Monologue

The word monologue means a speech presented by an individual. The word comes from the
Greek word mono, which means 'single', 'alone' or 'solitary' and logos means "words' or
'speech". In theatre, monologues are used as a technique to present thoughts aloud. But
monologues are not merely theatrical devices. Practically in our everyday life and activities,
we need to express ourselves or our thoughts and opinions on something in front of others. In
job interviews, extempore, political speeches, elocutions and many such situations, we need to
talk alone. Let's look at different situations one by one briefly with a few notes on how we can
prepare ourselves for these monologues.

Self-Introduction as a Monologue

In job interviews, group discussions, classrooms or workshops, we are often required to

introduce ourselves. Job interviews are places where we need to project our experiences along
with giving details about our personal information. We can prepare a basic format for a self-
introductory speech. Though it can change according to the context in which we are speaking,
there are a few points that we can include in a self-introductory speech for a job interview that
can be taken as an example:

• Greeting the interviewers

• A brief overview of ourselves (name and location: I am.....and I am originally from....)
• Our work profile (current position along with the name of the organization,
designation, date of joining, etc.)
• Our qualifications
• Our family background
• Hobbies and interests
• Aim in life
• Thanking the listeners

It is always preferable to use simple sentences with clear diction and moderate pacing because
it helps the listeners understand clearly what we are saying. One thing we must remember,
however nervous we might be, is that it is always a courtesy to speak with a smile.

Imagine that you have completed your graduation and are giving the first job interview of your
life. You will be asked to introduce yourself. Read the example of a self- introduction below to
know how you should go about it.

Keep the following points in mind:

1. Start with a smile on your face and give details about your name, age and the place you
belong to along with your educational qualification.
2. Only if necessary, add your family details.
3. Begin by telling them why you are interested in the job and what qualities in you make you
the right choice for the job.
4. Do not talk about unnecessary details. Give them a brief introduction, which is to the point.
5. You can talk tell them about who inspires you, if necessary
6. Talk about your hobbies or special interests. Keep it short and do not attempt to lie in
order to impress the interviewer.
7. Very briefly tell them about the skills you possess.
8. Conclude by thanking the interviewer for his time.

Self-introduction example:

My name is Anita Deshmukh. I am from Latur. I have just completed B.A. Hons. (Economics)
from Rajarshi Shahu College, Latur. I was raised in Nasik, and when I was 18, I moved to Latur
to complete my graduation. I graduated with a First class. In my family my father works in a
bank and my mother is a homemaker. My elder brother/sister is in final year of engineering
and my younger brother/sister is in 10th class/grade.
I have a strong interest in banking and financial services industry. I have updated myself
with the skills and knowledge necessary for banking and finance sectors. I see myself as a
people-oriented person who is an achiever. I demonstrated this through working in various
group projects with different types of people during college and being able to perform well. I
would like to be a part of your company to further develop myself in the banking field and to
use my capabilities to serve both your company and your clients.

Dialogue

Dialogues are a spoken or written opinion exchange process where two or more persons
exchange their thoughts, views and perceptions over a topic. Dialogues or conversations are
not a prewritten speech exchange process; rather, they are the spontaneous communication
and exchange that happens between two or more speakers. In our everyday life, we frequently
engage in dialogues with other people. Rather, we can say that the dialogues of different forms
that are held between the speakers of a community are the backbone of social, cultural,
political, economic or any kind of communication. If we look at the origin of the word
'dialogue', we will actually find the same meaning. The word comes from the Greek word
dialogos. Logos means 'word' or 'meaning of the word and dia means 'through'. In other words
dialogos means the words or meanings that flow between or through people. Practically,
activities that keep the civilization alive and thriving are based mainly on successful
communication. And hence, to be a part of this world of activities, we need to get engaged in
dialogues and conversations with
the people around us.

1. A Dialogue for Making a Hotel Reservation

Harish: Can I help you?

Shahid: Yes, please. I'd like to make a reservation.
Harish: Certainly. Can I have the name sir?
Shahid: Yes. My name is Shahid... That's S-H-A-H-I-D.
Harish: Well Mr Shahid. When would you like the reservation for?
Shahid: It is for four nights from the 3rd to the 6th of May. Harish: Right. Is that a single or a
double room?
Shahid: A double please, preferably on the ground floor.
Harish: I'll just check if that's available. I am sorry sir. We only have one single room available on
the ground floor. Would that be Ok?
Shahid: Yes. I'm sure that would be fine. How much would I have to pay?
Harish: Rs. 1500/per night. It includes breakfast.
Shahid: I see. Ok.
Harish: Could I have the address and the phone number please?
Shahid: Yes, certainly. It's 103 Friends Society, Bengaluru.
Harish: Right. So that's a single room on the ground floor for Mr Shahid from the 3rd to the 6th
of May.
Shahid: That's right.
Harish: Ok Mr Shahid. Thank you for calling.
Shahid: Thank you, Good bye.
Harish: Bye.

2. Dialogue at a Bank while Reporting Wrong Charges

Bank employee: May I help you?

Customer: I have a problem.
Bank employee: What's the problem?
Customer. Someone else is making charges on my debit card.
Bank employee: I need to see a statement for your debit card.
Customer: I have it right here.
Bank employee: Can you show me which charges you're referring to?
Customer: The last four charges.
Bank employee: We will need to do an investigation on this.
Customer: How long will that take?
Bank employee: We'll have to freeze payment on those charges until the investigation is finished.
Customer. I really appreciate your help.

3. Dialogue at the Restaurant

Waiter. May I take your order?

Barun: Yes. I'd like Paneer with Paratha and a side order of corn.
Waiter: And what would you like to drink?
Barun: I'd like a cup of coffee, please.
Waiter: Anything else you would you like to order?
Mukesh: I'll take the spaghetti and a salad.
Waiter: What would you like to drink?
Mukesh: Just water, please. (after the meal)
Waiter: Would you like something for dessert?
Barun: Yes, I'll have the cake, please. Would you like something?
Mukesh: No thanks. I'm full.
(after dessert)
Barun: Could I have the cheque, please?
Waiter: Yes, here it is.
Barun: Hmmm. Rs 1020. Here you are.
Waiter: Thank you. Come again.
Barun: Thank you. Goodbye.
4. Dialogue Between a Doctor and a Patient

Doctor: How are you feeling after the surgery?

Patient: I feel terrible. My entire body is aching and I can't stop shivering. My vision is blurry, my
mouth is dry and I feel so weak and dizzy when I get out of bed.
Doctor: It happens after a serious operation.
Patient: I know, but I am feeling so hot I feel like I am burning up and my body feels itchy. Do you
think I have fever?
Doctor: You could have fever and maybe an infection. Describe exactly where you are aching the
most.
Patient: I feel my back and legs hurt the most. They are throbbing and I think they are swollen.
Doctor: Ok, I'm going to check your temperature and your pulse. You may need an antibiotic if
you have an infection.
Patient: Can you please give me something for the pain, my whole body is sore and my head is
aching too.
Doctor: Yes, I will prescribe something for the pain now.
Patient: Thank you.

5. Dialogue at the Gym

Worker: Hello, welcome to the gym.

Sushant: Hello. I am interested in signing up for a membership.
Worker: Great! Do you want to sign up for this branch?
Sushant: Yes. I also work in the city so I want to know if I can also work out there with a single
membership?
Worker: Yes you can. You can work out at any of our gyms in the city.
Sushant: That's wonderful! How much is the charge?
Worker. The fee is Rs. 2000 per month, but if you sign up for 6 months we give you a 20%
discount.
Sushant: That sounds good. I will sign up for six months.

6. Dialogue at the Railway Reservation Counter

Hemant: Hello. I would like to buy a ticket to Patna.

Ticket Agent: Would you like a round-trip ticket or a one-way ticket?
Hemant: I am coming back soon so I want a round-trip ticket.
Ticket Agent: When are you leaving?
Hemant: I am leaving on Tuesday, the 14th of January and coming back on Saturday, the 18th of
January.
Ticket Agent: The train does not return from Patna on Saturday. Do you want a ticket for Sunday?
Hemant: No, that will not be convenient. Could I get one for Friday?
Ticket Agent: Yes, there is a train that day.
Hemant: Thank you. Please give me return ticket for Friday.
Complete the following conversations:

A: Hello, _________________________. My name is____________________.

B: ___________________. I am _______________.
A: Where are you from?
B: _____________________. But now________________ in Mumbai_________?
A: I'm from _________________________.
B: Oh! It's a wonderful place. What is your favourite hobby?
A: _________________________ . And Yours?
B: ___________________________.

Story Narration Techniques

Story narration and techniques are essential elements of storytelling that help convey the plot,
characters, and themes effectively. Here are some key aspects of story narration and techniques:

Narration Techniques
1. First-Person Narration: The narrator is a character within the story, often the protagonist.
2. Third-Person Narration: The narrator is outside the story, describing characters and events.
3. Omniscient Narration: The narrator has complete knowledge of the story, characters, and
their thoughts.
4. Limited Narration: The narrator has limited knowledge, often restricted to a single
character's perspective.

Storytelling Techniques
1. Show, Don't Tell: Instead of telling the reader what's happening, show them through action,
dialogue, and description.
2. Foreshadowing: Hint at events that will occur later in the story to create suspense and
anticipation.
3. Flashbacks: Use past events to provide context, background information, or to reveal
character motivations.
4. Unreliable Narrators: Use narrators who are untrustworthy, biased, or misleading to create
suspense or surprise.
5. Pacing: Control the speed at which the story unfolds to create tension, suspense, or emotional
resonance.
6. Dialogue: Use conversations between characters to reveal their personalities, relationships,
and motivations.
7. Imagery: Use vivid descriptions of settings, characters, and objects to create a immersive
experience.
8. Symbolism: Use objects, colors, or events to represent abstract ideas, themes, or concepts.

Additional Techniques
1. Cliffhangers: End a chapter or section with a dramatic or suspenseful event to keep readers
engaged.
2. Red Herrings: Introduce false clues or misleading information to distract readers from the
true plot.
3. Character Development: Use various techniques, such as dialogue, description, and action, to
reveal character traits and growth.
4. Plot Twists: Introduce unexpected events or revelations that challenge readers' assumptions
and create surprise.
 These are a few of techniques used in storytelling. By mastering these techniques, writers
can craft engaging, memorable, and impactful stories.

Vote of Thanks
Sample
Greetings (…………….)
We Feel very much privileged to see you all here for the …………………. organized by Dept of
……………. of our college.
On behalf of department/institution, and my own behalf I take this opportunity to thank you all
on this occasion.
First of all we are very much grateful to …………………… for providing support to organize this
………….. We also thank ……………………………. for their motivation and giving us an opportunity to
organize this mega event.
Our special thanks are to the Chairperson of this …………… function…………….
Sir/Madam thank you for your boosting thoughts, vital contribution and kind support.
We have a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation to the Chief Guest of this …………… function…
………………………. Sir/Madam we thank you for spending a special time with us from your busy
schedule and giving us a very thought provoking speech.
We are very much grateful to the ……………. for making us aware of ………
We express our sincere thanks to all the Stalwarts and resource persons specially ………………. for
their timely help and who are here irrespective of their busy schedule.
A special thank goes to the chief organizer(s) …………. who has/have taken countless efforts to
organize this mega event.
We are also grateful to the …………………. for taking every care to make this event successful.
We extend our thanks all the committee members for their valuable contribution and good team
work.
Finally, a big thank to all the participants/students for their overwhelming response to make this
event a grand success and we expect the same kind of cooperation from you all in future.
Thank you.
And with the kind permission of the chairperson/organizer of this function I declare that this
program is over.
Thank you one and all.