Let’s be honest—writing dialogue that’s natural, compelling, and memorable isn’t easy. But great dialogue is one of the most important elements of a successful screenplay. It’s how your characters connect with each other and, more importantly, with your audience. If you’ve ever struggled with writing dialogue, you’re not alone. That’s why I’ve put together this list of essential tips and techniques to help you create engaging dialogue that will bring your screenplay to life.

1. Understand Your Characters: Know Their Voice and Background

To write authentic dialogue, you need to understand your characters inside and out. What are their backgrounds? What motivates them? How do they view the world? Each character should have a distinct voice that reflects their personality, upbringing, and experiences.

In Pulp Fiction, the characters of Jules and Vincent have very distinct voices. Jules’ speech is often philosophical and punctuated with Bible verses, reflecting his inner conflict and deeper thinking. Vincent, on the other hand, is more casual and laid-back, often speaking in a way that reflects his detachment from the world around him. The dialogue is memorable because it’s true to who these characters are.

Before writing dialogue, take time to develop detailed character bios. Consider how their background and personality would influence the way they speak. This will help you craft dialogue that feels natural and unique to each character.

2. Keep It Subtextual: Say More with Less

Great dialogue often involves subtext—what’s left unsaid is just as important as what’s said. When characters don’t spell everything out, it creates tension and engages the audience, inviting them to read between the lines.

In Inception, when Cobb asks Ariadne about her experience in the dream world, he says, “You’re waiting for a train. A train that will take you far away.” On the surface, it’s a simple question, but the line is loaded with subtext about Cobb’s guilt and the recurring dream that haunts him. The audience is drawn into the mystery without everything being explicitly stated.

Practice writing dialogue that hints at deeper emotions and motivations without overtly stating them. Let your characters’ actions and the context of the scene fill in the gaps. If you find your characters explaining too much, consider pulling back and allowing subtext to do the work.

3. Use Conflict: Make Dialogue Dynamic and Tense

Conflict is the heart of drama, and your dialogue should reflect that. When characters have opposing goals, beliefs, or desires, their conversations naturally become more engaging. Conflict doesn’t have to be explosive—it can be subtle, like a power struggle or a clash of ideas.

Consider the tension-filled dinner scene in The Godfather. Michael Corleone and Virgil Sollozzo’s conversation is polite on the surface, but underneath, it’s a battle of wills, with both characters trying to gain the upper hand. The dialogue is loaded with tension because of the conflicting objectives—Michael’s mission to kill Sollozzo and Sollozzo’s attempt to negotiate.

They speak in Italian…

– Sollozzo: “I’m sorry…”

– Michael: “Leave it alone.”

– Sollozzo: “What happened to your father was business. I have much respect for your father. But your father, his thinking is old-fashioned. You must understand why I had to do that.”

– Michael: “I understand those things…”

– Sollozzo: “Now let’s work through where we go from here.”

Michael soon goes to the bathroom, and you know what happens when he returns…

When writing dialogue, think about the underlying conflict in the scene. What do your characters want, and how do their desires clash? This tension will make the dialogue more dynamic and engaging.

4. Avoid On-the-Nose Dialogue: Show, Don’t Tell

On-the-nose dialogue occurs when characters say exactly what they’re thinking or feeling. It’s often blunt, lacks subtlety, and can make your characters seem less realistic. Instead, aim for natural and layered dialogue, where characters express their thoughts and emotions through actions, body language, or implied meaning.

In Jaws, when Chief Brody sees the shark for the first time, he doesn’t say, “I’m terrified!” Instead, he simply says, “You’re gonna need a bigger boat.” This line is a perfect example of how to convey fear and tension without spelling it out explicitly. The subtext of the line, combined with Brody’s body language and the situation, does all the work.

To avoid on-the-nose dialogue, focus on how your characters might express their emotions indirectly. Use metaphors, humor, or understatement to convey their feelings in a way that’s more engaging and less obvious.

5. Read Your Dialogue Aloud: Ensure It Sounds Natural

One of the best ways to test your dialogue is to read it aloud. Dialogue that looks great on the page might sound awkward or unnatural when spoken. Reading it out loud helps you catch any clunky phrasing or lines that don’t flow well.

Think about the snappy, rhythmic dialogue in Aaron Sorkin’s The Social Network. Lines like, “You have part of my attention—you have the minimum amount,” are effective not just because of what’s being said but because of how it sounds. The rhythm and cadence of the dialogue mirror the sharpness of the characters’ interactions.

After writing a scene, read the dialogue out loud, or better yet, have someone else read it with you. Listen for any awkwardness or unnatural phrasing, and adjust accordingly. This practice will help you write dialogue that sounds authentic and engaging.

6. Use Silence: Sometimes, Less is More

Sometimes, the most powerful dialogue is no dialogue at all. Silence can create tension, build suspense, or emphasize a character’s emotions. Knowing when to let your characters be silent can be just as important as knowing what they should say.

In No Country for Old Men, the scene where Anton Chigurh confronts a gas station owner features long pauses and minimal dialogue. The tension builds as the two characters engage in a seemingly mundane conversation about a coin toss, with Chigurh’s silence amplifying the menace in the scene.

Don’t be afraid to include moments of silence in your screenplay. These pauses can add depth to a scene and give your audience a chance to process the tension or emotions at play.

7. Tailor Dialogue to the Genre: Match Tone and Style

The way your characters speak should reflect the genre and tone of your screenplay. Dialogue in a comedy will differ from that in a thriller or a drama. Matching the dialogue to the genre helps set the right mood and keeps the audience engaged.

In Ghostbusters, the humorous and slightly absurd dialogue fits perfectly with the film’s comedic tone. Lines like, “We came, we saw, we kicked its ass!” contribute to the movie’s lighthearted feel while still moving the plot forward. On the other hand, a line like, “Say ‘hello’ to my little friend!” from Scarface fits the gritty, intense atmosphere of the crime drama.

Consider the tone of your screenplay and how your dialogue can reinforce it. Whether you’re writing a lighthearted comedy or a dark thriller, tailor your characters’ speech to fit the mood and style of the story.

8. Keep It Concise: Less is Often More

Good dialogue is concise. It gets to the point without unnecessary filler. Long-winded speeches can slow down your screenplay and lose the audience’s interest. Aim for brevity while still conveying the necessary information and emotions.

In Glengarry Glen Ross, the famous “Always Be Closing” monologue delivered by Alec Baldwin’s character is powerful because it’s concise and direct. Every word serves a purpose, driving home the intensity of the situation and the character’s ruthless attitude.

When editing your dialogue, look for places where you can trim the fat. Cut any lines that don’t add value to the scene or reveal something essential about the character. This will keep your dialogue sharp and engaging.

Writing engaging dialogue takes practice, but with these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to creating conversations that captivate your audience. Remember, dialogue is not just about what’s being said—it’s about how it’s said, what’s left unsaid, and how it moves your story forward. So, keep refining, keep writing, and don’t hesitate to ask for feedback through our coverage services to polish your dialogue to perfection. Happy writing!