10 Problems to Avoid When Writing Dialogue

        ▶︎ Robert McKee Video ◀︎

Number 1: Repetitiousness.

Repetitiousness is the first fault of dialogue writing. It just means that the same action/reaction is done over and over again, in virtually the same words.

Number 2: Triteness
This is dialogue that is filled with verbal cliche. Dialogue writing tips would be incomplete without mentioning the importance of avoiding cliches. Avoid cliches like the plague. 

Number 3: Character Neutral Language.
This is when the writer uses all-purpose lines that anybody may say in the same circumstances. To create vibrant characters follow this dialogue writing tip and make sure your characters’ dialogue makes them unique and interesting rather than boring.

Number 4: Ostentation
This is when writers use flowery language, often with very artistic pretensions. They are over writing, trying to be artists. “Get yourself out of the picture.”

Number 5: Arid Speech.
Arid speech is dry, polysyllabic language that is often used as a mask for intellectual prowess.

Number 6: Over Statement.
It includes brawny words , puny motivation, and puny conflicts. Profanity is often used or misuse in this way to masked the weak motivations. Over statement is a commonly used dialogue writing error utilized by novice writers.

Number 7: Talking Wallpaper.
This is the hum drum chit chat of “Hello, Hi.. How are you okay. I’m fine How are you? It is all that suggested novice writers may think makes the scene, but actually sounds unnatural and does not advance the scene.

Number 8: Forced Exposition.
This is when one character telling another character something they both already know so the reader or audience will hear that exposition. Avoiding forced exposition is an important dialogue writing tip.

Number 9: Malformation.
This is scenes that are badly shaped.

Number 10: Writing Dialogue on the Nose.
This is the most egregious fault of all: They’re bald lines that say exactly what the character is thinking and feeling, but without even a hint of subtext.

On the nose refers generally to dialogue where the characters say exactly what they think.

Sally

John, I am so mad at you because you always flirt with

my sister, Carol, and you know how jealous I get and how competitive I am with her.

Sounds pretty bald and unnatural, doesn’t it? That’s because people go to great lengths to NOT say exactly what they’re feeling. Your job as a writer is to covey what a character wants to say without having him actually say it.

What if Sally said this to John instead?

Sally

Remind me the next time we’re at my parents. I think they have a

copy of Carol’s prom picture. You can keep it in your wallet.

 

Subtext is your friend.