speech balloon theory

Speech balloon theory is a concept in comics and visual storytelling that emphasizes the importance of the shape, style, and placement of speech balloons to convey meaning, tone, and character voice effectively. The design aspects—such as jagged edges for shouting, wavy lines for whispers, or the balloon’s position—help readers interpret how dialogue is delivered and what emotions are involved. It’s a tool to enhance communication beyond words, ensuring that the visual presentation of speech supports the story’s mood, character personality, and scene context accurately and engagingly.