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How can you make dialogue interesting?
I am a junior in high school and have dabbled in writing stories, but a main problem I come across is making good, realistic conversations, or even small talk.
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7 answers
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Kharmari’s Answer
First — that’s a very normal problem. Honestly, dialogue is one of the hardest parts of writing, especially when you’re starting out.
The good news? You’re already aware of it. That’s huge.
One thing that helps is realizing that “good” dialogue isn’t about making it sound impressive — it’s about making it sound true. Real conversations aren’t perfectly structured. People:
• Interrupt each other
• Change topics suddenly
• Avoid answering directly
• Say less than they mean
• Use humor to deflect
Try this: instead of thinking, What should they say? ask, What does each character want right now?
If one character wants approval and the other wants control, the conversation will naturally have tension. That tension makes it realistic.
For small talk specifically — remember, small talk usually isn’t about the surface topic. It’s about:
• Testing comfort
• Filling awkward silence
• Hiding nerves
• Building connection
Example:
Instead of:
“How was your day?”
“It was good. Yours?”
“Good.”
You might write:
“So… you survived math?”
“Barely.”
“Yeah, I saw your face when she handed back the tests.”
“Don’t.”
He laughs. “That bad?”
“I’m pretending it didn’t happen.”
Now there’s personality. Subtext. Slight teasing. That feels human.
Also — eavesdrop (not creepily 😭). Just listen to how people at school talk. Notice how often conversations are messy and unfinished. That messiness is gold for writers.
And read your dialogue out loud. If it sounds like a school presentation instead of something you’d actually say, tweak it.
You’re a junior — which means you have years to sharpen this skill. Keep writing. The fact that you care about realism already puts you ahead.
The good news? You’re already aware of it. That’s huge.
One thing that helps is realizing that “good” dialogue isn’t about making it sound impressive — it’s about making it sound true. Real conversations aren’t perfectly structured. People:
• Interrupt each other
• Change topics suddenly
• Avoid answering directly
• Say less than they mean
• Use humor to deflect
Try this: instead of thinking, What should they say? ask, What does each character want right now?
If one character wants approval and the other wants control, the conversation will naturally have tension. That tension makes it realistic.
For small talk specifically — remember, small talk usually isn’t about the surface topic. It’s about:
• Testing comfort
• Filling awkward silence
• Hiding nerves
• Building connection
Example:
Instead of:
“How was your day?”
“It was good. Yours?”
“Good.”
You might write:
“So… you survived math?”
“Barely.”
“Yeah, I saw your face when she handed back the tests.”
“Don’t.”
He laughs. “That bad?”
“I’m pretending it didn’t happen.”
Now there’s personality. Subtext. Slight teasing. That feels human.
Also — eavesdrop (not creepily 😭). Just listen to how people at school talk. Notice how often conversations are messy and unfinished. That messiness is gold for writers.
And read your dialogue out loud. If it sounds like a school presentation instead of something you’d actually say, tweak it.
You’re a junior — which means you have years to sharpen this skill. Keep writing. The fact that you care about realism already puts you ahead.
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Make dialogue interesting by having each character speak with a purpose and voice, instead of just filling space with small talk. Listen to real conversations around you and notice how people interrupt, pause, joke, or avoid saying exactly what they mean... those patterns make dialogue feel more natural. Keep lines concise and break them up with actions or thoughts so it doesn’t feel like a long script. If you read your dialogue out loud and it sounds stiff or unnatural, revise it until it flows the way people actually talk. Good luck!
Updated
Rich’s Answer
Writing dialogue is one of the basic cornerstones of good creative writing. To do that you can listen to how people talk, read plays, which rely heavily on dialogue, and refer to books on writing dialogue for tricks and tips.
Updated
Marc’s Answer
That’s a great question. I haven’t read all the other replies, but I’m sure many of the professionals here will have already covered some of what I’m about to talk about.
I’ll give you an example from one of my own comic book series, which follows three kids who go on time-travel adventures. One is the youngest and a very emotional hothead. Another is the science geek of the group. The third is the muscle, self-confident, charming, and funny. I actually based all three on real kids I used to hang out with when I was younger.
When I write their back-and-forth (which includes a lot of banter), I often close my eyes and imagine they’re in the room talking. Because I’ve clearly established their personalities, I can naturally figure out how each one would respond. They don’t all speak the same way, and that’s what makes the dialogue feel more real.
Another technique I use is writing the dialogue separately from the comic first and then reading it out loud. If it sounds natural when spoken, it usually works well on the page. If it feels stiff or unnatural out loud, I know it needs to be revised.
So to recap: think of your characters as real people, listen to them, let their personalities guide how they speak, and always read your dialogue out loud. Also remember that dialogue is there to help develop the characters and move the story forward, not to explain stuff that's happening in your story.
I’ll give you an example from one of my own comic book series, which follows three kids who go on time-travel adventures. One is the youngest and a very emotional hothead. Another is the science geek of the group. The third is the muscle, self-confident, charming, and funny. I actually based all three on real kids I used to hang out with when I was younger.
When I write their back-and-forth (which includes a lot of banter), I often close my eyes and imagine they’re in the room talking. Because I’ve clearly established their personalities, I can naturally figure out how each one would respond. They don’t all speak the same way, and that’s what makes the dialogue feel more real.
Another technique I use is writing the dialogue separately from the comic first and then reading it out loud. If it sounds natural when spoken, it usually works well on the page. If it feels stiff or unnatural out loud, I know it needs to be revised.
So to recap: think of your characters as real people, listen to them, let their personalities guide how they speak, and always read your dialogue out loud. Also remember that dialogue is there to help develop the characters and move the story forward, not to explain stuff that's happening in your story.
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Santino
Making Dialogue Interesting and Realistic
Great question! Dialogue is one of the trickiest elements of writing, so you're not alone in finding it challenging. Here are some practical tips to help you craft more engaging and realistic conversations:
1. Listen to Real Conversations**
- Pay attention to how people actually talk in everyday life
- Notice speech patterns, pauses, interruptions, and filler words ("um," "like," "you know")
- Eavesdrop (discreetly!) in cafes, hallways, or social settings
- Real dialogue often includes incomplete sentences and tangents
2. Avoid Over-Explanation**
- Don't have characters explain things they would naturally already know
- Cut out unnecessary exposition disguised as dialogue
- Let readers infer information from context
3. Give Each Character a Unique Voice**
- Different characters should sound different based on age, background, education, personality
- Use distinct speech patterns, vocabulary, and mannerisms
- A teenager shouldn't sound exactly like a professor or a young child
4. Use Subtext**
- What characters *don't* say is often more interesting than what they do
- People rarely say exactly what they mean—they hint, deflect, or hide emotions
- Create tension by having characters talk around the real issue
5. Include Realistic Elements**
- Add interruptions, overlapping speech, or awkward pauses
- Include small actions (gestures, fidgeting) alongside dialogue
- People don't always finish their thoughts or respond directly to questions
6. Keep Small Talk Brief**
- Real small talk is often boring—don't dwell on it unless it reveals character
- Use it as a transition or to build tension before important conversations
- Move quickly to more meaningful exchanges
7. Show Conflict and Disagreement**
- Interesting dialogue often involves tension or opposing viewpoints
- Characters can misunderstand each other or have different communication styles
- Conflict makes conversations more dynamic
8. Read Dialogue Aloud**
- Hearing your words helps you catch awkward phrasing or unnatural rhythms
- You'll notice if something doesn't sound like how people actually talk
- Adjust until it flows naturally
9. Vary Dialogue Tags**
- Don't overuse "said"—it's actually fine to use it repeatedly
- Avoid overly creative tags like "she exclaimed melodiously"
- Let the dialogue itself carry emotion rather than relying on tags
10. Study Published Authors**
- Read books in your genre and pay attention to how professional writers handle dialogue
- Notice how they balance conversation with action and description
- Analyze what makes certain exchanges feel authentic
**Practice Exercise:**
Try writing a short scene (just 1-2 pages) where two characters have a conversation about something mundane—ordering coffee, waiting for a bus, or doing homework together. Focus on making it sound natural and realistic. Then read it aloud and revise.
The more you write and practice, the more natural dialogue will become. Keep experimenting and don't be afraid to revise multiple times. Good luck with your writing!
Making Dialogue Interesting and Realistic
Great question! Dialogue is one of the trickiest elements of writing, so you're not alone in finding it challenging. Here are some practical tips to help you craft more engaging and realistic conversations:
1. Listen to Real Conversations**
- Pay attention to how people actually talk in everyday life
- Notice speech patterns, pauses, interruptions, and filler words ("um," "like," "you know")
- Eavesdrop (discreetly!) in cafes, hallways, or social settings
- Real dialogue often includes incomplete sentences and tangents
2. Avoid Over-Explanation**
- Don't have characters explain things they would naturally already know
- Cut out unnecessary exposition disguised as dialogue
- Let readers infer information from context
3. Give Each Character a Unique Voice**
- Different characters should sound different based on age, background, education, personality
- Use distinct speech patterns, vocabulary, and mannerisms
- A teenager shouldn't sound exactly like a professor or a young child
4. Use Subtext**
- What characters *don't* say is often more interesting than what they do
- People rarely say exactly what they mean—they hint, deflect, or hide emotions
- Create tension by having characters talk around the real issue
5. Include Realistic Elements**
- Add interruptions, overlapping speech, or awkward pauses
- Include small actions (gestures, fidgeting) alongside dialogue
- People don't always finish their thoughts or respond directly to questions
6. Keep Small Talk Brief**
- Real small talk is often boring—don't dwell on it unless it reveals character
- Use it as a transition or to build tension before important conversations
- Move quickly to more meaningful exchanges
7. Show Conflict and Disagreement**
- Interesting dialogue often involves tension or opposing viewpoints
- Characters can misunderstand each other or have different communication styles
- Conflict makes conversations more dynamic
8. Read Dialogue Aloud**
- Hearing your words helps you catch awkward phrasing or unnatural rhythms
- You'll notice if something doesn't sound like how people actually talk
- Adjust until it flows naturally
9. Vary Dialogue Tags**
- Don't overuse "said"—it's actually fine to use it repeatedly
- Avoid overly creative tags like "she exclaimed melodiously"
- Let the dialogue itself carry emotion rather than relying on tags
10. Study Published Authors**
- Read books in your genre and pay attention to how professional writers handle dialogue
- Notice how they balance conversation with action and description
- Analyze what makes certain exchanges feel authentic
**Practice Exercise:**
Try writing a short scene (just 1-2 pages) where two characters have a conversation about something mundane—ordering coffee, waiting for a bus, or doing homework together. Focus on making it sound natural and realistic. Then read it aloud and revise.
The more you write and practice, the more natural dialogue will become. Keep experimenting and don't be afraid to revise multiple times. Good luck with your writing!
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
96
Answers
Updated
Steve’s Answer
Dialogue comes from each character's unique personality. While it may seem simple, writing words for someone else can be challenging. Think about your family - your siblings and parents - and how they express themselves. Consider your friends too. You connect with them because of shared interests, but each friend is unique. When writing for characters, consider their experiences and what shaped them. If you're in middle school, don't hesitate to ask a teacher for guidance.
Another tip is to read books with diverse characters. Notice how the author gives each character a distinct voice and reaction to situations. This skill requires practice and patience. Once you've written something, ask people you trust to read it and provide honest feedback you can use to improve. It's not just about dialogue; it's also about how characters act and respond. Keep at it, and you'll get better with time!
Another tip is to read books with diverse characters. Notice how the author gives each character a distinct voice and reaction to situations. This skill requires practice and patience. Once you've written something, ask people you trust to read it and provide honest feedback you can use to improve. It's not just about dialogue; it's also about how characters act and respond. Keep at it, and you'll get better with time!
Updated
jose’s Answer
This is a great question. In love this question.
So, for starters, when writing a conversation, ask yourself what are the characters really talking about?
More over, ask yourself, how can they say it in their own voice?
Also, if this is a dialogue between two characters in the middle of a bigger story, ask yourself how does this conversation tie itself to the bigger story?
This takes a lot of practice and a lot of drafts.
It always helps if the characters talking are not just exchanging information, rather revealing something about themselves, even in small talk. If a character loves nature, have they talk using references to the natural world. If a character is temperamental or impatient, have them say things in short sentences. Or something like that. So whether it's small talk, exposition, a soliloquy, or a heart to heart, give your characters specific traits and have them talk as they would.
Lastly, just listen to how people talk and put some of those conversations in your stories. I assure you, they will make you dig something interesting.
Best of success. Keep writing. ^_^
So, for starters, when writing a conversation, ask yourself what are the characters really talking about?
More over, ask yourself, how can they say it in their own voice?
Also, if this is a dialogue between two characters in the middle of a bigger story, ask yourself how does this conversation tie itself to the bigger story?
This takes a lot of practice and a lot of drafts.
It always helps if the characters talking are not just exchanging information, rather revealing something about themselves, even in small talk. If a character loves nature, have they talk using references to the natural world. If a character is temperamental or impatient, have them say things in short sentences. Or something like that. So whether it's small talk, exposition, a soliloquy, or a heart to heart, give your characters specific traits and have them talk as they would.
Lastly, just listen to how people talk and put some of those conversations in your stories. I assure you, they will make you dig something interesting.
Best of success. Keep writing. ^_^