Dialogue: How to Write Conversations that Sound Natural and Move the Plot Forward

As a writer, one of the most important skills you can develop is the ability to craft dialogue that sounds natural and moves the plot forward. Good dialogue can make or break a story, and even the most talented writers can struggle with creating realistic and engaging conversations between characters. In this article, we’ll explore some tips and techniques for crafting dialogue that will bring your story to life.

Listen to Real Conversations

If you want to write realistic dialogue, the first step is to listen to real conversations. Pay attention to the way people talk, the words they use, and the rhythm and flow of their speech. You can eavesdrop on conversations in coffee shops, on public transportation, or even in your own home. Take note of the way people interrupt each other, use filler words like “um” and “like,” and repeat themselves. All of these elements can help you create dialogue that sounds authentic.

Avoid Exposition

One of the biggest mistakes writers make when crafting dialogue is using it as a vehicle for exposition. It can be tempting to use dialogue to explain backstory or convey important information, but this often leads to stilted and unnatural conversations. Instead, try to convey information through action or description, and let your characters’ dialogue reveal their personalities and motivations.

Create Unique Voices

Each character in your story should have a unique voice and way of speaking. This can be conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and even the use of dialect or slang. Consider the character’s background, education, and personality when crafting their dialogue. A character who is highly educated and formal will speak differently than a character who is street-smart and uses slang.

Use Subtext

Not everything needs to be said outright in dialogue. In fact, some of the most powerful conversations are those where the subtext is more important than the words being spoken. This can be conveyed through the use of subtext, which is the underlying meaning or message behind the words. Consider what your characters are really saying, and what they might be trying to hide or avoid.

Be Concise

Good dialogue is concise and to the point. Avoid long, rambling conversations that don’t move the plot forward or reveal anything about the characters. Each line of dialogue should have a purpose, whether it’s revealing information, advancing the plot, or revealing something about the character.

Read Your Dialogue Out Loud

One of the best ways to ensure your dialogue sounds natural is to read it out loud. This will help you identify awkward or stilted phrases, as well as give you a sense of the rhythm and flow of the conversation. You can also try acting out the dialogue with a friend or family member, to get a sense of how it sounds in a real-life conversation.

Conclusion

Crafting dialogue is a crucial skill for any writer, and it takes time and practice to master. By listening to real conversations, avoiding exposition, creating unique voices, using subtext, being concise, and reading your dialogue out loud, you can create conversations that sound natural and move your plot forward. Remember, good dialogue is more than just words on a page; it’s a powerful tool for bringing your characters to life and engaging your readers. So take the time to craft your dialogue carefully, and watch as your story comes to life in the minds of your readers.