Dialogue is a powerful tool in storytelling. It can bring characters to life, reveal critical information, and move the story forward in ways that narration alone cannot. However, writing great dialogue can be tricky, and self-editing it can be even more challenging. To ensure your dialogue is both effective and engaging, here are some key aspects to focus on when reviewing conversations in your manuscript.
Make It Realistic for the Character’s Age
When editing dialogue, consider the age of your characters. Children, teens, and adults all speak differently, and their dialogue should reflect their unique voices. Ask yourself:
- Does this sound like something someone of this age would say?
- Is the vocabulary appropriate for the character’s age?
For younger characters, keep the language simple and direct. Teenagers might use more casual slang or fragmented sentences, while adults might speak with more complexity and nuance. Be mindful of these distinctions, as they help ground your characters in realism.
Dialogue Should Move the Story Forward
Good dialogue does more than fill space on the page—it serves a purpose. When editing, make sure each line of dialogue advances the plot or reveals something important about the character. Here are some questions to ask as you edit:
- Does this conversation move the story forward?
- Does it reveal important information about the characters, their relationships, or the world they inhabit?
- Is this dialogue necessary?
Cut anything that doesn’t serve a clear function. If the dialogue feels like filler, either revise it to have more impact or consider removing it altogether.
Ensure Dialogue Is Fun to Read Aloud
One of the best ways to check the quality of your dialogue is to read it aloud. If it sounds natural and flows smoothly, you’re on the right track. If it feels awkward, forced, or clunky when spoken, you might need to rework it. When editing, pay attention to:
- The rhythm and flow of the dialogue.
- Whether it feels natural and easy to say out loud.
- How it fits within the overall pacing of the scene.
Reading aloud helps you hear the words as your audience will, making it easier to identify areas that need polishing.
Avoid Overusing Dialogue Tags
Dialogue tags, like “said,” “replied,” or “asked,” are necessary, but overusing them can make your writing feel repetitive or slow. Try these alternatives to avoid bogging down your conversations:
- Use action beats: Instead of always relying on tags, break up dialogue with actions or expressions that show what the character is doing or feeling.For example, instead of:
“I don’t know,” she said nervously.
Try:
“I don’t know.” She twisted her fingers in her lap. - Let context speak: If it’s clear who is speaking, you can often omit the dialogue tag altogether.
Keep Dialogue Concise
In real conversations, people rarely speak in long, drawn-out monologues. The same should apply to your characters. Aim for concise, impactful lines that get to the point without unnecessary rambling. Ask yourself:
- Can this line be shorter while still getting the message across?
- Does this dialogue stay true to the character’s voice?
Use Dialogue to Develop Character
Dialogue is one of the most direct ways to show who your characters are. Their word choices, tone, and speech patterns reveal personality traits, emotions, and motivations. When editing, think about:
- Does this dialogue reflect the character’s personality?
- Are their speech patterns consistent with who they are?
- How does this dialogue reveal something new about the character?
