Screenwriting Tips: How to Write Dialogue that Feels Real

Welcome again, dear readers, to Quilltowers. In our previous post, we started another discussion on screenwriting and the processes that writers contribute to in the filmmaking process. This time, we want to share professional secrets to the art of dialogue and the creation of dialogues that feels real to the audience.

“Say hello to my little friend!” – Scarface (1983)

“Hasta la vista” – Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)

“Say ‘what’ once again. I dare you… I double dare you!”. – Pulp Fiction (1994)

“I’m going to make him an offer he can’t refuse” – The Godfather (1972)

“You’ve got to ask yourself one question, ‘do I feel lucky?’ Well, do you, punk?” – Dirty Harry (1971).

These are only some of the most famous lines in the history of filmmaking. Some of the lines are iconic because of their delivery while some are iconic simply because they were said by iconic characters such as Tony Montana in Scarface. How do writers create these lines that feel real to the audience while staying iconic and true? It is not as easy as you may think it is.

Dialogue is not just about talking on the script. I can assure you that there is always a better way to say what you want to say. While any Tom and Harry can ‘write’ a film script, it takes a real artist to create a film script with exquisite dialogue. If it were easy, Tarantino would not be so worshipped. Yet, here are some tips for you to improve your dialogue writing;

Tips on Dialogue Writing

1. Characterisation: Building real characters precede creating real dialogue. Real characters who have a good backstory, real life struggles, act in a distinctive way and relate with others in a particular way will speak in a specific manner. This is what differentiates characters from one another. The character’s age, education, religion, identity, sense of humour, occupation and personality will determine how they talk. Leaning into this characterisation will help to create dialogue that will feel real to the audience.
2. Over Explaining: Subtext says a lot without saying anything. In real life, people do not need to over explain subtexts. It ruins the joke, the tone and the mood. Instead, by leaving the audience to find the hidden meaning themselves, the film retain their interest until the end. In Screenwriting, what is left unsaid carries emotional weight and adds realism to the script.
3. Observation: Observation is the chief of art creation. A screenwriter once shared his secret to character and dialogue creation – he would go to a part of his town that has a lot of traffic (café, restaurants, library, the cinema, etc) and just sit down to observe different people, the way they talk, the way they argue, their rhythm, their pauses, their type of laughter and their different use of humour. The ones that impress him the most goes into his diary where he refines them further and voilà! An original character.
4. Accents, Contractions and Imperfections: In real life dialogue, people do not speak in perfect English or in the formal tone. People tend to use contractions more and mistakes are made. The ability to use these factors properly is the sign of a gifted screenwriter. Malapropism and mannerisms are examples of artistic use of these errors and particular use of language.
5. Long Monologues: A monologue is a line that is spoken by one actor/character. While long dialogues are usually frowned upon, they can still be used artistically. For instance, Pyaar Ka Punchnama‘s five minute monologue is regarded as a screenwriting and delivery masterpiece due to the humorous nature of the rant and how the events of the movie had led to the character’s frustration. The rules are only meant for those who do not know how to bend them.
6. Interruptions: Real life dialogue, especially arguments and spirited conversations, are often chaotic and ridden with interruption. Actors waiting for another to stop talking before they speak does not make use of realism sufficiently. However, a dialogue filled with the interruptions and overlapping words will remind the audience of their real life conversations.

There are other factors to consider, of course, before crafting dialogues but this list is a great place to start. If you need further clarification, do contact us. For you, we are always here.