When speaking, people usually try to give as much information as they feel is necessary, but not more.
Writers sometimes mistakenly use dialogue to set up scenery or give the reader important information. This can be done effectively. However, dialogue shouldn’t contain things that both speakers already know.
For instance, if you were talking to a friend about an event from the past that they already know about, you wouldn’t go into great detail to remind them about the event. That would be giving more information than necessary.
YOU ARE READING
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...
