Do you ever wonder how any character’s voice, tone, or style of talking silently affects our minds?
How cleverly it influences us to judge a character on their unique voice and choice of words?
As a writer, I always believe in the power of words. A power that can change anyone’s life. This is a reason why I always choose to speak good and worthy words. This is my personal voice, but as a writer, especially when I’m writing a script or novel or anything relatable, I need to create multiple unique voices of multiple characters. A voice that is going to define that character.
Do you know that a simple dialogue or a word hides the essence of any character’s background? It may include their roots, culture, state, morals, behaviour, or sometimes even their education. That’s why I believe more in the power of words. Because it establishes your and your character’s presence wholly.
I still remember when I was learning about screenplays, dialogue was the last thing in the process. My mentors always guided us before writing any dialogue, first completely work on your character sketch. In the beginning, when I was a student, I curiously asked, “Why?” Then I’ve got a very beautiful answer. One of my mentors told me, “Because words hold the essence of human roots, fragrance of traditions, and statistics of behaviour.” After that, I fully immersed myself in writing impactful dialogue that should be sound worthy. And, later, I realised, he was right.
Many countries are on this planet. They all have their unique arts, culture, food, languages, and festivals. In fact, if I’m talking about India only, every state holds its unique essence.
Now, think once, to create a grounded character, how profound research and knowledge are required. That’s why writing dialogue has become an essential part of a script. It is a writer’s job they make every character’s voice unique, rooted in their culture, and natural. And, for that, I’m here with my other blog.
In this blog, we’ll explore what dialogue is. How different writing formats demand different Industry Standards for writing Dialogue. Also, essential elements should be added while writing dialogue.
So, let’s dive into it.
What Is Dialogue?
Dialogue is the spoken exchange between characters in a story. It holds the emotion, intent, and the revelation. A good dialogue establishes the cultural roots of a character. Moves the story forward. Creates conflict through voices. It clears the want of a character. Define the morals, beliefs, values, and thoughts, too.
It is a prominent part that needs to be written very cleverly. Deep research is needed before writing any dialogue. It is not just some conversation, but an attachment between the audience and the character. The more worthy a dialogue is, the more it connects with the audience.
A dialogue is not always about some words. Sometimes, no dialogue works as the best dialogue. That indeed deepens the audience’s emotional connection if used perfectly.
If a writer wants to write a nice dialogue, don’t force it everywhere. We don’t talk perfectly in our daily lives. We take pauses, face interruptions, sometimes fail to convey, and get stuck in mid. Perfect dialogue is not about a perfect line with the right grammar and punctuation, but a natural tone and emotion filled with anything, whether it be an interruption or a silent moment.
So, if writers want to turn their page into a pulse, stay connected with emotions. The essence of that character helps you to create an impactful dialogue. Work on what the plot demands to move ahead and what scene requires to be real. That will surely make your dialogue worthy and natural.
Industry Standards for Writing Dialogue: Novel, Audio Story & Screenplay
Every industry has a unique format for writing dialogue. Each medium, either novel, audio story, or screenplay, follows its own structure and rules. In this section, I’ll explain how to write dialogue for these formats effectively.
1. In Novels
While structuring dialogue for novels, writers get more creative freedom. They just need to follow some steps, not a strict structure. In novels, dialogue appears within quotation marks (“ ”) or (’ ‘) and is integrated with some inner thoughts and action description.
Example:
“You’re late again,” she said, crossing her arms.
‘Traffic,’ he muttered, avoiding her gaze.
Note: American English uses double quotation marks (“ ”) for dialogue.
British English uses single quotation marks (‘ ’) for dialogue.
Standard rules:
- Each new speaker starts a new paragraph.
- Use dialogue tags (“he said,” “she whispered”) and let tone and action reveal emotion.
- Avoid overusing adverbs; focus on subtext and pacing.
- Use ellipses (…) for hesitation, em dashes (—) for interruptions, and natural rhythm to show real speech.
Make it sound authentic and emotional, as if readers are overhearing a real conversation.
2. In Audio Stories
The dialogue writing in audio storytelling follows a few simple steps. Because audio platforms are set by the narrator, character, and SFX. Writers reveal everything through words while writing a script or dialogue. They already set the pace and the emotion a character will use while talking. They follow a simple format in audio stories.
Standard Format:
- Write a script for voice actors, not like a novel.
- Include the character name in bold or caps, followed by a colon.
Example:
RAVI(breathing heavily): Where are you? I can’t see you!
MEERA(whispering): Don’t shout… they’ll hear us.
Standard Rules:
- Keep sentences short; write for the ear, not the eye.
- Use pauses, sound cues, and emotions.
- Subtext matters.
- Avoid heavy exposition. Let tone, silence, and sound effects build atmosphere.
Make the listener “see” the story through voice, silence, and sound.
3. In Screenwriting
If you’re a screenwriter, you need to follow a strict, formatted structure while writing dialogue. Every screenwriting format follows the identical structure. So, if you’re writing a short script, a feature film, a web series, or a TV serial, follow this format.
Screenplay dialogue appears centered under the character’s name.
Example:
RIHAN
You really think the truth is that simple?
MEERA
(smiles)
It’s never simple, Rihan. That’s why it hurts.
Rules:
- Character’s name in caps, dialogue centered below.
- Use parentheticals sparingly for tone or action.
- No quotation marks.
- Keep dialogue concise. 2-3 lines per block max.
- Action or reaction goes in description, not within dialogue.
Dialogue = emotion + subtext + visual rhythm. Let actors embody the words, not explain them.
The Secret Behind Writing Great Dialogue(Essential Elements Explained!)
In this section, I’ll explain how a writer can craft immersive and impactful dialogue by keeping a few essential principles in mind. Let’s look at some points that should be followed before writing any dialogue.
1. Purpose
Every line of dialogue must serve a purpose. Either to reveal character, move the story forward, or deepen conflict. Aimless conversation drains cinematic energy.
When you write, ask: If I remove this line, will anything change? If the answer is no, delete it.
2. Voice and Tone
Each character must sound distinct. Remember, Babu Rao’s character from Hera Pheri, “Utha le re baba… mujhe nahi re, in dono ko utha le!” Vikas from Panchayat, “Pradhan ji, kaam karte waqt dimaag nahi lagana chahiye… galti ho jaati hai.” Hathi Ram Chaudhary from Pataal lok, “Yeh duniya teen lokon mein banti hai — swarg, dharti aur paatal…”
If you noticed, each character has their natural tone and speaking style. They are shaped by their background, beliefs, emotions, and social environment.
To craft unique voices, listen to people around you, note their speech patterns, and reflect them subtly.
3. Subtext
Subtext is the invisible meaning flowing beneath spoken words. It’s what characters mean but don’t say. Usually, people rarely express the raw truth. They hide fear under sarcasm, love under irritation, and pain under humour. That’s what makes dialogue human. To master subtext, imagine what your characters are avoiding. That fear is their subtext. They will surely try to hide that weakness by saying something else to others.
4. Conflict
Conflict is the fire that fuels dialogue. Without tension, words fall flat. Every conversation should contain a clash of ideas, desires, morals, or secrets. Conflict doesn’t always mean shouting; it can be silent or sarcastic deflection. Focus on the need of a scene. If it needs to be silent. Don’t add words. If it needs a vocal fight, add voice in dialogue. But keep the natural rhythm alive.
5. Emotion
Emotion establishes dialogue’s foundation. Whether it’s love, fear, jealousy, or grief, raw emotion turns ordinary words into unforgettable moments. Remember, a trembling “I’m fine” can speak louder than a dramatic monologue. So, avoid melodrama.
6. Rhythm and Clarity
Every conversation has its variations. Pauses, interruptions, and silence. Capture that imperfection to make a dialogue real. Dialogue must express ideas clearly, even when layered with subtext. Avoid long explanations. Each line should feel spontaneous yet easy to follow. So, don’t forget to add these interruptions if your dialogue requires it.
7. Buried in Humour
Not all dialogues need to be in a single line and wrapped with conflict. Some hides beneath humour or bickering. Sometimes, a light bickering in conversation changes the mood of the audience. It can be a laughing humour or a dark one, but it has the power to set the entire scene according to them. The only thing is never try to write a forced dialogue.
8. No Dialogue is the Best Dialogue
Sometimes, the most powerful dialogue comes from silence. Sometimes, the situation gets out of control, so that people don’t recognise how to articulate it in front of the world. In that phase, silence becomes the best possible way to communicate.
A deep silence in characters creates empathy for them. So, don’t say when no need.
9. Don’t Say What the Audience Already Knows
One of the biggest mistakes writers make is letting characters say what the audience already knows. If your character is bleeding and you show it on screen, there is no need to articulate it in words. It weakens the scene and makes dialogue feel forced. Instead, trust your audience’s intelligence. Let them piece things together through tone, body language, or subtext.
10. Don’t Say What Action Already Shows
Film is visual. If the character’s movement, expression, or silence conveys emotion, let the visuals speak. When you overwrite dialogue, you rob the scene of cinematic truth. Great dialogue never competes with action. When a character’s actions already express their emotion or intent, adding dialogue that repeats the same message feels redundant.
For instance, if someone slams a door, they don’t need to say, “I’m angry!” The gesture already speaks volumes.
Film and audio are visual and sensory media. Let the audience see, feel, and interpret. Trust the scene’s power and audience. When dialogue and action overlap perfectly, the story breathes naturally; when they clash, authenticity disappears.
Final Thought
Dialogue isn’t just about writing words; it’s about crafting honest emotions disguised as conversation, cleverly. The lines that truly hit aren’t the loudest; they’re the ones whispered with depth.
So next time you write dialogue, don’t chase perfection, chase realism. Write real moments.
Now it’s your turn!
What’s one dialogue that stayed with you forever? Drop it in the comments below.
And if you found this blog helpful, share it with your fellow writers. Let’s keep great storytelling alive.
Also, don’t forget to share your feedback through comments and the feedback column. Your every word matters to us.
Simran Thakur
Founder AFAWW
Author| Screenwriter| Audio Story Scriptwriter| Blogger| Poet
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