Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s arsenal. It can bring characters to life, move the plot forward, and reveal emotions and motivations without a single line of exposition. But writing dialogue that feels authentic—like something real people would actually say—can be tricky. Too often, dialogue falls flat, sounding stilted, overly formal, or just plain unnatural. So, how do you craft conversations that ring true? Here are some tips and techniques to help you write dialogue that feels real and reveals character.
Listen to Real Conversations
The best way to learn how people talk is to listen to them. Pay attention to the rhythms, pauses, and quirks of real conversations. Notice how people interrupt each other, trail off, or repeat themselves. Real speech is messy, fragmented, and full of filler words like “um,” “like,” and “you know.” While you don’t want to replicate every “um” in your dialogue, capturing the essence of how people speak can make your characters feel more authentic.
Cut the Small Talk
In real life, conversations are often filled with small talk—comments about the weather, greetings, and polite inquiries. But in fiction, every line of dialogue should serve a purpose. Cut the chit-chat and get straight to the point. If a conversation doesn’t reveal character, advance the plot, or build tension, it probably doesn’t belong in your story.
Use Subtext
People rarely say exactly what they mean. Instead, they hint, imply, and dance around the truth. This is where subtext comes in. Subtext is the unspoken meaning beneath the words—the emotions, motivations, and conflicts that characters aren’t directly addressing. For example, a character might say, “I’m fine,” when they’re clearly not. Subtext adds depth to your dialogue and makes it feel more realistic.
Give Each Character a Distinct Voice
Just as every person has a unique way of speaking, every character should have a distinct voice. Consider their background, personality, and education level. Do they use slang or formal language? Are they verbose or terse? Do they have a favorite phrase or verbal tic? These details can help differentiate your characters and make their dialogue more memorable.
Avoid Overexplaining
One of the most common mistakes writers make is using dialogue to overexplain. Characters shouldn’t spell out their thoughts, feelings, or backstory in long, unnatural monologues. Trust your readers to pick up on the nuances. For example, instead of having a character say, “I’m angry because you lied to me,” show their anger through their tone, body language, and actions.
Use Dialogue to Show Conflict
Conflict is the engine of storytelling, and dialogue is a great way to show it. Whether it’s a heated argument, a passive-aggressive exchange, or a tense negotiation, conflict-driven dialogue is inherently engaging. It reveals character, raises stakes, and keeps readers hooked. Just make sure the conflict feels organic and true to the characters’ motivations.
Break Up Dialogue with Action
Dialogue shouldn’t exist in a vacuum. Break up conversations with action beats—small descriptions of what the characters are doing as they speak. This not only makes the scene more dynamic but also provides insight into the characters’ emotions. For example, a character might fidget with their hands while lying or avoid eye contact when they’re uncomfortable. These subtle cues can add layers of meaning to your dialogue.
Read It Aloud
One of the best ways to test your dialogue is to read it aloud. Does it sound natural? Do the words flow smoothly, or do they feel clunky and forced? Reading aloud can help you catch awkward phrasing, unrealistic exchanges, and moments where the dialogue doesn’t quite ring true. If it doesn’t sound like something a real person would say, it probably needs revision.
Keep It Concise
In real life, people often ramble, but in fiction, dialogue should be concise and to the point. Cut unnecessary words and focus on what’s essential. This doesn’t mean your dialogue has to be short—just that every word should serve a purpose. Long-winded speeches can work if they reveal character or advance the plot, but they should feel intentional, not indulgent.
Use Silence Strategically
Sometimes, what characters don’t say is just as important as what they do. Silence can be a powerful tool in dialogue, conveying tension, hesitation, or unspoken emotions. A pause, a look, or a character’s refusal to answer a question can speak volumes. Don’t be afraid to let your characters sit in silence—it can make the moments when they do speak even more impactful.
Remember: Dialogue Is Not Real Speech
While it’s important to make dialogue feel authentic, it’s equally important to remember that dialogue is not real speech. It’s a stylized version of conversation, designed to serve the story. Real speech is full of filler words, repetitions, and tangents that would bore readers. Your job as a writer is to capture the essence of real speech while keeping the dialogue sharp, purposeful, and engaging.
Writing authentic dialogue is both an art and a craft. It requires observation, practice, and a willingness to revise. But when you get it right, it can transform your story, bringing your characters to life and drawing readers into their world. So listen closely, cut ruthlessly, and let your characters speak—not just to each other, but to the hearts of your readers.
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