Write better dialogue in 8 minutes.

Introduction

Writing compelling dialogue is a crucial skill for screenwriters and filmmakers. Many believe they aren't cut out for crafting strong dialogue, but it's essential to recognize that dialogue is a skill that can be learned and improved, like many other talents. With a few guiding principles, you can enhance your dialogue-writing abilities significantly.

Understanding Good vs. Bad Dialogue

To start, we need to distinguish what sets good dialogue apart from bad dialogue. Bad dialogue tends to be:

• Long-winded
• Generic
• Surface-level
• Disposable

In contrast, good dialogue is:

• Concise
• Specific
• Layered with meaning or interpretation
• Memorable

The key to transforming weak dialogue into something powerful lies in avoiding the pitfalls of length and generic phrasing. Let's drill down into how to achieve strong dialogue.

The Power of Conciseness

Nobody enjoys a character who talks endlessly; rather, we tend to favor conversations that get to the point. A common character trope is the loquacious villain, juxtaposed against a hero who speaks succinctly. This contrast not only makes for dynamic exchanges but also enhances the protagonist's strength.

For example, in the film "The Room," a character, Denny, speaks at length about his feelings for Lisa. If we were to revise this, we could eliminate unnecessary details to convey the same message effectively. By cutting the fluff, Denny's character appears more insightful, while still preserving his core feelings.

Crafting Unique Character Voices

Great dialogue needs to be specific to each character and their environment. Often, if a character speaks just like you do, they risk sounding too generic. A useful exercise is to cover character names in your script and see if you can still identify who is speaking by their dialogue alone. If you can't, it's a sign that the characters may need more distinct voices.

To foster unique dialogue, engage in active listening. While out at a café or with friends, listen to conversations around you. A more extreme approach is to record these dialogues, then transcribe them at home, including all the natural interruptions and hesitations. This practice will help you understand the nuances of how people speak differently.

The Importance of Subtext

Subtext refers to the underlying meaning of dialogue. When a conversation remains merely surface-level, it can become dull. However, when characters communicate as much through what they choose not to say, it creates a deeper connection with the audience.

For instance, if a mother is worrying about her rebellious teenage daughter, their conversation could highlight a complex emotional background. The mother might express nostalgia, whereas the daughter struggles for autonomy. This underlying theme of connection yet separation makes the dialogue feel more engaging.

Creating Memorable Dialogue

To avoid your dialogue feeling disposable, focus on crafting lines that characters and audiences will remember. Memorable dialogue is often unexpected and specific. Think about iconic lines from films—what makes them stand out? They surprise audiences while still feeling fitting for the character.

Try to approach your dialogue from various angles rather than your initial instincts. If you find yourself unable to come up with anything surprising, it might indicate that you're working with inherently uninteresting characters. Memorable dialogue often springs from the surprise and depth of an interesting character.

Thank you for reading! Now go out there and write some breathtaking dialogue.

Keywords

• Dialogue
• Screenwriting
• Conciseness
• Subtext
• Character Voice
• Memorable Lines

FAQ

Q: What makes dialogue compelling in a screenplay?
A: Compelling dialogue is concise, specific, layered with meaning or interpretation, and memorable.

Q: How can I improve my dialogue-writing skills?
A: You can improve by actively listening to conversations and practicing unique character voices.

Q: What is subtext in dialogue?
A: Subtext is the underlying meaning in dialogue, conveying more than what's explicitly said.

Q: How can I make my dialogue memorable?
A: Craft lines that are unexpected and specific to the character, allowing them to surprise the audience.