The Message of      What Did You Say, Honey?

Communication is an essential element of healthy family relationships, but communication involves more than just hearing.  We need to listen rather than hear.  Has your family learned how to listen, or has communication broken down, and the most common response in your home become “What Did You Say, Honey?”

Sample scene setup and text of manuscript: 

         (As the scene opens, there is a man reclined in an easy chair.  He is reading a
newspaper.  The only part of him (Husband) which is visible to the audience is the top of his head and his legs.)

(excerpted text)

WIFE:  (From offstage):  Honey, have you seen Tim?

         (Husband gives no response.)

WIFE:  Honey!

         (The Husband has not listened to the question, but pretends that he has, to pacify his Wife.  The audience still does not see the Husband.  As he speaks, the newspaper does not move.)

HUSBAND:  No thanks, dear.  I'm fine.

         (The Wife enters the room.  In disbelief, she looks toward her Husband who never even acknowledges that she has entered the room.  She is carrying her coat.)

WIFE:  Did you say "fine"?

         (Once again, the paper does not move as the Husband gives his delayed, uninterested, irrelevant response.)

HUSBAND:  O.K.  (Quieter)  That'll be great, dear.

         (The Wife realizes the conversation is going nowhere, so she just shakes her head and begins putting on her coat as she speaks.)