29. How to Write Great Dialogue: Laying the Foundation

EPISODE DESCRIPTION:     

One essential element of a great story is the ability to write great dialogue. However, it’s actually difficult to consistently do this well. Over the next few weeks, we will unpack the essential ingredients of great dialogue and learn clear and easy techniques as to how to write great dialogue in a story. But first, a few key foundational principles need to be laid.

1.     We need a clear Definition of Dialogue.

According to John Howard Lawson, “Dialogue is a compression or extension of action.” Story is not so much about what a character says as about what he does, what he says being one aspect of what he does. Speaking is part of a character’s action. We should think about dialogue as being something that happens as a character pursues his or her goals. It is used to achieve objectives.

2.     We need to understand the various Types of Dialogue.

            Authentic – this is how people sound on the street.  

            Stylized – (Cohen Bros., Gilmore Girls; Sopranos; Shakespeare)

            Naturalistic (a combination of the two).

The challenge is to come up with naturalistic dialogue that has the illusion of being spontaneously created in the mouths of the characters.

3.     There are a number of essentials to writing good dialogue, but the foundational premise is that any written dialogue must be essential & crucial to the story (otherwise why?). It is essential and crucial to the story if it:

a.     Advances plot (gives us essential story information/ exposition)

b.     Shows us essential character relationships

c.     Helps us understand scenes

d.     Reveals character

e.     Reflects Theme

UP NEXT

Next week, we will go over more essential ingredients of good dialogue, and we’ll learn a few tricks and techniques to help us learn how to write better dialogue more quickly. Don’t miss it!

QUESTIONS OR TOPIC REQUESTS?

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SPECIAL THANKS

The Mission with Zena Dell Lowe would like to thank composer Carla Patullo for the original music she graciously permits us to use in the intro and outro of this podcast. To find out more about this amazing talent, go to  www.carlapatullo.com

Tags: Artist, Artists, Dialogue, How to write dialogue, characters, Writing tips, Writing, Writers, Story, Storytelling, Storytellers, Zena Dell Lowe, Mission Ranch Films, The Storyteller’s Mission, The Mission with Zena Dell Lowe

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