How we deliver information makes a difference

Delivering dramatic information with a straight “poker face” as a DM can effectively draw players into the story.

In general, how we present or deliver information as DMs makes a significant difference to the gaming experience. Most often, we can mirror the energy of what we’re describing in the way we talk. We speak in hushed whispers for mysterious information, loud and expressively for grand descriptions, and soft and melodious for emotional content.

Varying our voice in this manner can keep players on their toes. And it makes it easier for everyone at the table to pay attention to what is being said.

The poker face delivery

However, instead of mirroring the drama of what we’re saying with our delivery, we can inject energy into a scene with the “poker face delivery.” Whenever there is dramatic new information that drastically changes the situation of the characters, we can tell the players with a straight face and a dry tone of voice. Players will hear the information and be jolted to attention by the mismatch between delivery and the seriousness of the situation.

Players might ask something like, “Does this DM not get it?! There are a dozen wolves surrounding us suddenly. Why is he so calm?” They’ll start looking towards their fellow players to see if they misheard, and find astonished faces looking back at them. And on the other side of the table? There’s a calm, straight-faced DM… gathering dice for the attacks of all those wolves.

Try the poker face delivery

Here are some more examples for the kinds of situations which could be intensified with a poker face delivery:

• “The floor suddenly disappears underneath your feet.”
• “Giant rocks fall from the ceiling, and bury Reinhard, the paladin.”
• “…and into the town square rides Strahd von Zarovich.”
• “You take 70 points of damage as the dragon’s breath scorches your very being.”
• “Now the marilith is going to make seven attacks against you.”

The next time something exciting, dramatic or surprising happens in the game, try telling the players with a straight face. This won’t work every time, and it won’t work for everyone. It’s another technique for delivering information which we can add to our DM toolkit.