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10 Tips for Writing Great Dialogue: An Eavesdropper’s Confession

10 Tips for Writing Great Dialogue: An Eavesdropper’s Confession

They say eavesdropping is rude, but for a writer, it can be an invaluable skill. Imagine this: you’re sitting in a crowded cafe, surreptitiously jotting down snippets of overheard conversations, when suddenly you hear it – an instant bestseller! While it may seem intrusive to some, for writers, it’s all part of the craft. In this article, we explore 10 tips for writing great dialogue (with examples). Learn how to turn those eavesdropped gems into memorable dialogue that will leave your readers craving more.

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10 Tips for Writing Great Dialogue (with Examples)

  1. Listen to real conversations (yes, I know it’s eavesdropping, but let’s call it “people watching”): Pay attention to how people speak, their tone, word choice, and pacing. This helps make dialogue sound authentic.
  2. Character voice: Ensure each of your characters has a distinct way of speaking that reflects their personality, background, and emotions.

    Example: In J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” series, each character has a distinct voice that reflects their personality, background, and emotions. For instance, the character of Severus Snape is known for his sharp, sardonic tone and often uses sophisticated and cutting language. On the other hand, Hagrid, the lovable giant, has a warm and rustic dialect. These distinctive voices help readers immediately identify the character and immerse themselves in the story.
  3. Subtext: Effective dialogue often includes hidden meaning or unspoken emotions beneath the surface.

    Example: In Tennessee Williams’ play “A Streetcar Named Desire,” there’s a powerful scene between the characters Blanche DuBois and Stanley Kowalski. Blanche says to Stanley, “You’re simple, straightforward, and honest, a little bit on the primitive side, I should think.” On the surface, it seems like a compliment, but the subtext is rich with tension and irony. Blanche is actually insulting Stanley by suggesting he lacks sophistication and refinement, and she uses polite language to hide her disdain for him. The subtext in this dialogue adds depth to their complex relationship and highlights their contrasting personalities.
  4. Show, don’t tell: Use dialogue to reveal information indirectly through actions, reactions, and context, rather than stating facts outright.

    Example: In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” rather than explicitly stating Gatsby’s wealth, the author shows it through dialogue and actions. Gatsby’s extravagant parties, his mansion, and the way others speak about him indirectly reveal his wealth.
  5. Keep it concise: Avoid long-winded speeches. Write dialogue that is concise and moves the story forward.

    Example: Ernest Hemingway is known for his concisely written dialogue. In his short story “Hills Like White Elephants,” much of the story’s tension and conflict arise from what is left unsaid between the characters during their brief conversations.
  6. Conflict and tension: Introduce conflicts, disagreements, or opposing goals to make dialogue engaging.

    Example: In Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible,” there’s a powerful dialogue between John Proctor and his wife Elizabeth. Their heated argument about Proctor’s past infidelity not only reveals their personal conflict but also reflects the larger conflict within the community during the Salem witch trials.
  7. Read aloud: Reading your dialogue aloud can help you identify unnatural or awkward phrases.
  8. Edit and revise: Dialogue often improves with multiple revisions. Polish it until it flows smoothly.
  9. Be mindful of pacing: Mix dialogue with action and description to control the story’s tempo.

    Example: In J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings,” the author uses dialogue in combination with action sequences to control the story’s pacing. For example, during battles, quick and urgent dialogue contributes to the fast-paced scenes, while in moments of reflection, dialogue slows down to explore character emotions and relationships.
  10. Practice: The more you write dialogue, the better you’ll become.

Remember that good dialogue serves the story, reveals character, and engages the reader.

So, the next time someone raises an eyebrow at your note-taking in public places, just smile and know that you’re gathering the raw materials for your next masterpiece. By embracing the unexpected and finding inspiration in the everyday, you can transform mundane conversations into extraordinary written dialogue that enriches your storytelling. Happy eavesdropping and even happier writing!

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