There are some TV shows that are timeless* classics. Shows that resonate* with us, that strike a chord within our hearts and keep us wanting more.
We all like different kinds of shows/web series’, from romance to horror and thriller to drama. However, if there’s one thing we all have in common, it is that we all have a favourite TV show, and we all love talking about it.
Sometimes though, we all face problems when trying to accurately convey exactly what we’re trying to say.
Read on to learn exactly what to say, to make your conversational partner understand what it is that makes the show you love, so interesting. Happy learning!
So, let’s start by taking a basic situation that all of us can relate to, and work from there.
You’ve just started a web series on Netflix that all your friends have been raving about.
Read on to find the overall flow, specific vocabulary, phrases, and expressions that can be used for an effective and fluent conversation on this topic. Right below is your guide to having an engaging conversation!
A conversation has specific phases that it goes through. Here is a quick look at what we have guarantee you a smooth conversation.
Content : What is it that you are going to talk about?
Use the wh questions along with the keywords to help you put together the content.
- How did you come across the TV show? – Youtube advertisement, Friend’s recommendation etc.
- What do you like about the TV show? – Comedic dialogue, interesting characters etc.
- What is the TV show about? – Psychotic killer, daily lives of friends, courtroom drama etc.
- Who is your favourite character? – Main character, Comedic relief sidekick etc.
- When do new episodes get uploaded – Daily, Weekly, Bi-Weekly etc.
Choosing Contextual Vocabulary
Choosing contextual vocabulary to suit the scenario you’re talking about can be very important when it comes to giving depth and clarity to what you’re trying to say, as well as piquing* your partner’s attention. In this case, you’re talking about a TV show you like.
Listed below are a few words and phrases that could come in handy while elaborating on the TV show. Additionally, the meanings of a few starred (*) words are given at the end of this article that you could also use!
- Plot
- Protagonist/Antagonist*
- Cast
- Acting skill
- Story Arc
- TV Show reviews by websites, critics etc.
- Director, Producer etc.
- Theme song
- Plot Twist
- Soundtrack
- Dialogue
- Screenplay/Direction*
- Cinematography*
- Similar TV shows
- Cliffhanger*
Similarly, given below are a few descriptive words and phrases that you could use to make your conversation more interesting!
- Realistic acting.
- Well-written and well-executed dialogue.
- Cohesive* plotline.
- Ensemble* cast.
- Generally positive/negative reviews.
- Visually aesthetic.
- Three-dimensional characters.
- Anachronisms* and logical plot-holes.*
- Memorable soundtrack.
- Emotionally connecting scenes.
- Skilful screenplay and direction.
- Novel* use of existing cliches and tropes.
- Interesting protagonist-antagonist dynamics*
- Critically acclaimed success.
- Catchy theme song.
Organizing the Content : Putting it all together to create a comprehensive picture
Now that we know what to talk about and the words to use, let us put them in a logical order.
Initiate the conversation by talking about a new TV show you discovered.
‘So I saw a Youtube ad the other day for a TV show called ‘The Princess Switch.’ Intrigued, I decided to check out the first episode.’
Express your excitement over the TV show – this could be why you brought the movie into the conversation in the first place.
‘The first episode had me hooked immediately. It was hilarious, I couldn’t stop laughing.’
Talk about why you liked the TV show – here are 5 examples of things you could say
- I loved the main character, he was a perfect combination of witty and sarcastic with a dash of good humour.
- The theme song of the TV show is so catchy, I can’t get it out of my head!
- The TV show featured an ensemble cast with great chemistry between them, the scenes were very emotionally connecting.
- The plot of the show was cohesive and well-planned, it was fast-paced, but did not seem rushed.
- Each episode of the show ends in a thrilling cliffhanger which always leaves me wanting more.
Tell your conversational partner why you think they should watch the TV show for example :-
- I know you don’t usually watch media adaptations of books, but you have to check this show out, it’s better than the book!
- Your favourite actress, Emma Watson, is acting in this show. I know how much you adore her, she plays the main character and she’s brilliant at it!
- I heard you were looking for a good soundtrack to recreate for your school play? I suggest the soundtrack from X, you should also check the movie out while you’re at it.
- This is the funniest TV show I’ve ever seen, we should all watch it together for next week’s sleepover at Samantha’s place.
- I think you should watch this TV show because I know how much you love thriller and horror genres, and this show is a perfect combination of the two.
A model answer would be as follows :-
I stumbled across this ad for a web series on Amazon Prime while watching YouTube videos last week. The premise* seemed interesting so I decided to check it out. I was hooked on to it instantly. The dialogue was hilarious, and the characters had a great sense of chemistry between them. The plot looks really promising with lots of potential. The theme song though, was by far the best part of the entire show, it was so catchy, I can’t get it out of my head! Each episode of the show ends in a cliffhanger, which always leaves me wanting more. I know you don’t usually watch media adaptations of books, but you have to check this one out, it’s exceptionally* brilliant!
Meanings of starred (*) words
- Timeless – Not affected by the passage of time.
- Resonate – Evoke emotions.
- Pique – Arouse interest.
- Protagonist – Main character.
- Antagonist – Main character’s adversary
- Screenplay – The script of a film including acting instructions and scene directions.
- Cinematography – The art of photography and camera work in filmmaking.
- Cliffhanger – A suspenseful end to an episode or serial.
- Cohesive – Following a proper order or sequence.
- Ensemble – Cast comprising of multiple principle actors with a roughly equal amount of screen time.
- Anachronism – A chronological inconsistency in a movie.
- Plot-Hole – A general inconsistency in the narrative
- Novel – New.
- Protagonist-Antagonist Dynamics – The connection between the hero and the villain.
- Exceptional – Extraordinary.
