Dialogue -creative writing exercise
Dialogue
I like writing dialogue, not only does it move the story forward, but I also feel it brings the characters to life. The reader can quickly get a sense of who they are, it can ‘show’ their feelings, it can shame their actions, or can brighten the storyline and endear them to the reader. In essence dialogue can ‘show’ their true character, and sometimes lay bare the why, while the author is left out of the picture. With dialogue the characters take over, unlike the author telling the readers what they think they should know.
That said, there doesn’t have to be tons of dialogue. Some authors write snippets, others do loads. A friend once said she prefers to read novels which give more of the setting, the surroundings, the sense of smell and sound. I think she has a point, but a healthy balance can’t be a bad thing, can it.
What exactly is dialogue?
‘Dialogue is typically a conversation between two or more people in a narrative work. As a literary technique, dialogue serves several purposes. It can advance the plot, reveal a character’s thoughts or feelings, or show how characters react in the moment.’ I’ve said this over and over, but so did Jennifer Betts.
‘There are different types of dialogue writing, including:
Inner Dialogue: when a character speaks their thoughts aloud or narrates what they’re thinking.
Outer Dialogue: when characters have a spoken conversation or debate.
Reported Dialogue: dialogue that is not directly spoken by a character but rather reported by another character or narrator.
Conversation between the character and the mind
Monologue – the internal thought process of the person.
There are different ways to classify types of dialogue, depending on the perspective and the purpose of the writer or the speaker.
One common distinction is between outer and inner dialogue, where outer dialogue is when a character talks to another character, and inner dialogue is when a character talks to himself/herself or to the mind.
Another distinction is between active and passive voices, where active voice shows the character’s direct involvement and influence in the dialogue, and passive voice shows the character’s detachment and observation of the dialogue.
‘Here are some examples of how these types of dialogues can be used:
- Persuasive Dialogue: This type of dialogue aims to convince or persuade someone to do something or change their opinion. It is often used in advertising, sales, politics, and other fields where persuasion is key. For example, a salesperson might use persuasive dialogue to convince a customer to buy a product.
- Investigative Dialogue: This type of dialogue aims to gather information or uncover the truth about something. It is often used in journalism, law enforcement, and other fields where investigation is important. For example, a detective might use investigative dialogue to question a suspect.
- Exploratory Dialogue: This type of dialogue aims to explore ideas or concepts. It is often used in philosophy, literature, and other fields where exploration is important. For example, characters in a novel might engage in exploratory dialogue to discuss the meaning of life.
- Negotiating Dialogue: This type of dialogue aims to reach an agreement or compromise between two parties. It is often used in business, law, and other fields where negotiation is important. For example, two lawyers might use negotiating dialogue to reach a settlement in a legal dispute.’ Thank you, Google.
Three exercises in dialogue
Let’s get writing and begin with this short exercise in ‘Outer Dialogue.’
Pick up your pen and notepaper, or open your laptop and switch it on, and all I ask is you try all three exercises before you move on…
Imagine there are two seniors waiting at a bus stop (both female).
One thinks they recognise the other, it’s been years since she last saw her, and is a little hesitant to speak, but she plucks up the courage and…
Now have a go at the same situation but…
Imagine there are two seniors waiting at a bus stop, (both male)
One thinks they recognise the other, it’s been years since he last saw him, he decides to speak…
Now have a go at the same situation but…
Imagine there are two seniors waiting at a bus stop, (male and female)
One thinks they recognise the other, it’s been years since they last saw one another she or he decides to spea
Read what you have written, out loud.
Now ask yourself:
Does it sound natural.
How do you know who is speaking.
Did you use contractions.
Were there differences between the characters ‘voices?’ Or did they sound the same?
How did the interaction between male and female characters make you think about the conversation. Did you write it differently from the male / female perspective?
Did you use contractions.
Were there differences between the characters ‘voices?’ Or did they sound the same?
We need to make distinctions, not massive, but just enough to let the reader know who is speaking.
I always use the example of Harry Potter’s friend who always uses the word ‘bloody,’ you know who is speaking straightaway.
Did the interaction between male and female characters make you think about the conversation. Did you write it differently from the male / female perspective?
Anne Newbegin, author, and creative writing tutor once gave us a session in dialogue. I’ve have never forgotten it. Thanks Anne!
LISTENING
I suggest you really listen to the way people speak. Yes, yes, of course you listen to every word spoken. Do you really?
Watch the way in which they speak.
Listen to the rise and fall of their words, the breathy, the quiet, the sad. Do they sound aggressive, happy, passive. How can you best describe this through your dialogue.
HOW WE SPEAK
Now ask yourself do you sound out every word?
How do you speak?
How does your friend, partner, child, colleague speak?
Has your dialogue been written with contractions? Listen to yourself. Listen to others.
Trust me, you will find a wealth of information right on your doorstep. Everyone, and everything is part of your research. Everyone can offer you a solution without them even knowing it.
Of course, you knew all this already, but I’m here to remind you.
BODY LANGUAGE
A character might need an accent, they certainly need to be individual to make them stand out from the other. Body language gives even more of the story. These descriptions are great to ‘show’ your reader who they are and what is going on, along with the dialogue.
Just a few hints here: maybe their arms won’t stop moving when they speak, or they look bored, or they keep looking past the person who is speaking.
ACTION
Ask what is going on around them. Is it important to the dialogue. A car about to mount the pavement might be important! If not, don’t write it. The leopard might look docile, but watch out.
PEOPLE WATCHING
Do you people watch? I find people fascinating, and in a good way. I love to hear how people communicate with one another. A flick of the hair, a scratch on the chin, a cough, a roll of the eye. These are all tells and a little more of the body language.
If you don’t already do this, perhaps when you’re next in a coffee shop, or doing the shopping, or at work, have a go. Identify how people are behaving and communicating with one another – verbally and non-verbally.
Last, but not least…
Bye for now, and happy writing dialogue, and remember, if you leave a comment, please make it about about writing, or if you like you could share some of the exercise you have written with me, I would love to hear from you.
