio

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What listeners say about Dialogue

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Brilliant and Dedicated

A stellar examination of not only dialogue but of humanity, being, and life. Carefully researched with a deft touch and thoughtful consideration. Robert McKee lectures, but he has the right stuff. He understands what makes people say what and why. A worthy work.

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1 person found this helpful

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McKee is always a winner

Worth it, press pause, make notes. McKee brings it again. A worthy book in my library

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Best book on Dialogue ever written

Unbelievable depth of knowledge in literature and how to write dialogue that sparkles with verisimilitude.

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  • Smith
  • 2017-03-04

Not suited for audio

What did you like best about Dialogue? What did you like least?

Books like this should be read, so that confusing sections can be reread. Audio just doesn't work for something to be studied.

Would you recommend Dialogue to your friends? Why or why not?

Nope, unless they want a headache before being put to sleep.

Would you be willing to try another one of Robert McKee’s performances?

McKee is a good writer, but as a recorded voice, he's dull and uninteresting. I really do hate to state that as I do like his books, they are very informative.

Did Dialogue inspire you to do anything?

Delete the download.

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26 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Josiah
  • 2016-12-05

The Class you Wish you took in Writing

I learned more about storytelling, dialogue, and characterization from this audiobook than any writing course I have taken.

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23 people found this helpful

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  • CXEC
  • 2017-09-06

A wealth of content

Just finished - there is so much information that on the second read through I'll need to sit down and take notes. This book was recommended by the guys on The Self Publishing Podcast and I am happy I took them up on their suggestion. This book is excellent for beginning writers and will also double as a fabulous reference text. Writing dialogue is tough and this is a great resource.

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16 people found this helpful

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  • Kindle Customer
  • 2017-07-22

valuable information but tedious delivery

document had quite a bit of information however the voice of God narration along with a very arrogant voice made for an unpleasant experience

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13 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • The Red BEARon
  • 2016-11-17

Every Writer's Need

Clear, direct, and concise. This is a book every writer should read and have in their personal library. Listening gave an added depth to the book. Overall, simply one of the best and most helpful books on the writing craft I've read.

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10 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Rex W Blanchard
  • 2016-10-24

The Best Book on Writing I have ever read.

Engrossing filled with detail beats, dialogue, scenes, positive emotional dialogue and negative to make beats, ending with a scene. Subscript, hidden in the dialogue to make the scene and story real and emotional to the audiance/reader. I've read it twice and will read it again soon.

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7 people found this helpful

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  • Lifting Lady
  • 2017-04-12

For beginning writers.

Repetitive. Recommend Sol Stein's books that are helpful for the beginner and pro alike. Tends to tie himself in verbose knots.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Versh
  • 2016-08-09

Concise and Full filling

McKee hits all the angles with wit and insight, this book is a course that doesn't waste time. There's a tremendous amount of clarity, especially illustrative with fully acted examples. A must - read for all writers.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • manuspeter
  • 2016-07-12

"Dialogue" is "Audible!"

If you could sum up Dialogue in three words, what would they be?

Highly practical stuff.

What other book might you compare Dialogue to and why?

I would say "The Art of Dramatic Writing," because Dialogue by McKee talks about core concepts of drama in simple ways.

What does Robert McKee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Authority.

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

"Every text condenses a subtext!" Just brilliant!

Any additional comments?

As a working TVC director, I immediately put Mckee's advice into use. It is very practical. I'm going to listen a second time now...it's so good!

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6 people found this helpful

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  • Semyon
  • 2016-07-19

An impressive follow-up to McKee's book Story

The book will help you better understand the craft. It inspires to take a deeper look at our own work and work of others.

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5 people found this helpful