Good Dialogue Keeps Readers Engaged
Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools in a writer’s toolkit. It breathes life into characters, reveals their personalities, and propels the story forward. But how do you write dialogue that keeps readers riveted? Whether you’re crafting witty banter or a heart-wrenching confession, here are some essential tips for mastering the art of writing dialogue!
Why Is Writing Dialogue So Important?
Dialogue is more than just characters talking. It’s a vehicle for emotion, exposition, and tension. Well-written dialogue:
Reveals your characters’ personalities and relationships.
Keeps your story dynamic and engaging.
Provides readers with critical information without overwhelming them with exposition.
In short, good dialogue feels real, adds depth, and drives your narrative.
How Do You Write Dialogue That Feels Authentic?
Keep It Real—but Not Too Real
When writing dialogue, aim for a natural rhythm, but avoid replicating real-life conversations verbatim. Everyday dialogue is full of filler words and tangents that can bog down your story. Instead, focus on the essence of the conversation.
Example of natural dialogue:
Wrong:
“Um, I was, uh, thinking that maybe we could, you know, go to the store later or something?”
Better:
“I was thinking we could go to the store later.”
Make it Engaging
Make your dialogue snappy and purposeful. Each line should serve a function—whether it’s revealing character traits, advancing the plot, or adding tension. Avoid overly long exchanges that might slow the pacing.
Example of concise dialogue with tension:
“Where were you last night?”
“I told you—I was working.”
“Liar.”
How Can You Give Each Character a Unique Voice?
Let Your Characters’ Personalities Shine
Each character should speak in a way that reflects their background, personality, and motivations. Think about their vocabulary, tone, and speech patterns. A world-weary detective won’t sound the same as a bubbly teenager!
Tip: Write down a few defining traits for each character to guide their voice. For example:
Sam: Sarcastic, avoids emotional vulnerability, quick-witted.
Tina: Optimistic, empathetic, prone to over-explaining.
Use Subtext and Emotion
People rarely say exactly what they mean. Use subtext to add depth and tension to your dialogue. Body language, tone, and what’s left unsaid can speak volumes.
Example of subtext in dialogue:
“I heard you talked to John today.”
“Yeah. Just catching up.”
“That’s funny. He doesn’t seem like the type to just catch up.”
How Do You Balance Action and Dialogue?
Incorporate Movement and Setting
Dialogue doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Use action beats and descriptions to ground your characters and make scenes more vivid.
Example:
Sarah folded her arms and leaned against the doorframe. “You really think this is going to work?”
Tom didn’t look up from his laptop. “It’s the best plan we’ve got.”
This approach avoids the monotony of back-and-forth conversation and adds visual interest.
Should You Use Humor when Writing Dialogue?
Add Humor Thoughtfully
A well-timed joke can lighten the mood, reveal character quirks, or make your dialogue memorable. However, humor should feel natural and fit the tone of your story.
Tip: Match humor to the character and situation. A jaded detective might use dry wit, while a clumsy sidekick might deliver accidental humor.
Example of character-driven humor:
“You call that a plan?”
“Hey, I’m improvising. It’s an art form.”
How Do You Edit Dialogue for Maximum Impact?
Read It Aloud
Reading dialogue out loud helps you catch awkward phrasing, unnatural rhythms, or overly formal language. If it doesn’t sound right to you, it won’t feel right to your readers.
Cut the Fluff
Less is often more. Eliminate filler words and redundancies. Every word should earn its place on the page.
Example of streamlined dialogue:
Before:
“I just don’t think that what you’re saying makes any sense, to be honest.”
After:
“That doesn’t make sense.”
How Do You Handle Specialized or Period Dialogue?
Do Your Research
Writing dialogue for a specific era, culture, or profession? Research authentic language and terminology to make it believable. But remember, readability comes first. Too much jargon or outdated phrasing can alienate readers!
Tip: Use just enough historical or technical accuracy to set the tone, and rely on context to fill in gaps.
How Can You Improve Your Dialogue Writing?
Listen and Observe
Pay attention to how people speak! Watch movies, listen to conversations, and read books known for their strong dialogue. Notice how dialogue flows naturally while still serving the story.
Get Feedback
Share your work with trusted readers or critique partners. Ask if the dialogue feels true to the characters and fits the tone of your story. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your craft.
What Are Common Dialogue Pitfalls to Avoid?
Overusing Dialogue Tags: Stick to “said” and “asked” for most (but not all!) tags. Too many overly descriptive tags like “exclaimed” or “grumbled” can distract readers.
Exposition Dumps: Avoid using dialogue to explain everything to the reader. Keep it subtle and weave details naturally into the conversation.
Too Much Monotony: If every character sounds the same, readers will lose interest. Give each person a distinct voice.
How Do You Make Your Dialogue Stand Out?
Trust Your Instincts
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for writing dialogue. Experiment with different approaches and find what works best for your story. Trust your voice and let your creativity shine!
Writing Unforgettable Dialogue Takes Practice
Writing dialogue is both an art and a skill. By focusing on authenticity, character voice, and pacing, you can craft conversations that captivate readers and bring your story to life. Remember to edit ruthlessly, seek feedback, and keep honing your craft.

Erin K. Larson-Burnett, Production Manager at Atmosphere Press (submit your manuscript here!), is a born-and-raised Southerner currently living in Katy, Texas, with her husband and their small domestic zoo. She is an avid ink drinker who lives and breathes books—during the day, she works remotely with authors around the world, honing and perfecting books published through Atmosphere Press. By night, she crafts her own stories…or at least tries to. The Bear & the Rose is her debut novel.