Dialogue Writing: Meaning, Types, Samples and Topics

What Is Dialogue Writing?

The dialogue writing is a communication in which two or more characters are involved in a conversation. Moreover, in this, they talk about any topic that can be discussed and said to each other is called a dialogue. In addition, for many purposes, this conversation can be written in, such as novels, plays, movies, acts, and more.

The list of writing dialogue is endless it can be conversations between family, talking to friends about careers, medical emergencies, facing any issue or talking about promotion in the office. These are some dialogue writing examples.

This is all about dialogue writing, now, in the following section, you will explore A to Z information about dialogues. So, let’s first understand its types.

Types of Dialogue Writing

There are two types of dialogue writing in English: outer and inner dialogue. Both are different from each other and used distinctly. Here is the explanation of these two dialogue writing types.

Outer dialogue

Outer dialogues are spoken out loud by the characters. It involves everything two or more characters talk to each other at the time of conversation. Also, the outer dialogue writing in English is placed in quotation marks.

Inner Dialogue

Inner dialogue is a private thought of characters said by themselves and aren’t spoken loudly. This writing dialogue is said by the other character by expressing the dialogue through speaking or reflecting on the situation or happenings. Also, inner dialogues are not being used in quotation marks. 

These are the types of writing dialogue used in various forms such as essay writing, novels, books, movies, acts, and more. Now, let’s move ahead and explore the rule of dialogue writing. So, let’s have a glance.

Rules of Dialogue Writing

If you are a beginner writer who has a keen interest in writing conversation, then you should know some of the dialogue writing rules. It is necessary to follow the right rules to write an engaging dialogue that makes readers read or listen to the conversation to the end. So, let’s explore these dialogue writing rubrics one by one.

1. Use quotation marks in the words when each character says. It’s raining heavily out there, “Mark said.
2. A dialogue tag must be used that specifies who is speaking, such as she said, asked, they yelled, whispered, asked, wondered, and responded.
3. Separate new speakers
4. Use different quotation marks in the dialogue writing. However, if it is used many times in the paragraph, then you can remove it as it may be problematic for the readers to understand. 
5. Make capitalization at the beginning of the sentence.
6. It is important to name the person, you addressing in the dialogue. 
7. Divide long monologues
8. Use the right format of dialogue writing in English.

These are some of the dialogue writing rules that must be keep in mind before writing. Now, in the next section, you will explore the format of writing the dialogue.

Also, read dictation words in English.

Format of Dialogue Writing-

It is important to understand the dialogue writing format so that, you can write in the right structure. Also, it will be easy for people to read and communicate. Thus, here is the format of dialogue writing.

1. Decide the character
2. Know the plot of the story or the context of the dialogue. 
3. No two dialogue must be in the same line, whether it is just a sentence, paragraph writing, words or a short line.
4. It is vital to use line spacing so that, you can write them one after the other.
5. Carefully use the tenses in the dialogue.
6. You can skip the small greetings or lines and jump to major conversation points if the small greetings or lines are not very important.
7. In every type of dialogue writing, punctuationis a significant part of making the conversation more sensible. So, use the right punctuation in the correct place.

This is the common and simple dialogue writing format, that you must go through if you are a beginner writer and want to write conversations. Now, let’s head towards to explore 15 dialogue writing topics. So, let’s know about them.

Also, read - English words

15 Trending Dialogue Writing Topics

You will find many dialogue writing topics on the internet, but it may be confusing for you to understand. Also, if you write on trending topics, you can learn different styles of writing and trends. Thus, in this section, we have shared 15 trending topics of dialogue writing. So, let’s navigate.

1. Write a short story that begins with a conversation between your two main characters about their weekend plans.
2. Write a short story about a tourist who engages in a life-changing conversation with a resident of the community they are visiting.
3. Imagine a scenario in which the main character in your story meets a shopkeeper. The dialogue between the two will shape the story.
4. Write the dialogue of a conversation that takes place after someone hears an unexpected scream from a building. It would be based on an accident.
5. Explore how tension can play a role in a conversation. Include a moment of tense dialogue in a short story about two best friends who are going through a conflict.
6. Write a conversation between two characters that explores tension.
7. Write a sample dialogue in which person A offers a compliment and person B deflects the attention.
8. Write dialogues between Aliya her father and her brother. They are discussing her career.
9. Write a dialogue between the teachers and students, discussing the side effects of excessive painkiller medicines.
10. Nisha and her mother are fighting over the pros and cons of social media. Write a dialogue between them.
11. Write a dialogue between the team members of the finance company, talking about the inflow outflow and profit taking place in the e-auction organized by their organization.
12. Write a story in which someone is afraid of being overheard.
13. Write dialogues between introvert and extrovert friends. Extroverts try to make their friends understand the importance of socializing. On the other hand, an introverted friend tells about the simplicity of being in his own company.
14. Write a story in which two or more people have a conversation but without using any quotation marks.
15. Write dialogues on discussing recent happing occurred, it could be a disaster, breaking news, etc.

These are some of the dialogue writing topics that are trending and can help you in writing engaging dialogue. Now, let’s move forward to explore some samples.

Also, read Action Words in English.

Samples of Dialogue Writing On Different Topics.

Samples are a helping hand for individuals that help them understand how to write a dialogue by using different tones, and quotations. Thus, to help you become a master in writing dialogue, we have shared three samples that will guide you on how to write conversations.

Dialogue Writing Between Two Friends

This is Dialogue writing examples of two friends calling each other after a long time for a reunion party

• Rohan – Hello? Am I talking to Pankaj Agarwal?
• Pankaj – Hello. Yes, I am Pankaj Agarwal. May I ask who is talking?
• Rohan – Prateek, it’s me Rohan Sharma from college. Remember?
• Pankaj – Hey Rohan, how are you? Long time no seen.
• Rohan – I am doing good. Yes, four long years after college. I got your contact number from Sheena. You remember her, right?
• Pankaj – Yes, yes, I do remember her Wasn’t she the one who topped our engineering batch last year?
• Rohan – Yes, that’s her! She’s in Boston working for a big MNC now.
• Pankaj – Wow! Good for her.
• Rohan – The main purpose I called you up is I am planning to organize a reunion party of our batch mates and wanted to know if you can join it.
• Pankaj – I would love to join in!
• Rohan – it's great I will let you know the date and venue by the evening. Can you please share my other classmate's number if you have one?
• Pankaj- Ya sure!
• Rohan- okay thanks, toddles.

Dialogues from Stories and Plays

This one is the Dialogue writing examples of Alice in Wonderland

• Alice: What curious butterflies!
• Rose: You mean bread-and-butterflies.
• Alice: Flowers can't talk.
• Daisy: But of course, we can talk.
• Tulip: If there's anyone worth talking to.
• Buttercup: Or about!
• Violets: And we dance too!
• Alice: You do?
• Flowers: Oh, yes. Would you like to see it?
• After dancing Alice said. 
• Alice: That was lovely

Examples From Famous Books & Movies

This Dialogue writing examples of The Shawshank Redemption movie science dialogue.

(offers his hand)

• Andy: Hello. I'm Andy Dufresne.
• Red glances at the hand and ignores it. The game continues.
• Red: The wife-killin' banker.
• Andy: How do you know that?
• Red: I keep my ear to the ground. Why'd you do it?
• Andy: I didn't, since you ask.
• Red: Hell, you'll fit right in, then.

 -  (of Andy's look)

 -  Everyone's innocent in here, don't

 - you know that? Heywood! What are

 - you in for, boy?

These are three samples of dialogue writing in different formats. We hope you understand how to write dialogues in different forms. Now, let’s get some tips to write an engaging dialogue.

How to Write Engaging Dialogues

Here are some of the tips that will help you to write an engaging dialogue writing in English. So have a look.

• Use dialogue tags carefully
• Avoid long speeches in dialogues
• Don’t repeat the dialogue, unless it is necessary
• Don’t use extra words or phrases
• Keep it realistic, concise, and engaging
• Use right punctuation
• Keep editing and revising until it’s good to go
• Use action beats and the right accent
• Read your dialogues loudly.

Conclusion

Lastly, dialogue writing in English could be a challenging task for those who are beginners. But, to become proficient, you must know the right format. Also, know the types so that you can write in accordance with that. Thus, in this guide, you to explore the format, types, rules, topics, and dialogue writing examples in the form of samples. This will help you to identify the dialogues written in different formats. Moreover, if you need any assistance in learning and crafting dialogues or any other kind, you can connect to Gradding’s experts. They will help you in dialogue writing.

FAQs

1. How do you write a dialogue?

Answer: These 7 steps will help you to write a dialogue

• Avoid unnecessary phrases or words and Keep it brief.
• keep dialogue tag simple and significant
• Use the right punctuation and filler words.
• Keep dialogue oblique
• Striking beats and creating momentum
• Bring out the character’s emotions and dynamics
• Know different types of accents and tones.

2. What are dialogue writing examples?

Answer: It is a written conversation in which two or more characters communicate with each other on any topic. For instance,

Andrew: It seems you are not happy after winning the game, something is going on in your mind. Jack- I’m happy but I observed that the opponent team was trying to cheat in the game. 

Andrew – Really?

3. What makes a great dialogue?

Answer: To make your dialogue sound great, you should use natural sounds, subtext, and expressions in words to show rather than tell and try to avoid exposition. Overall dialogue must be consistent with the characters, behaviour, personality, and motive.