Good dialogue doesn’t actually sound like real speech. Why? Because real live conversation is messy. People talk over each other, use filler words like “uh,” and change what they’re saying midsentence.
Despite all this, it’s import to listen to real life language. What do people talk about? How do people speak differently to their coworkers than their best friend? How do people transition from one topic to another?
Listen to people talking, but be aware that dialogue isn’t meant to imitate speech exactly.
Also, read sections of dialogue you like. What do you like about it? Read sections you don’t like. Decide why you don’t like certain passages of dialogue and then look to see if you do any of those things in your writing.
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He Said, She Said: Dialogue Tips
Non-FictionIf a book has really good dialogue, you may not notice because it flows so naturally. But if you're reading a book with poorly written dialogue, it will probably feel awkward. It may even feel painful. You may not want to continue reading. You don't...
