How to Write Dialogue That Sounds Real (And Keeps Readers Reading)
Want to master realistic dialogue in fiction? Learn simple tricks to write conversations that feel authentic, reveal character, and move your story forward.
Hey, it’s
Reginaldo Osnildo back again!
Today we’re going to tackle one of the most misunderstood parts of
storytelling: dialogue.
You’ve
probably read books or watched shows where the dialogue just felt off.
Too stiff, too dramatic, or just plain unnatural. It takes you out of the
story, right?
But when
dialogue feels real, it pulls you in. It makes characters come alive. It
adds rhythm, energy, and emotional truth to your story.
Let’s
unlock the secrets of writing dialogue that actually works—without sounding
like a robot or a soap opera.
What
Dialogue Really Does in a Story
Good
dialogue does more than just fill space. It should:
- Reveal
character
- Move
the plot forward
- Show
conflict or connection
- Add rhythm and voice to the
story
- Drop key info without sounding
like a lecture
If your
dialogue isn’t doing at least one of those things? Time to tweak it.
What
Real People Actually Sound Like (Hint: Not Perfect)
Here’s the
thing: real conversations aren’t polished. People:
- Interrupt
each other
- Speak
in fragments
- Use filler words (but not too
much in writing)
- Avoid saying exactly what they
mean
Great
dialogue isn’t about copying speech word-for-word—it’s about capturing the
feeling of real conversation, while still keeping it clean, clear, and
purposeful.
7 Tips
for Writing Natural, Compelling Dialogue
1. Know
Your Characters’ Voices
Each
character should sound distinct. Ask yourself:
- Are they formal or casual?
- Do they use slang or big words?
- Do they speak quickly or pause
often?
Example:
“I can’t believe you did that!” vs. “Seriously? That’s what you thought was a
good idea?”
2. Skip
the Small Talk
Don’t waste
time on “Hi, how are you?” unless it means something in context. Get to
the good stuff.
3. Use
Subtext
People
rarely say exactly what they feel. Let readers read between the lines.
She
says: “You’re late
again.”
What she means: “I don’t feel important to you.”
4. Break
It Up with Action
Add body
language, movement, or setting details between lines to keep it visual and
grounded.
He
scratched his neck, avoiding her eyes.
“I wasn’t trying to lie. I just... didn’t know how to say it.”
5. Avoid
Overusing Names
We don’t
say each other’s names every two sentences in real life. Use sparingly.
6. Trim
the Fat
Say more
with less. Cut unnecessary words. Keep it snappy.
7. Read
It Out Loud
This is the
ultimate test. If it feels awkward when spoken, rewrite it.
Tags
Matter: How to Use “Said” and Friends
Don’t get
fancy with dialogue tags. Most of the time, “said” and “asked” are enough.
Avoid stuff like:
- “He
exclaimed angrily”
- “She
interjected sarcastically”
Instead,
show emotion through the words or actions.
Bad: “I’m fine,” she snapped angrily.
Better: “I’m fine.” She slammed the drawer shut.
A Simple
Formula to Try
Write a
scene with two characters who want opposite things. Let them argue,
flirt, or talk around the issue.
Focus on:
- Distinct
voice
- Unspoken
tension
- Purposeful
word choices
Let it feel alive.
✍️ Quick Dialogue Exercise
Prompt:
Two characters are stuck in an elevator. One has a secret. The other is
starting to suspect.
Write their
conversation in 8 lines or less. Use body language and subtext. Go!
🎁 Want to Master Dialogue (and Every Other Part
of Your Story)?
Writing
real, engaging dialogue isn’t about talent—it’s about knowing what to listen
for and practicing with the right tools.
That’s
exactly why I created:
👉 The Basics of Creative Writing for
Those Who Have Never Written Short Stories or Novels
Inside, you’ll learn:
- How to write natural-sounding
conversations
- How to build characters and
conflict through dialogue
- Easy writing prompts to bring
your scenes to life
You don’t
need to be perfect. You just need to start.
So go
ahead—give your characters something to say. The best stories begin with a good
conversation.
See you in
the next article!
— Reginaldo Osnildo