How many non-verbal events should I add?

Less is more. Roughly one event per 2-4 sentences is enough. Use them at emotional turning points or emphasis moments.

How long should pauses be?

Short pauses for phrasing and rhythm; long pauses for hesitation, silence, or tension. When unsure, use short pauses.

Style prompts set the overall performance. Non-verbal events add sentence-level acting details so it sounds human.

Non-verbal events2026-03-19·4 min read

Pauses, breaths, sighs, coughs, and laughter often decide whether it sounds robotic or performed.

✓

Use events to support rhythm-don't add them to every line.

✓

Prioritize pauses: the most stable and least intrusive enhancement.

✓

Breaths/coughs fit nervous/running/weak scenes; soft laughs fit comedy/sarcasm; sighs and long pauses fit sadness/tension.

I... didn't mean that. (short pause) I just didn't know how to say it.

If I had... (silence) (long sigh) would it have been different?

(deep breath) Calm down. It's just an interview... I can do this.

Water... please... (coughing) I can't stop-my throat is burning.

That's ridiculous... (soft laugh) Fine, I won't argue with you.