'Star Wars' creator finally reveals why Yoda talks like that — and it's a great tip for every parent

When Yoda first appeared on screen in "The Empire Strikes Back," his wise words and unusual way of speaking instantly set him apart. Instead of following regular English grammar, the Jedi Master twisted sentences in a way that made every line sound more deliberate and more memorable. But fans regularly wonder, "Why does Yoda talk like that?" George Lucas, the screenwriter of the film, addressed the age-old question during the opening night of the 2025 TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood, while attending a special 45th anniversary screening of the 1980 epic space opera.

Speaking with moderator Ben Mankiewicz, Lucas, now 80, explained that twisting Yoda’s sentence structure was a deliberate choice to make people slow down and truly listen. He said, "Because if you speak regular English, people won’t listen that much. But if he had an accent, or it’s really hard to understand what he’s saying, they focus on what he’s saying." Lucas wanted Yoda, as the philosopher of the story, to resonate with young audiences in particular. "I had to figure out a way to get people to actually listen — especially 12-year-olds," he added, as per Variety.

It was only a small screenwriting trick, but it also touches upon something crucial: slowing down when speaking helps people absorb what is being said. Research has found that children, in particular, process information better when speech is paced more slowly. A study published in the International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology showed that children performed better on comprehension tasks when speakers reduced their speech rate, giving young listeners extra time to absorb and respond thoughtfully. This deliberate pacing lowers the pressure to reply quickly, fostering a more relaxed and supportive environment. It is especially helpful for children who stutter or have language delays, helping them engage in conversation without fear of making mistakes.

In his interview, Lucas also talked about other memories from the early days of Star Wars, including meeting longtime friend Francis Ford Coppola while working on Finian’s Rainbow, the frustrations he faced trying to work within the studio system, and how he had to trim down the original 180-page draft. "I write like a blueprint. It’s not got a lot of detail on it," he told Mankiewicz. He explained that his goal was always to lay down a strong, simple foundation first. Lucas also described how studios underestimated Star Wars at every turn and dismissed the idea that merchandise could hold any real value, allowing Lucas to secure full licensing rights — an agreement that would go on to reshape the entire industry. 

"They went, 'He’s never going to be able to do that. There’s no money in that at all," Lucas said, recalling how toys, T-shirts, and other merchandise became a phenomenon in their own right. He even shared how he built early buzz by sending kids to Disneyland and comic conventions wearing Star Wars gear, seeding excitement before the movie had even opened. "That’s why Fox was so shocked when the first day the lines were all around the block," he said. Despite the reflection, Lucas stayed true to his famously reserved nature. When asked whether he preferred Yoda or Lando Calrissian, two characters introduced in "The Empire Strikes Back," he gave a characteristically simple reply. "If you have 12 kids, which one do you like the most?" he said, smiling slightly.