Show, Don't Tell - XI
Use vivid descriptions and actions to convey emotions and events, avoiding direct statements
In this series we are attempting to write a short story with the assistance of generative AI tools. Familiarise yourself with the narrative overview before reading on. These “Show, Don’t Tell” articles have us stepping through each plot line and describing each scene in depth.
We’ve covered Setting, Theme, Conflict, Points of View, Character Development for the protagonist, character development for secondary characters and plot in previous articles.
Storyboard XI
At this juncture in our story, Pandi, our protagonist, experiences a delightful surprise. The older gentleman she's been conversing with, Hari, reveals himself as not only the esteemed judge of the Tea-Making Contest, but the owner of the tea plantation.
We're now set to delve into the heart of the tea tasting competition. The discovery of Hari's dual role as both the owner and the judge of the plantation enriches the narrative, setting the stage for an intriguing and rewarding conclusion to our story.
With the contest in full swing, Hari assumes his responsibilities with a thoughtful and deliberate approach
As the sole judge, his expertise is paramount in evaluating the intricate flavours and techniques on display. The contest, vibrant with the traditions and innovations of tea-making, unfolds under his discerning eye. We need to describe Hari navigating through the diverse offerings of each team, carefully deliberating before announcing the deserving winner.
As a reminder, our competitors are:
British Tourists - The group Pandi travelled with to Munnar is characterised by their camaraderie and cheerful disposition. They believe they can win the contest because of their diverse experiences, passion for tea, and the unique blend of skills and personalities they bring to the table. Their approach is not just about brewing tea but about sharing a story and creating an experience that reflects their journey and love for adventure.
A Japanese team, “Samurai Sippers” in their elegant kimonos, move with a grace and precision that's almost meditative. The “Dragon's Cup” team’s deep reverence led by a renowned tea sage which all team members defer to and consult when assembling their station.
There is vibrant energy and aroma of a special masala blend coming from the “Masala Chai” team, a group of Indian aunties each with decades of experience in the art of chai making. Minty Maghrebi, a team composed of Moroccan tea enthusiasts, their love of mint tea was evident in the way they prepared their ingredients, with an elaborate looking “berrad” use to serve each sugary, minty cup.
A team from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras who evidently had a high-altitude laboratory near Munnar was a contrast to the traditional approaches around them. A precisely measured experimental approach to brewing tea, and their methodical understanding of the chemistry behind tea flavours and health benefits likely to give them an edge in creating a perfectly balanced brew.
We’ll get our AI collaborators to play this scene out. They can decide the peculiarities of each of the teams and we'll also ask them to decide a worthy winner.
Collaboration
Grok chooses the IIT Madras team and provides a fast paced, mildly interesting narrative, but perhaps with a bit too much drama.
I stood there, stunned, as Hari, the elderly gentleman I had just met, revealed himself as the judge of the tea-making contest. My mind raced, trying to process this unexpected turn of events.
As the competition began, I watched in awe as the various teams showcased their unique tea-making techniques. The Samurai Sippers moved with a grace and precision that seemed almost meditative. They were followed by the Dragon's Cup team, led by a renowned tea sage who guided their every move. The British team, still as jovial as when they asked me to join them on the bus. The Indian aunties of the Masala Chai team filled the air with the vibrant aroma of their special masala blend, while the Moroccan Minty Maghrebi team prepared their ingredients with an elaborate "berrad." Finally, the team from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras displayed a precise and methodical approach to brewing tea.
As Hari made his way around the room, tasting each tea and engaging in conversation with the competitors, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. I wondered which team would win this prestigious competition.
After what felt like an eternity, Hari finally made his way back to the center of the room, a warm smile on his face. He cleared his throat and began to speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it has been an absolute pleasure to taste the exquisite teas that each of these teams has presented today. I am truly humbled by the dedication, passion, and skill that each team has demonstrated in this competition."
The room fell silent, and I held my breath, eager to hear the results.
"After careful consideration, I have come to a decision."
Hari paused, his eyes scanning the room before settling on the team from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras.
"The winner of this year's tea-making competition is the team from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras!"
The room erupted in applause as the team members exchanged hugs and congratulations. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for the young scientists who had managed to impress even the most discerning tea connoisseur.
As the excitement began to die down, I turned to Hari, a smile on my face.
"That was amazing," I said, shaking my head in disbelief. "I never expected that the winner would be a team of scientists."
Hari chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, my dear Pandi, the world of tea is full of surprises. You never know what you'll discover when you open your mind and your heart to new experiences."
With that, I knew that my journey into the world of tea had only just begun.
ChatGPT struggles to smoothly guide the reader to understand Hari’s dual role as judge and plantation owner. The choice of the Indian Aunties as winner, and the way in which the winner is announced flows naturally
As I stood there, my heart racing with anticipation, I watched Hari, the elderly tea plantation owner and now revealed as the sole judge, begin his meticulous evaluation of the tea-making contest. The revelation that Hari owned this vast expanse of tea fields added a new layer of awe to my experience. The competition area was buzzing with a symphony of aromas and the focused energy of the teams.
First up was the "Samurai Sippers." Their movements were a dance of elegance and precision, their kimonos flowing like water as they brewed their tea. There was something deeply calming about their method, a meditative ritual that held the audience in a silent trance.
Then came the "Dragon's Cup" team. Led by a renowned tea sage, every member moved with a quiet reverence, consulting and deferring to their leader's wisdom. Their respect for the art of tea-making was palpable, and it reflected in their thoughtful preparation.
The "Masala Chai" team, a vibrant group of Indian aunties, filled the air with the spicy, sweet aroma of their special masala blend. Their decades of experience shone through in their confident, almost instinctive movements, as they combined spices and tea with a familial warmth that was infectious.
"Minty Maghrebi" brought a dash of Moroccan charm to the contest. Their elaborate berrad caught everyone's attention, and each sugary, minty cup they served was a testament to their love for mint tea. Their preparation was as much a performance as it was a brewing process, drawing many admiring glances.
Lastly, the team from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras presented a stark contrast. Their high-altitude laboratory near Munnar had evidently equipped them with a scientific understanding of tea-making. Their approach was clinical, precise, and focused on the chemistry behind the flavors and health benefits. It was fascinating to watch, a blend of tradition and modernity.
As Hari moved from one team to another, tasting and nodding, occasionally asking a question or two, the tension was palpable. Each team watched with bated breath as he sipped their creations, trying to read his inscrutable expressions.
Finally, Hari stepped forward to announce the winner. The air was thick with anticipation. "And the winner of the Tea-Making Contest is..." he paused, looking over the crowd, "the Masala Chai team!" The cheer that erupted was deafening. The aunties hugged each other, their faces alight with joy and pride. It was a victory for experience and tradition, a celebration of the art that they had perfected over decades.
As the event wound down, I reflected on the incredible diversity and passion for tea I had witnessed. The contest wasn't just about winning; it was a celebration of culture, tradition, and innovation. And as I stood there, amidst the laughter and chatter, I realized that this experience was more than just about tea; it was about the stories, the people, and the connections that make life so wonderfully rich. Hari's contest was more than a competition; it was a window into the world of tea, a world I was just beginning to discover.
First Attempt
As I stood there, still reeling from the discovery that unassuming Hari was the esteemed judge of the contest, I watched him navigate the intricate world of the tea-making competition with a keen eye and gentle grace.
Hari moved from one team to another, tasting and nodding, occasionally asking a question or two. Just a few hours earlier, the thought of a tea-making competition might have struck me as somewhat trivial, perhaps even amusing in its seriousness. After all, on paper, it was merely a contest about brewing tea – a daily routine for many, turned into a spectacle. But sitting there in the audience, amidst the flurry of activity, the rich tapestry of aromas and the obvious passion of the teams, my perspective was shifted dramatically.
Hari finally made his way back to the centre of the stage, a warm smile on his face. He cleared his throat and began to speak.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it has been an absolute pleasure to taste how each of you have incorporated and then interpreted our Autumn Flush harvest into your unique styles. As many of you are aware, I will be transferring ownership of the plantation to IIT Madras after this, my 50th season.
I am truly humbled by the dedication, passion, and skill that each team has demonstrated in this competition and grateful to all of you for accepting my invitation to attend .
The winner of the Tea-Making Contest is..." he paused, looking over the crowd, "the Masala Chai team!" The aunties hugged each other, their faces alight with joy and pride. It was a victory for experience and tradition, a celebration of the art that they, like Hari, had perfected over decades. Explaining their victoria was based on their vibrant, homely brew, Hari concluded "Your masala chai was a dance of spices, evoking warmth and nostalgia,"
Each team had brought something special, but the winners had managed to encapsulate the essence of the contest – honouring tradition and reminding the judge of his youth.
I rose out of my seat, headed towards the British Tourist’s table to help them pack, when Hari raised a finger, to make a final announcment…
Thanks
ChatGPT and Grok were used to create the storyboard for this scene. Some sample interactions:
