How to Write Engaging Dialogue: Tips and Tricks

TLDRLearn how to write engaging and memorable dialogue by being concise, specific, and incorporating subtext. Surprise your audience with unexpected lines to make your characters memorable.

Key insights

💬Good dialogue is concise, specific, and memorable.

🎭Characters with distinct dialogue make scenes engaging.

🔦Subtext adds depth and meaning to dialogue.

🌟Surprising lines make dialogue memorable.

🚫Avoid generic and predictable dialogue.

Q&A

What separates good dialogue from bad dialogue?

Good dialogue is concise, specific, and memorable, while bad dialogue is long-winded, generic, and disposable.

How can I make my characters' dialogue more engaging?

Make your characters' dialogue distinct by giving them unique speech patterns, quirks, and subtext.

What is subtext in dialogue?

Subtext is the meaning beneath the dialogue, what the character really means but doesn't say directly.

How can I make my dialogue memorable?

Surprise your audience with unexpected lines that still feel right for the character, creating memorable dialogue.

What should I avoid when writing dialogue?

Avoid generic and predictable dialogue that lacks depth and fails to engage the audience.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Writing engaging dialogue is an important skill for screenwriters and filmmakers.

00:13Good dialogue is concise, specific, and memorable.

01:15Characters with distinct dialogue make scenes engaging.

03:52Subtext adds depth and meaning to dialogue.

05:55Surprising lines make dialogue memorable.