Non-diegetic sound

Definition

Non-diegetic sound refers to audio elements in a film, video, or multimedia piece that do not originate from the world of the story. This includes things like background music, voiceovers, and sound effects that characters in the narrative cannot hear. These sounds serve to enhance the emotional and dramatic context of the visual experience, guiding the audience’s perception and emotional response.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Non-diegetic sound is often used to build atmosphere, create tension, or highlight emotional moments in a visual piece.
2. The use of non-diegetic sound can significantly influence audience engagement by guiding their reactions to on-screen events.
3. Common examples of non-diegetic sound include orchestral scores, thematic music, and voiceovers providing commentary or narration.
4. Non-diegetic sounds can also include sound effects that enhance actions but do not have a source within the narrative space.
5. In films, non-diegetic sound contrasts with diegetic sound to create layers of meaning and depth within the storytelling.

Review Questions

• How does non-diegetic sound contribute to audience engagement in visual art forms?
  • Non-diegetic sound plays a critical role in shaping audience engagement by enhancing emotional responses and guiding viewers' interpretations of on-screen events. For instance, a suspenseful score can heighten tension during a climactic scene, making the viewer feel more invested in the narrative. Additionally, voiceovers can provide context or insight into a character's thoughts, drawing the audience deeper into the story.
• Discuss the relationship between non-diegetic sound and visual storytelling techniques in multimedia works.
  • Non-diegetic sound complements visual storytelling techniques by adding an auditory layer that enriches the viewer's experience. For example, while visuals convey actions and emotions, non-diegetic sounds such as music or narration can underscore these moments to amplify their impact. This synergy between sound and visuals helps establish mood, tone, and pacing, allowing for a more immersive narrative experience.
• Evaluate how the use of non-diegetic sound might change a viewer's interpretation of a scene compared to using only diegetic sound.
  • The use of non-diegetic sound can dramatically alter a viewer's interpretation of a scene by infusing it with emotional cues that are absent in diegetic sound alone. For example, if a scene features only dialogue without musical accompaniment, it might come across as straightforward or neutral. However, adding a tense musical score can shift the viewer’s perception, making them feel suspense or urgency even if the dialogue remains unchanged. This demonstrates how non-diegetic elements shape not just what is seen but how it is understood.

Related terms

diegetic sound:

Sound that originates from the story world and can be heard by the characters, such as dialogue or environmental sounds.

sound design:

The process of creating and manipulating audio elements in a multimedia project to enhance storytelling and emotional impact.

soundtrack: A collection of music and audio tracks used in a film or video that can include both diegetic and non-diegetic elements.