PC to DM dialogue my biggest weakness...advice? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

PC to DM dialogue my biggest weakness...advice?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
sithsword
Dec 20, 2008 18:33:43 I have been playing D&D off and on for 4 years. I have a pretty firm grasp on the rules, and I play well with the other members of my group. We have 4 dms in our group,me as one of them. I do great when I am running a game but when I am playing I clam up with DM/PC interaction. I think it is because the two DMs that I do this with a very good and I get intmidated, The other DM is very good but he and I are closer personally then the others so it just flows.

How can I get over this? I really hate it when the game is flowing and I cannot think of anything to say.
#2
Novacat
Dec 20, 2008 19:01:15 I think the trick is to become better friends with the two DMs in question. That, or get a little drunk before the game (and be sure someone gives you a ride home!).
#3
sithsword
Dec 20, 2008 20:08:24 I normally play better with a good buzz. It helps to get rid of the shyness I have when I game. But I haven't been drinking much when we game because of having to drive home. Most of the time we play 20 miles away from where I live. Some of the guys carpool but they like to stay until the wee hours of the morning to talk. We usually wrap up around 12:00-1:00 am. I get up for work at 4:00 am so hanging out talking until 3:00 just doesn't cut it for me. I am dead meat by then.
#4
kouk
Dec 20, 2008 22:16:38 You don't have to transmit information the same way the other DMs did. There aren't rules for that sort of thing.

If you are a prepare in advance kind of DM, generally you should think about the characters there are likely to be RP interactions with, and get into their heads enough that you understand their personality and goals. The DMG talks about fleshing out NPCs with personality quirks, goals and such.

If you can think of some topics that are almost certain to be discussed or brought up by the NPC (generally NPCs are there for a reason), you can think of some answers and statements in advance, or even write them down if it is necessary for you.

If you have trouble coming up with good RP on the spot, remember you don't always have to actually RP the responses. Sometimes a player comes at you with something you aren't prepared for, or are too tired to adequately communicate, or it would just take too long for the session to actually RP the entire conversation. Feel free to "summarize" the exchange that takes place, or the answers the NPC can give.

For example, if the PC comes at you with a question from out of left field, and/or to an NPC who you had not thought at all about an answer for, you can say something like, "He considers your question for a moment, but ultimately apologizes and says he doesn't know the answer."

Sometimes complete back-and-forth RP is good, but sometimes (like at the end of a long session) you just can't do it, or don't want to spend the time on a minor encounter with a wandering beggar. As long as you convey the information, the game can keep moving.

Sometimes it's also just good for buying time for yourself to actually think of responses, or redirecting PCs toward what you would prefer. Sometimes stock answers like, "He remembers stories about it vaguely, but he suggests you see Phren the priest for that sort of information," will get the message across easily what has to be done and that the current person isn't able to help (or even worth talking to).

Just gradually try to RP more each time and you will become more comfortable with doing it.

You might also try thinking about the NPCs more as yourself or your own characters, and responding how you would have your PC respond if someone asked/said something like that to you. Then adjust slightly for the NPC saying it. That may blunt their personalities a bit (or melt them together) but you will have something to say.
#5
eldiran
Dec 21, 2008 0:26:04 Kouk, that's a very thoughtful and useful-looking response, but I think he was having trouble roleplaying as a player, not as a DM. I feel bad for you having typed all that up...
#6
kouk
Dec 21, 2008 2:55:47
Kouk, that's a very thoughtful and useful-looking response, but I think he was having trouble roleplaying as a player, not as a DM. I feel bad for you having typed all that up...

Hehe, you seem to be right on second look. :P

Oh well.

Do the same stuff I said, but in reverse.

Plan out phrases for your character, or think about what he would say in common situations (interrogating a creature, looking for a certain item, etc.).

Nobody (should) really expect you to be an actor or anything, just get across your ideas. When you DM, remember how much of a jerk the current DM was at different times, or how bad he was with rule x or y. This way you don't feel as if he is somehow "superior" to you. Mentally "putting down" the one speaking to you is similar to imagining your audience "naked" when you're the speaker. Puts you on different levels.

You can dissect and analyze what the DMs are saying and how they are communicating as the NPCs as opposed to just listening as a passive player. You will notice things like, "Oh, he's making his voice go higher when he talks about that," and such; and it will take away your feelings of "Wow, that guys awesome at this" and replace it with "Oh, I see what he's doing there, I can do that too."

You're all just a bunch of people at a table. Nobody (should) really expect you to be an actor or anything, just get across your ideas.

If all else fails, just answer as yourself, but with a funny accent :P
#7
etarnon
Dec 21, 2008 12:45:50 Method acting.

Just say. "Huh." Or "I don't know what to say." Or a blank stare.

"My Advice to actors: Don't try to act, just say your lines."
- Anthony Hopkins

#8
cromag
Dec 23, 2008 18:22:30
If all else fails, just answer as yourself, but with a funny accent :P

I'll second funny accents, I recently ran an NPC Older gentleman with heavy wheezing like Stevie from Malcolm in the middle :D

Sure some people may think your a goober, but it's fun ;)

I'll also admit to summarizing responses from minor characters or people that I don't expect the players to run into again. It's a HUGE time saver and saves on some stress.
#9
affabledoomwalker
Dec 23, 2008 18:32:13 Keep playing. There are times when interaction becomes awkward as all get out, but if you just sort of wing it you're sure to get better at it.
#10
Keiichi_m
Dec 23, 2008 19:13:06 Funny voices are the key to everything, helps keep you in character and thinking like him and when you talk to the DM he knows that you're acting your character, don't worry about what the other players think, to be honest if you try they probably will think "Sweet, roleplaying!"
#11
Fuzzus49
Jan 01, 2009 17:23:49 One important thing to consider...you say the DMs are very good, and that you're intimidated by them. Why? Are you worried about tripping over your rule knowledge and looking like an idiot? Or are you concerned because they're good in-character roleplayers and you feel like you don't "measure up" somehow?

You're a DM, so what I'm going to tell you, you probably already know: the best possible compliment to a DM is an involved player. If you're really enjoying the game -- and from what you say, it sounds like you are -- show the DM! Some ideas to help you along:

-Get into your character. Sounds obvious, but to do this, you need a character you can get into. One of the reasons the "silent professional with a dark and tortured past" is popular is because players who "roleplay" them don't have to say or do anything beyond glowering, monosyllabic responses and swinging swords or slinging spells. I like my characters loud and boisterous: flamboyant bards, smashy half-orcs, charming rogues, valiant paladins -- but usually my problem is remembering to back off so everyone else gets their time in the spotlight.

-When you're confused about something, ask questions. Nothing shows you're invested in the game like trying to learn more about what's going on. When I DM, I make it clear that there are no stupid questions, and even minor rule questions are treated with the same respect as insightful character questions.

-Talk with the other players, IC or OOC. Obviously, talk about the game, but if you're talking with them and the DM breaks in, s/he becomes part of the conversation in progress instead of the unapproachable god of the world.

-Talk with your DM outside of the game. It can be about stuff outside of the game, but I like to keep my DM updated on my character's goals and thoughts about what's happening in the game world. Whatever you talk to your DM about, it'll make talking with him/her at the table easier.

Why specifically are you feeling intimidated by your DM? I feel like we could give much better answers if we knew the root cause of your worries.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 sithsword Dec 20, 2008 18:33:43	I have been playing D&D off and on for 4 years. I have a pretty firm grasp on the rules, and I play well with the other members of my group. We have 4 dms in our group,me as one of them. I do great when I am running a game but when I am playing I clam up with DM/PC interaction. I think it is because the two DMs that I do this with a very good and I get intmidated, The other DM is very good but he and I are closer personally then the others so it just flows. How can I get over this? I really hate it when the game is flowing and I cannot think of anything to say.
#2 Novacat Dec 20, 2008 19:01:15	I think the trick is to become better friends with the two DMs in question. That, or get a little drunk before the game (and be sure someone gives you a ride home!).
#3 sithsword Dec 20, 2008 20:08:24	I normally play better with a good buzz. It helps to get rid of the shyness I have when I game. But I haven't been drinking much when we game because of having to drive home. Most of the time we play 20 miles away from where I live. Some of the guys carpool but they like to stay until the wee hours of the morning to talk. We usually wrap up around 12:00-1:00 am. I get up for work at 4:00 am so hanging out talking until 3:00 just doesn't cut it for me. I am dead meat by then.
#4 kouk Dec 20, 2008 22:16:38	You don't have to transmit information the same way the other DMs did. There aren't rules for that sort of thing. If you are a prepare in advance kind of DM, generally you should think about the characters there are likely to be RP interactions with, and get into their heads enough that you understand their personality and goals. The DMG talks about fleshing out NPCs with personality quirks, goals and such. If you can think of some topics that are almost certain to be discussed or brought up by the NPC (generally NPCs are there for a reason), you can think of some answers and statements in advance, or even write them down if it is necessary for you. If you have trouble coming up with good RP on the spot, remember you don't always have to actually RP the responses. Sometimes a player comes at you with something you aren't prepared for, or are too tired to adequately communicate, or it would just take too long for the session to actually RP the entire conversation. Feel free to "summarize" the exchange that takes place, or the answers the NPC can give. For example, if the PC comes at you with a question from out of left field, and/or to an NPC who you had not thought at all about an answer for, you can say something like, "He considers your question for a moment, but ultimately apologizes and says he doesn't know the answer." Sometimes complete back-and-forth RP is good, but sometimes (like at the end of a long session) you just can't do it, or don't want to spend the time on a minor encounter with a wandering beggar. As long as you convey the information, the game can keep moving. Sometimes it's also just good for buying time for yourself to actually think of responses, or redirecting PCs toward what you would prefer. Sometimes stock answers like, "He remembers stories about it vaguely, but he suggests you see Phren the priest for that sort of information," will get the message across easily what has to be done and that the current person isn't able to help (or even worth talking to). Just gradually try to RP more each time and you will become more comfortable with doing it. You might also try thinking about the NPCs more as yourself or your own characters, and responding how you would have your PC respond if someone asked/said something like that to you. Then adjust slightly for the NPC saying it. That may blunt their personalities a bit (or melt them together) but you will have something to say.
#5 eldiran Dec 21, 2008 0:26:04	Kouk, that's a very thoughtful and useful-looking response, but I think he was having trouble roleplaying as a player, not as a DM. I feel bad for you having typed all that up...
#6 kouk Dec 21, 2008 2:55:47	Kouk, that's a very thoughtful and useful-looking response, but I think he was having trouble roleplaying as a player, not as a DM. I feel bad for you having typed all that up... Hehe, you seem to be right on second look. :P Oh well. Do the same stuff I said, but in reverse. Plan out phrases for your character, or think about what he would say in common situations (interrogating a creature, looking for a certain item, etc.). Nobody (should) really expect you to be an actor or anything, just get across your ideas. When you DM, remember how much of a jerk the current DM was at different times, or how bad he was with rule x or y. This way you don't feel as if he is somehow "superior" to you. Mentally "putting down" the one speaking to you is similar to imagining your audience "naked" when you're the speaker. Puts you on different levels. You can dissect and analyze what the DMs are saying and how they are communicating as the NPCs as opposed to just listening as a passive player. You will notice things like, "Oh, he's making his voice go higher when he talks about that," and such; and it will take away your feelings of "Wow, that guys awesome at this" and replace it with "Oh, I see what he's doing there, I can do that too." You're all just a bunch of people at a table. Nobody (should) really expect you to be an actor or anything, just get across your ideas. If all else fails, just answer as yourself, but with a funny accent :P
#7 etarnon Dec 21, 2008 12:45:50	Method acting. Just say. "Huh." Or "I don't know what to say." Or a blank stare. "My Advice to actors: Don't try to act, just say your lines." - Anthony Hopkins
#8 cromag Dec 23, 2008 18:22:30	If all else fails, just answer as yourself, but with a funny accent :P I'll second funny accents, I recently ran an NPC Older gentleman with heavy wheezing like Stevie from Malcolm in the middle :D Sure some people may think your a goober, but it's fun ;) I'll also admit to summarizing responses from minor characters or people that I don't expect the players to run into again. It's a HUGE time saver and saves on some stress.
#9 affabledoomwalker Dec 23, 2008 18:32:13	Keep playing. There are times when interaction becomes awkward as all get out, but if you just sort of wing it you're sure to get better at it.
#10 Keiichi_m Dec 23, 2008 19:13:06	Funny voices are the key to everything, helps keep you in character and thinking like him and when you talk to the DM he knows that you're acting your character, don't worry about what the other players think, to be honest if you try they probably will think "Sweet, roleplaying!"
#11 Fuzzus49 Jan 01, 2009 17:23:49	One important thing to consider...you say the DMs are very good, and that you're intimidated by them. Why? Are you worried about tripping over your rule knowledge and looking like an idiot? Or are you concerned because they're good in-character roleplayers and you feel like you don't "measure up" somehow? You're a DM, so what I'm going to tell you, you probably already know: the best possible compliment to a DM is an involved player. If you're really enjoying the game -- and from what you say, it sounds like you are -- show the DM! Some ideas to help you along: -Get into your character. Sounds obvious, but to do this, you need a character you can get into. One of the reasons the "silent professional with a dark and tortured past" is popular is because players who "roleplay" them don't have to say or do anything beyond glowering, monosyllabic responses and swinging swords or slinging spells. I like my characters loud and boisterous: flamboyant bards, smashy half-orcs, charming rogues, valiant paladins -- but usually my problem is remembering to back off so everyone else gets their time in the spotlight. -When you're confused about something, ask questions. Nothing shows you're invested in the game like trying to learn more about what's going on. When I DM, I make it clear that there are no stupid questions, and even minor rule questions are treated with the same respect as insightful character questions. -Talk with the other players, IC or OOC. Obviously, talk about the game, but if you're talking with them and the DM breaks in, s/he becomes part of the conversation in progress instead of the unapproachable god of the world. -Talk with your DM outside of the game. It can be about stuff outside of the game, but I like to keep my DM updated on my character's goals and thoughts about what's happening in the game world. Whatever you talk to your DM about, it'll make talking with him/her at the table easier. Why specifically are you feeling intimidated by your DM? I feel like we could give much better answers if we knew the root cause of your worries.