How to Write GREAT Dialogue

Dialogue is easier SAID than done. ;) Which is why in today's video, I'm sharing the 6 TECHNIQUES I use all the time to make my dialogue SHINE. ✨ No more cut-and-dry conversation! Let's learn how to masterfully write compelling dialogue that will capture and hold our readers' attention.

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0:00 Introduction
1:18 An Important Note About Dialogue
3:55 #1: Listen to people talk in real life
4:54 #2: Listen to well-written dialogue in film
8:32 #3 Subtext
9:55 #4 Write your dialogue like a screenplay
13:20 #5 Give every character a unique voice
14:10 #6 Practice, practice, practice
15:32 Outro
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✨ V A L U A B L E R E S O U R C E S✨

MORE VIDEOS YOU WOULD LIKE:

→ HOW TO ROCK YOUR CHARACTER VOICE

→ SHOWING VS TELLING INTERNAL CONFLICT

→ HOW TO INSERT FLASHBACKS INTO YOUR STORY

→ THE BEST CHARACTER PROFILE

✨F O L L O W ✨

✨ A B O U T ✨
My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.

Story isn’t about “what happens” — it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel – and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!

✨C R E D I T S ✨
All movie clips and soundtracks used for educational purposes under the Fair Use law. Poldark (2015–2019) copyright Mammoth Screen Productions and BBC Masterpiece. Downton Abbey (2010) copyright BBC Masterpiece.

[AsifHassan]

One thing I realized about a well-written argument between two characters, is subtlety. One of them lied to the other but instead of yelling and shouting about it what actually goes on is a passive aggressive discussion. They may talk about betrayal and hurt but they never bring up the lying part because it hurts them too much.

[yo-im-soup]

That mood when you're actually writing a screenplay so you HAVE to write it like one

[katiewilson]

It is SO ODD how you think of a scene and the characters just start talking! I do, I pause them so I can get my notes app on my phone or a pen and paper to write it down...usually late at night when I should be sleeping. :)
So happy when something I think is described by someone else out loud.
Thank you for this video!! New sub here!

[arshanijah]

currently trying to write a wattpad book, but i keep using “she said” or “he says” for everything lol

[wendychavez]

Often I will build a scene or a story around an internal dialogue, especially if I'm debating two or more sides with myself and see good points from every perspective. It's not always easy to make talking to myself seem like a conversation between two or more individuals, though when it works it's amazing.

[cheaBea]

Yes, I definitely get dialogue for random scenes in my story and have to write it down immediately! Sometimes it is even how a whole new story begins in my head.

[mayaj]

Notes for me:
Subtext subtext subtext! Always leave a hint of what the characters are thinking and feeling up to the imaginations of the readers, this will turn your characters into living breathing beings with thoughts, secrets, and experiences.
Practice scripting dialogue from everyday conversations and well-written shows and movies. Add in ques and body language to practice bringing the dialogue to life.
Write dialogue like a screenplay. this way you're less focused on description and grammar and more focused on the conversation. THAT'S IT!! Pro tip: try writing scenes of just dialogue before actually beginning the 1st draft of the book to kickstart your writing process.
Give every character a unique character voice. YOU DO NOT WANT ALL YOUR CHARACTERS TO SOUND THE SAME!!! ex. in Heros of Olympus, you knew every single time it was a Percy, Leo, or Annabeth chapter solely from the character's voice. or Zara and Sophia Greenleaf with very two distinct character voices
PRACTICE!!!

[fatimamaequeniahan]

"We humans can't live without communicating to each other"

*introverts left the group

[zordox]

I always struggle with dialogue being too awkward or boring and stiff, so this really helped me fix some of my mistakes. Thank you!!! 🥰😊😇

[heathertoomey]

I, too, have conversations continue on in my head that have to be written so I don't forget, once I've started. And I'm so glad to know that it IS fine to write dialogue first, like a screenplay, without the words like "said" and body language, etc. Still have work to do on that.

[SoundBoss]

Would love to hear you touch more on instances when direct dialogue is appropriate. I've heard that it's okay to be on-the-nose when what's being said is properly motivated by the characters wants/needs but I for one still struggle to identify how to do that, especially early on in the story. Keep up the great work!!

[unsweetsweets]

13:02 I don’t really write it down like it’s a screenplay, but I always come up with my dialogue by thinking about the scenes and then playing out the characters, then I just make the dialogue what I think in the moment. I usually just do it because it’s fun, but it really helps to make it more natural since most conversations are usually what the character is thinking in that moment and less planned out.
So maybe not exactly the same, but similar ?

[emxry]

I use dialogue if I want to show the character’s personality and if I need to put a fact out there to make the story work.

[ericcarlo]

Starting on my first short story and as I'm going through the process, I think really understanding your characters relationships with one another and their purpose in the story also helps a bit when coming up with dialogue

[StopMotionPerson]

When I have to write a dialog I first kinda "roleplay" the entire scene in real life and then write it down. It actually helps so much!
Ps.
Im SUPER nervous 'bout my book as a 13 yr old author and your videos show me that my book is actually good

[redstorm]

I’ve just been struggling with my dialogue today! This will be so helpful ahh!

[lilypond]

When you started talking about Poldark....
I love that show so much, even my dad loves it.

[josieann]

Hey Abbie! I also write my novels in screenplay format beforehand to master dialogue, but I thought it was because I majored in screenwriting in college. Glad to know other writers use this process as well! 😊

[Aponea]

I have always written my stories as if they were films/screenplays, and I dare to claim that writing dialogue is my biggest strength. You expressed exactly what I feel about this topic, thank you for the reassurance! :)

[darshimehrotra]

Every piece of dialogue gives your readers information etc.

Observe people talk.
Subtext
Screen Writing
Unique Voice