Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Dialogue Writing: Tips for Crafting Authentic Conversations

One of the most challenging - and rewarding- aspects of storytelling can be writing dialogue. When it's done well, it can bring your characters to life, drive the plot forward, and immerse readers in your world in truly thought-provoking ways... As such, it's an artform well-worth becoming skilled in! But dialogue also has its pitfalls, and missteps can make even the most compelling story feel clunky or unrealistic.

Let’s consider some common dialogue mistakes to avoid and how to write conversations that feel natural and engaging.

Avoid Info-Dumping 🗣️

The Pitfall: Characters using dialogue to dump large chunks of backstory or exposition can feel unnatural and overwhelming for readers.

Example:

“Remember, we moved to this town three years ago after Dad lost his job, and that’s when you decided to start painting full-time because you wanted to follow your dreams.”

How to Fix It:

Weave information subtly into the narrative or spread it across different scenes, and let characters reveal details organically through their actions or smaller conversations.

Better Example:

“Are you still painting full-time?”

“Yeah, I’m trying. Moving here helped, but it’s still tough sometimes.”

Steer Clear of Overly Formal Speech 🎩

The Pitfall: Writing dialogue that sounds like it came from a textbook or essay instead of a real conversation.

Example:

“I am unable to attend your party tonight because I have prior commitments.”

How to Fix It:

Write the way people speak in real life - use contractions, sentence fragments, and natural rhythms.

Better Example:

“Can’t make it to the party tonight - already promised I’d be somewhere else.”

Avoid Overuse of Dialogue Tags 🔖

The Pitfall: Repeatedly using tags like “he said” or “she exclaimed” after every line can become distracting... This can be a killer!

Example:

“I can’t believe this,” she said.

“Neither can I,” he replied.

“What do we do now?” she asked.

How to Fix It:

Use action beats or let the dialogue itself indicate who’s speaking. Tags are still important but should be used sparingly.

Better Example:

“I can’t believe this.” She threw the paper onto the table.

“Neither can I.” He rubbed his temples.

“What do we do now?”

Avoid “On-the-Nose” Dialogue 🎯

The Pitfall: Characters saying exactly what they’re thinking or feeling in a way that lacks subtlety... Yawn!

Example:

“I’m really angry with you because you forgot my birthday.”

How to Fix It:

Show emotion through subtext and actions - people often express their feelings indirectly or through their behavior, so write this into your story.

Better Example:

“I’m fine.” She slammed the door and crossed her arms. “Really, don’t worry about it.”

Don't Use Dialogue as Filler 🚫

The Pitfall: Adding dialogue that doesn’t advance the plot, reveal character, or build tension.

Example:

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

“How are you?”

“Good, how are you?”

“Fine.”

How to Fix It:

Ensure every line of dialogue serves a purpose - whether it’s to reveal a character’s motivations, move the story forward, or build atmosphere. Does the exchange move the story along? If it doesn't, ditch it.

Better Example:

“Hi.”

“You’re late.”

“Had to run by the store. Did you start without me?”

Watch Out for Overuse of Accents or Dialects 🎭

The Pitfall: Writing phonetically to convey accents or dialects can be hard to read and distracting. Tread carefully here, and seek feedback.

Example:

“I ain’t gonn’ go ta th’ sto’ if ya don’ pay me fer it.”

How to Fix It:

Hint at accents or dialects through word choice, sentence structure, and a few well-placed colloquialisms.

Better Example:

“I’m not going to the store unless you pay me for it.”

Avoid “Talking Heads” 🗣️🗣️

The Pitfall: Dialogue exchanges without any description, action, or setting details can feel disconnected from the story.

Example:

“Where are we going?”

“To the park.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see.”

How to Fix It:

Ground the dialogue in the scene with sensory details, actions, or internal thoughts.

Better Example:

“Where are we going?” She tightened her scarf against the biting wind.

“To the park.” He didn’t look back as he strode ahead.

Her boots crunched over the icy pavement as she hurried to keep up, and her teeth chattered as she asked, "Why?"

“You’ll see.”

Don’t Make All Characters Sound the Same 🧍🧍‍♀️

The Pitfall: Giving all characters the same speech patterns and vocabulary makes them indistinguishable... This is another whole post on its own!

Example:

Two characters using identical phrases or tone regardless of their background or personality.

How to Fix It:

Give each character a distinct voice based on their personality, background, and motivations.

Better Example:

“Got any plans for the weekend?”

“Not really. Might read or paint a little. You?”

“Paint? Too artsy for me. I’ll be at the pub, obviously.”

Final Thoughts 💭

Writing great dialogue takes practice and a keen ear for how people actually speak. Avoid common pitfalls like those above by focusing on authenticity, subtlety, and purpose in your characters' conversations. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating dialogue that not only sounds real but also keeps your readers engaged and immersed in your story.

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www.thewritingstudio.com.au

0468 373 790

Cairns, Queensland AU