Let’s be honest—dialogue can make or break your story. When done right, it pulls readers in, reveals your characters’ personalities, and keeps the story moving at a crisp pace. But when dialogue feels stiff or unnatural? Readers will bounce faster than you can say, “Chapter Two.”
So, how do you craft conversations that feel real while still driving your story forward? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this post, we’ll explore how to write dialogue that flows, feels natural, and keeps your audience hooked.
1. Keep It Real But Not Too Much
Real-life conversations are full of ums, ahs, and boring small talk. If you transcribed a real chat word-for-word, your readers would probably fall asleep. Your goal isn’t to copy reality—it’s to create the illusion of reality.
Here’s how to strike the balance:
- Cut the Fluff: Skip the “Hi, how are you?” unless it reveals character dynamics. Every line should serve a purpose.
- Mimic Natural Speech Patterns: People speak in fragments, contractions, and sometimes incomplete sentences.
- Differentiate Voices: Each character should have a unique speaking style. A sassy teenager won’t sound like a formal king.
Example:
Instead of this:
“Hello, Peter. How are you doing today?”
“I’m fine, thank you. And you?”
Try this:
“Peter! You look like you wrestled a bear.”
“You should see the bear.”
See the difference? It’s sharper, livelier, and tells us more about the characters.
2. Use Dialogue Tags Wisely
Dialogue tags (like “he said” and “she asked”) are essential, but too much variety can distract your readers. While it might be tempting to flex your vocabulary, simpler is often better.
The golden rule? Stick to “said” and “asked” most of the time.
Why? Because readers skim over them without even noticing. They keep the focus on the dialogue itself, not the mechanics behind it.
When to mix it up: Use expressive tags like “whispered,” “shouted,” or “muttered” sparingly for emphasis.
Example:
- Good: “I can’t believe you did that,” she said.
- Better: “I can’t believe you did that,” she whispered.
Quick Tip: When the speaker’s identity is obvious, you can skip the tag altogether.
3. Show, Don’t Just Tell
Want to level up your dialogue game? Use action beats to reveal emotions without relying solely on dialogue tags.
Example:
Instead of:
“I’m fine,” she said nervously.
Try:
“I’m fine.” She twisted her ring until her knuckles turned white.
The second version shows her anxiety rather than telling us directly. Readers love picking up on these subtle cues.
4. Pacing: Keep Conversations Snappy
Dialogue should move your story forward. Long-winded speeches or info-dumps can drag down the pace and make readers lose interest.
Here’s how to keep it sharp:
- Break Up Long Dialogues: Use action or inner thoughts to prevent “talking head” syndrome.
- Interruptions Add Tension: Let characters cut each other off to show conflict.
- Leave Room for the Reader: Not everything needs to be said. Let subtext hint at deeper truths.
Example:
“Did you do it?”
“I—” His hands clenched into fists. “Why would you even ask me that?”
Short. Tense. Loaded with unspoken feelings.
5. Subtext: What’s Left Unsaid Matters
In real life, people rarely say exactly what they mean. Your characters should be no different. Subtext adds layers to dialogue and makes interactions feel richer.
Ways to add subtext:
-
Conflict Beneath Politeness: A fake smile hiding resentment.
- Hidden Desires: What a character wants but won’t admit.
- Unspoken Tension: What isn’t said is often as powerful as what is.
Example:
On the surface: “I’m happy for you.”
What they really mean: “I’m dying inside, but you’ll never know.”
Let your readers feel the tension beneath the words.
6. Crafting Memorable Dialogue
Want your readers quoting your characters? Make their dialogue distinctive and purposeful.
Strategies for memorable lines:
- Catchphrases & Quirks: A character who always says, “Here’s the thing,” sticks in a reader’s mind.
- Emotional Punch: Pack a strong emotional payoff in key moments.
- Voice Consistency: A brooding vampire shouldn’t sound like a bubbly cheerleader.
Example:
A forgettable line: “I love you.”
A memorable line: “I didn’t want to love you, but here we are.”
Which one lingers longer?
7. Dialogue in Different Genres
The style of dialogue depends on your genre. Here are a few quick guidelines:
- Romance: Playful banter, emotional confessions, slow-burn tension.
- Fantasy: World-specific slang, formal or archaic speech patterns.
- Mystery/Thriller: Tense, clipped dialogue with lots of secrets.
- Comedy: Quick wit, misunderstandings, exaggerated reactions.
Tailoring dialogue to your genre adds authenticity and immerses your readers deeper into the world.
Dialogue isn’t just about what characters say—it’s about what they mean, how they feel, and what they hide. With these techniques in hand, you’re ready to write conversations that snap, crackle, and pop right off the page.
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