Learn dialogue writing perfectly step by step. This article helps the learners to learn What Is Dialogue Writing: How to Write A Perfect Dialogue.
What Is Dialogue Writing
Roots of the word dialogue
Dia + logos.
Dia means “through” and logos means “words”. So, it means through words or through conversation.
Definition of Dialogue
Dialogue means a conversation between two characters. A written composition in the form of a conversation is also known as a dialogue. It is a verbal conversation between maybe two or more characters. Furthermore, it also expresses the speech or thoughts of the characters.
For Example:
Teacher: Student A, stand up and tell me what am I teaching?
Student A: Sir, you are teaching dialogue writing.
Teacher: So, tell me what is a dialogue?
So, this the easiest and most common way of writing dialogue.
Why Dialogue Is Important to Learn
There are two main reasons behind learning dialogue writing.
a) Colloquial Way
Colloquial means using the English language in an ordinary manner. It is observed that dialogue writing helps the learners to speak English in an ordinary and familiar way. In this way, the speakers are allowed to be freed in a friendly way to express themselves. In the colloquial technique, the speakers can use language in a flexible environment. It means no language formalities are required.
b) Natural Construction
The dialogue writing helps the learners to express themselves in an easy and natural construction. It means the speakers can express their thoughts in their own way. Remember, speaking the language in a natural way creates the stream to step towards an advanced speaking environment.
Characteristics of Dialogue Writing
Spontaneous: The dialogue should be impulsive. It should not be planned and premeditated.
Natural: It should be natural. To make the dialogue natural, add some questions and exclamatory sentences. Construct the sentences direct speech-based.
Interesting: Make the dialogue interesting by adding an opening and a conclusion.
Impartial: Remember, this is a dialogue, not a monologue where a single person is a speaker. So, give equal chances of speaking to others.
Concise: The dialogue must be comprehensive and meaningful. The replies to the questions should be to the point.
Steps of Dialogue Writing
There are three main steps of dialogue.
Imagine
To write good dialogue, you need to imagine the characters and their point of view. To do so, you need to have a clear idea of the imaginary persons in your mind taking part in the dialogue.
Outline
After imagining the characters and thought process, you need to write down the arguments or opinions of each of them. Add at least five dialogues for each speaker.
Arrange
After outlining, arrange the ideas in some logical order so that the conversation may proceed in proper flow. Write the dialogues neatly and properly. Don’t forget to include all five characteristics of dialogue writing we learn above.
Format of Dialogue Writing
- New paragraph for every speaker.
- Punctuation must be inside the quotation marks.
- Punctuation means comma, full stop, etc., and quotation mark (“…..”). For instance; He said, “I am not fond of musical instruments. “
- No additional punctuation is needed while using ellipses like (…); three dots. The ellipses are used in a sentence to show a sudden break or a pause. For instance; “let me think…the best place here on the bridge, “Ali said.
Rules of Dialogue Writing
Let’s talk about some common but important rules for writing good and effective dialogue.
The dialogue should undergo the following rules:
- Understand the topic well; having proper opening and salutation.
- Clear, natural, and appropriate.
- The conversation should be well punctuated so that the readers may not be confused.
- The conversation and must be according to the characters. Every speaker should talk according to his/her nature. For example, there should be a clear difference between the conversation of a student and a vendor.
- There should be sincerity and enthusiasm in the tone of the characters.
- The sentences should be unconventional.
- The topic should be comprehensive and based on reasons.
- The sentences should be short and close-ended.
- Every speaker should be given equal time to participate.
- Try to make the first and last part of the dialogue comparatively more interesting.
- There is no need to introduce yourself as a speaker.
- Use relevant and interesting words as I’ve, shouldn’t, don’t, they’ve, etc.
- Have a proper ending.
Types of Dialogue Writing
There are three types of dialogue writing. Remember, every type has the same rules and characteristics but a different tone.
1. Formal
In this type, the dialogue is written in some honored and respected way. For example, dialogue between teacher and student or between boss and employees.
Example:
Student A: Good morning Sir.
Teacher: Good morning student. How are you?
Student A: I am good. Thank you for asking. How are you, sir?
Teacher: I am also fine. I saw your project. It was good but I need you to mention more examples.
Student: Thank you sir for the feedback and I’ll try to put more examples.
Teacher: All the best! If you need more suggestions, put them on my notice.
Student: Sure Sir.
Teacher: Okay go to your class.
Student: Thank you, sir.
2. Informal
It is totally opposite to the formal dialogue writings where frankness does matter more than in a formal dialogue. For example; between two friends.
Example;
Ricky: Hey Mike! What’s up?
Mike: Hey!
Ricky: What’s wrong, Mike? You look worried!
Mike: Well, I miss the good old days. I miss school!
Ricky: Yah! Same here. It has been more than a year, I have not seen my school.
Mike: Right! I also miss our friends.
Ricky: I wish everything will get back to normal very soon.
Mike: Yeh! I am sure it would get better soon.
Ricky: Okay! I have to go now.
Mike: Bye!
3. Semi-Formal
It is in between formal and informal. In this type, the speaker can talk with respect and honor as well as the speaker can talk openly. For example; the dialogue between parent and son. For example; a dialogue between parents and the son/child, and the dialogue between the colleagues.
Example;
Daughter: Good morning papa!
Father: Good morning daughter. Daughter, why did you wake up so early today unlikely?
Daughter: Dad, I am going for a walk with my brother.
Father: That’s good. It is very good for your health as I read in a book.
Daughter: Yes papa, I read about it in a book.
Father: That’s true. Go but come back on time.
Daughter: Yes papa! We will come on time for breakfast.
Father: Bye!
Daughter: Bye papa!
Importance of Dialogue Writing
Why is dialogue writing an important skill?
- Good dialogues attract the readers.
- The readers show comparatively more involvement in the story.
- On the other hand, bad constructed dialogue pushes the readers’ interest away.
- The readers would prefer to close the book rather than reading it.