How to Write Compelling Dialogue: A Proven Process
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- čas přidán 21. 09. 2020
- Compelling dialogue that immerses your reader in your story is not easy to write.
The good news is that, like any other writing skill, the more you work at it, the better you should get.
With nearly 200 books under my belt, two-thirds of which are novels, I’ve learned the ins and outs of dialogue writing. And I want to help you avoid the errors I’ve made so you can write dialogue that captivates readers.
In this short video, I break down dialogue writing step by step.
I explore:
- 6 steps to writing dialogue like a pro
- How dialogue helps your novel flow
- How to format dialogue
- The cardinal sin of writing dialogue
- And much more
To help you tighten your dialogue even further, click the following link for the FREE Self-editing bonus guide I mention in the video.
bit.ly/33OLemK
And jumpstart your writing journey with my complete (and free) novel-writing guide.
leveragecreative.lpages.co/ho...
Yours for better writing,
Jerry
![[Vowel]물고기는 물에서 살아야 해🐟🤣Fish have to live in the water #funny](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3G9MH063Cx4/mqdefault.jpg)
Feels like I met him in an alley with a suitcase of cash and hes whispering these secrets before the rain let's out
Lmao what?!
😂
Good ambiance construction! ;~)
😄. Love this. Hope you're writing.
lets*
1. Cut dialogue to the bone.
2. Use dialogue to reveal backstory.
3. Use dialogue to reveal character.
4. Be subtle. (subtext, sidestepping, silence)
5. Read your dialogue aloud.
6. Create a 'Make My Day' moment.
Thank you!
@aly. Thanks for the quick reference summary.
Thank you sir/ ma’am :)
😊
Thanks, but I'll watch the video for myself.
As a working author, take my advice. Watch this twice and take notes.
You are right
I've watched it six times so far.
I will and thank you
@@jacobdowler1135 because we have a passion to learn the craft. Makes things interesting for us.
@@jacobdowler1135 The answer is in your question. The rest of us aren't watching this for a school requirement. We're watching it because we're genuinely learning how to write a book.
Dude, you are a godsend. It's rare that someone with this kind of experience puts up this kind of content, for free, and a platform like CZcams. Usually, it's some sponsored website requiring a membership or monthly fee or something. Mr Jenkins, I want you to know that this stuff _is_ amazing and helpful and beyond appreciated. It is exactly what people like me have been looking for. Please, please, _please,_ keep uploading and sharing as much knowledge as possible.
Him and Brandon Sanderson are just the best gifts to every writer out there.❤️❤️❤️
"If you can avoid this pitfall you'll instantly have a leg up on your competition" Provided you're competing with non-produced writers.. Conveniently left out that little diddy.
Thats why yt is good they get a bit of money out of it (views and ads) and the viewer pays nothing
Second that!
@@Emancy3 Brandon Sanderson's lessons are god tier. Respect.
Eighteen minutes without an "Erm" or "Ah." Very professional!
2:24
@@isaknoem5475 That's him describing what happens in real life.
@@arhamsaa yep
Reading off a script
It is edited
This guy teaches like he's got a gun to his head. I love it
This is great.
People who sit down and make videos like this are genuinely creating the next great generation of authors. Thank you for sharing your insight on this topic.
I’ve wasted tons of time in authortube videos, just to find all and more advice in this single one.Thank you Mr.Jenkins
Yeah, you are right.
As an aspiring writer, dialogue is one of the most challenging things for me to write. Thank you for this.
Same back my old books I used to make when I was at school my characters sounds like robots than actual human beings
Same
Keep reading and pay attention to how good writers write dialogue. It gets easier
I love dialogue because I can do it but when it to comes to action “he run fast” is basically my magnum opus
yes repartee between the nemsis is quiet compelling done well. The problem is were in a very immediate gratification society so we are forced to keep it punchy
This channel is a goldmine
1:42 Write an essay quickly
czcams.com/video/uGiR-neokWs/video.html
True
“Dialogue tags such as, reply, exclaim, retort, remark are archaic and over done”
Hmmm interesting *proceeds to change out roughly 75% of all my dialogue tags
If anything is overdone it's "said".
My teachers said (well this is funny) “said is dead” and I’ve been using some of these lol
If you use "said" so much that you need synonyms, it's a sign that you don't write very natural dialogue. Notice in this video, how little he uses indications of speaking.
@@thakillman7 This teacher said it as a general statement to the whole class, so it wasn’t personalized advice to anyone in particular.
@@edenarchive4150 not really. 'Said' is skipped over by the brain, that's the entire point. Bringing attention to a dialogue tag is probably the opposite of what you want to do, as it messes up with the pacing of the story. Sometimes removing dialogue tags period is the more prudent option anyways.
Imagine every other sentence you have this:
"Stop!" Janelle exclaimed.
"I've got to go to the store, what do you want?" James bellowed
"Well, I was about to say you forgot your keys but nevermind then!" she retorted
Ugh, what an eye sore. My brain is just constantly stopping and starting at the dialogue tags, very clunky.
I feel like my words from tomorrow will be leaps and bounds better than my words from yesterday because of this video.
6 keys to writing riveting dialogue 🙂
1.Cut writing to bones-Get to the good stuff
2.Use it to reveal backstory but don’t info dump (have the characters reveal a little bit at a time)
3.Use dialogue to reveal character (show not tell)
4. Be subtle
A) use subtext
B) use sidestepping
C) use Silence
5) Read your dialogue aloud
6) create ‘Make My Day’ moment
How to format
Use he said or she said -
don’t use creative way to say it don’t wheeze snort or grunt replied retorted declared are not needed
Don’t have characters use each other’s name
Too much
Don’t put said in the beginning of sentence
Resist urge to explain
Cardinal sin of dialogue-
Avoid on the nose dialogue
Don’t use prose that mirrors real life
could you please explain the last one that do not use prose that mirrirs real life.
@@modani9484I think he's referring to the use of unnecessary details. The bit where he said, "She opened her purse which was on her shoulder" etc.
Omfg how do I get you OFF MY FEEEED???
@@modani9484Bit late, but the part of not using prose that mirrors life isn't a clear cut advice as it might seem. They are saying to cut things in dialogue like “Uhms, and Uhs”, but there are caveats to this way with showing and telling. Pauses during dialogue are necessary, and one masterful way to 'show don't tell' is learning the “sound” of it and how you can control pauses and what information is dispersed through punctuation and clever usage of clauses(sections of a sentence). For example, ellipses(…) and em dashes(-) when read do totally different things to the volume of the words being spoken(this applies to narrative, too). Em dashes cut out stuff abruptly, usually at the same or higher volume(exclamation marks do that well) and ellipses 'trail off' or quiet out its words in-between.
As well as info dumps at the beginning, I sometimes see villains infodumping at the end, as if someone in real life would reveal their whole plan to someone they're opposed to XD It's a stupid move and it ruins villains! Villains should be intelligent, and being cocky isn't smart.
Actually, I have friends in real life who take on the "villain" role, either in games or when they have emotional tantrums after something has upset them, and they do a total infodump. It's so refreshing. I much prefer that to the piecemeal setup of getting people to feel open enough around me to share what is really going on with them. Spending years teasing apart the layers of the psyche of those who like to keep their walls up was an alluring endeavor filled with mystery, but in hindsight, there were much more enjoyable ways of passing the time. The infodumpers do have their fair share of intelligent and sophisticated moments too.
The best dialogue ever was any time Anakin is confessing his love to Padme. "I hate sand"
The silence thing is soo true. I always find myself writing "he didn,t say anything",or "he didn,t respond." Maybe "he simply stared at her" is better?
I let the characters respond in "..." sometimes when I can't figure out what else to do. I think "He stared at her" can be enough. For me personally that can be a response depending on how she stared like "He gazed at her with narrowed eyes.".
It depends what you want to express with your writing. Does the character care what is spoken? Is he confused? Is he surprised? Something I would like as a reader go grasp.
Same! In editing my novel, I've been removing so many of those "he didn't reply, she didn't look, they didn't hear anything" type of things. Describe what is, not what isn't.
Work on the ideas, not on what is formally considered dialogue.
Forget "formal dialogue" entirely.
"You intend to be late!"
His jaw dropped to one side in disgust. Normally he would have smacked the stupidity out of her, but he no longer belived in such methods.
@@Scarletraven87 Whose jaw drops in disgust? And Who gets disgusted over getting late?
@@arhamsaa I think it's meant to be that sort-of 'sharp intake of breath' (where you open your mouth slightly to take a quick in-breath) jaw drop, not an exaggerated 'O' of shock/horror where the mouth is wide open; the 'to one side' suggests to me that there's a bit of a grimace (the disgust element) to the expression.
The disgust is in response to an accusation that there is an 'intent' to be late, it's not disgust over being late in and of itself.
Man this "show, not tell" is really everywhere and I LOVE IT
Okay, I just now found this guy's channel and I'm already amazed. No lame gimmicks, no flashy nonsense. Just the guy sharing his expertise for free. As an aspiring writer, you have my gratitude Mr. Jenkins.
Writing a dialogue is to a writer what drawing hands is to an artist: so easy to mess up. Thank you, Mr. Jenkins!
I'm an aspiring writer. It's my first time writing my own story and writing my characters' dialogue is my biggest problem !!!! Thank you so much !!!! 😭😭😭
As a Finnish, I perfectly understand the silent dialogue. 😁
Woah, now the dialogue I wrote yesterday sounds REALLY bland and boring. I'm definitly going to edit it, thank you!
I'm actually starting to write because of this video years ago.
I have my first book to rewrite...I"ve put it off for several years because I knew I made all these mistakes. Thank you so much!
Oooooh It's been a year, how is your story going?
@@bluefox7678 Oh, I haven't been able to touch it. We are renovating our house while living in it. I have also barely gotten to all my hobbies and interests. I have not forgotten and will refer to these videos and update when I have found the time. Thank you for your interest!
@@BellaEssentialLiving Thank you for your reply and good luck on your renovation!
okay so i just realized my wattpad book was written in all the wrong ways 💀💀
Whats it called would love to read it and give feedback
Don't worry, bro. Everyone has to start somewhere. I still cringe remembering the erotic fanfics/hentai I made when I was in middle school.
SAME😭
"Hey, Boo." Comes to mind as a small, quotable phrase that said it all. Allllll the book lead up to that moment when she saw her mystery man. All she said was that little line. I loved that.
13:50 "I once wrote an entire novel, _The Last Operative,_ without attributing a single line of dialogue." I bought the Kindle edition after watching this video a few months ago. The book was excellent, as I expected, and not once was I lost in dialogue. I learned much from reading that book, gaining insights on how to attribute dialogue without _attributing_ dialogue.
Today, I came back for a refresher. There is more sound advice in this short video than in some entire books on dialogue.
"Uh...wow," typed J upon his phone keyboard appreciatively. Yet, deep down J knew that he hadn't fully aborbed what the guy with glasses had spoken to J. J knew that he would probably continue to write sub-par dialogue and narrative for the stories he penned. Then, almost automatically, J moved the picture of the video to the bottom of his screen and used his thumb the scroll through other writing advice videos, that J would continue to ignore.
Oh dear Jerry Sir. Where were you these days? I published a short story in Tamil language only with the help of your tips. Thank you so much. A lot love from India❤️😍🥰😘
Bro Tamil ah neenga ... spr bro
15:38 But Jerry, you do give us that Yodaesque wisdom. And I am very very grateful that you do.
A friend of mine sent this to me over discord. Thankfully, I've already applied a good chunk of these into the way I write. But there's always room for improvement.
Put yourself in the situation, say the words out loud. If it feels like something someone would say, put it down. If not, alter it. Remember that character's aren't talking to the audience, they're speaking to each other, and often the most dire, important things are left unsaid. Change words according to your character's accent, and bingo, bango, bongo!
If you want to understand dialogue, you can do worse than study the best screen-writers.
And something they often use which you can add to the Jerry's seven keys is the cut away. The best screen writers often cut away from a scene before the end, leaving the remainder to the imagination. And imagination is often much more powerful than anything you could write explicitly.
Thank you so much for the most organized, “to the bone”, clear, and actionable advice on writing ever! 👏🙏👍
This video is so good. This guy truly knows what he's talking about and was able to convey it so precisely without any lack of understanding from the viewer.
I've never written anything before, and I've only had a fleeting interest in writing anything. I've looked up a few tips on writing and what pitfalls to avoid, and I have to say that your videos are a cut above everything else. You have very high quality videos, and your explanations are really easy to follow.
As an educator I always tell my students to write with clarity. Your videos are always clear and your tone is calming which allows your listeners to learn these most helpful skills. Thank you!
Yes. His speech pattern is measured and unhurried. It’s easy to follow.
I love reading books but never knew the amount of effort and planning that needs to be done by the writer.
this is by far the best video i’ve seen on here about writing. so many ppl make youtube channels and repeat the same points and u can tell they don’t even know what they’re talking about. its usually young ppl who could take another 10 to 20 years cutting their teethe before they try to start teaching ppl… it’s refreshing to see someone actually giving good examples. thank u jerry.
Thank you Sir.
I can't believe I was already doing some of this unconsciously. It's a relief to know that I'm on the right track. Looking forward to learning more from you.
Great information! You sent me racing back to my story, reanalyzing all the "he didn't respond" statements that I now know are mistakes! :P
I m writing comics. And I have been working on my dialogue for some time, cuz I know that it's my weakness. Thank you for sharing this. You earned a like and subscribe
@Matthew Jones yup you're totaly right. But there is thing that only 30 or so % of informatio people tell by words. I olso try to use face expresions and body languge as much as posible well in the end they are part of art style. I olso try to avoid puting too much text cuz it's easy to get tired from that. I can draw well and I can expres different kind of information, I can format and plan the story but it's difficult to write a good dialogue. In my story there is not much action but lots of conflic.
This man's advice and lessons are blessings to literature..
I have had a hard time understanding the concept of "showing not telling" and I think after all these years this guy finally SHOWED how it's done...
Just leaving this here for myself and others.
1:58 Key 1 Cut dialogue to the bone
3:01 Key 2 Use dialogue to reveal backstory
5:06 Key 3 Use dialogue to reveal character
6:17 Key 4 Be subtle
6:33 Key 4 Be subtle(Subtext)
7:29 Key 4 Be subtle(Sidestepping)
9:13 Key 4 Be subtle(Silence)
10:19 Key 5 Read your dialogue aloud
11:26 Key 6 Create a ‘make my day’ moment
12:12 Miscellaneous problems
thanks mate I'm rewatching to gain clarity this helps me with specific parts
I'm writing a novel as a little passion project (so I'm an amateur). This is invaluable advice. Definitely subscribed.
I have a really good story that I’ve been pondering and jotting notes for a couple years. But I’m not a writer. However, since this story has stuck with me so long, I now feel obligated to write it. Consuming videos like this is my sheepish attempt at doing it justice.
15:17 That was simply delightful.
Spot on. I see it all the time. TMI. I call it stage directions. It where dialog directs characters from an external viewpoint rather than from the character's viewpoint.
I am a frustrated writer for years, and all the "amateur" stuff hits me hard. thank you for the tips!
Writing dialogue is like building a house. If you only build the exterior and no internal support, the house would collapse in itself. What characters say are driven by their personality which therefore makes the dialogue. So to make interesting dialogue, you need interesting characters, basically, it's all about characterization.
This guy is a great writing coach. His hints remind me of a book we had over 40 years ago in English class, The Lively Art Of Writing by Lucile Vaughn Payne. I still refer to it and it’s still in print.
Wow. My first time here. Mr Jenkins dropping gold. And he speaks so well too. I've made the mistake with on the nose dialogue a lot too.
Needed this SO badly. I was quite foggy on the rules of writing good dialogue, but after watching this I feel much more confident in myself to create it well.
The last example blew my mind.
I finished watching Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf. And it was absolutely beautiful. The dialogue was amazing! I love all of this advice.
1:53 Write an essay quickly
czcams.com/video/uGiR-neokWs/video.html
Becoming Jane has good dialogue too when the women are discussing the potential of becoming writers in an age of thinking where women did not do anything outside of the home if they were married.
at first glance I thought you wrote who's afraid of vigaina
Hi, Jerry, "It was, "Go ahead punk. Make my day."
Thanks for your great tips, Jerry, Sir.
This is by far, one of the most straight forward and informative explanations on effective dialogue I have seen!
Thank you Mr. Jenkins. A deep well.
"Use Dialog to Characters Backstory"
That is, what I would do, so it seems the right way in the First Place!
Very Good! 👍
by far the most helpful video on writing dialogue I've watched so far
So, I listened to your lesson on dialog, and see where I need to really tighten mine up in my current project. Thank you for your tutorial.
The day after watching it, my husband and I had a conversation, and it really hit me that it was following your tutorial.
We referenced the past, but didn't go into detail because we already knew it collectively. Just like the example you gave where the woman didn't want to talk about the accident, "Let's just not talk about it..." etc.
Wow, thank you, Mr. Jenkins!
He's teaching us without breaking eye contact. I think I didn't blink the whole time. And I didn't even notice that it is raining outside. Gonna watch this all over again.
60 years old, loads of half finished stuff, you may have inspired me to move on again. Thx.
Slurp clapped his hands:
- Wow!
This is invaluable for someone honing their dialogue. Thankyou Jerry.
Thank you. I place these golden nuggets in a very sacred space in my mental workshop. They shine light on the darker spots of my writing.
I write screenplays and writing dialogue is my biggest weakness. But in saying that it's better than when I first started out. I certainly could still learn to master it.
Great advice, thanks Jerry.
This is so good. Thank you for this.
Jerry has really helped me as a budding writer
Thank you for this upload! It’s truly so inspiring ❤️
So glad I found your channel! Subscribed, your input is brilliant!
You just flipped everything I thought I knew upside down and I'm not sure how to feel. I've always thought of myself as being a very good descriptive writer. Setting the scene, including the details that really make them feel like they are there. Like you said, it's what I was taught. I'm stating to take writing seriously as everyone tells me over and over that I need to be writer. I came across this actually looking for proper punctuation in dialog as it's been many years since I've really used it much. I'm kinda sad that one of my perceived strengths is now a liability. Seems like the books I loved when I was younger were very descriptive. Even though I read Fantasy novels of all sorts, not best sellers. I thank you for your insight and influence. I hope I can adapt and grow from it.
This strikes a chord with me too. Describing real life…I felt good about my minutiae. Now my eyes have been opened. Never thought about how writing styles evolve and trend in and out like clothes. It’s fortunate that we’ve been enlightened on this topic.
I’m leaning towards getting serious about writing too. I want to watch more of these videos for guidance throughout my process. I’m excited to look at the prospect with different eyes now. Good luck to you.
Jerry thank you for sharing your years of experience with us. :)
Thank you Jerry, very helpful indeed.
You blew my mind with that last biggest of wisdom
Thank you, Jerry, this is one of the things I'm struggling with and your advice has really helped.
Wow! This video is fantastic! I love all of your videos, so informative! Thank you Jerry😊
Jerry, you are awesome! Thank you. 😊
Simply, thank you.
Yo jerry, I'm just a novice/noob/beginner writer and I'd like to thank you for this nice video. It's a nice mental break.
I love this guy! He's willing to share his knowledge and writing wisdom. He's blessed for sure 🙏
I’m reminded of an old quote: “When the student is ready the teacher will appear.” It’s the way this video just popped up on my YT Home Screen. I know algorithms are involved but still - the timing was uncanny.
I’ve been writing as a hobby with no real organization or formal structure. I had recently decided to get more serious about it; so when this video showed up I was immediately drawn in.
When Mr. Jenkins gave an example mentioning the City of Cincinnati , I almost jumped up to look for hidden cameras as if the video might be an elaborate prank. Three guesses what City I call home!
I looked up Mr. Jenkins’ basic biography. He wasn’t born in Cincinnati. I see no obvious connection so I’m not sure why he chose my City for his example…but it felt like a sign that I am supposed to pursue this using the guidance and information he’s providing here and in others of his videos.
I have found the videos of his that I’ve watched so far will be wonderful resources. I’m really getting excited about writing with a different goal than before. I know it will be worthwhile to develop my craft.
Thank you so much for putting me on the path!
This is a solid point. We all know what a phone call sounds like, whereas i just want to know what the call was about...such an innocent mistake, but I've seen it as well and we don't need a play by play on something we are undoubtedly familiar with.
Thanks forr sharing such useful tips, Mr. Jenkins! I'd like to start writing a novel, so your channel is gold! One step at a time.
Hi, Jerry - I just want to say how much I appreciate you and your willingness to instruct, teach and share what you know about writing. It is so helpful and I appreciate the lack of 'language' in your videos. You're able to get the message across without the profanity. Thank you, Sir! :)
Exceptionally well done. Much appreciated, Jerry.
Again, simply brilliant!!!
Words aren't enough to express my gratitude to you, Mr. Jenkins. It really is an honor to learn from an experienced and successful author such as yourself. Regardless of how good the plot may be, dialogue has always troubled me. But your words of wisdom have undeniably helped me. Thank you, sir. ❤
Thank you. I watched with skepticism but I learned much from this.
Fantastic advice! Thank you!!!
This is excellent. Thank you very much Jerry.
I was told that good dialogue are words used as tools by a character to achieve an un-stated goal. True sub-text comes from what the character's ulterior motive is behind the words.
Jerry, this is awesome advice. Dialogue is my pet peeve, can't get a handle on it. I'm hoping that I can put this into practice and better execute dialogue in my writing. Thanks, man!
When you're in a restaurant, listen to conversations taking place around you. Have your journal handy and take notes.
As always, great tips! Thank you.
Thank you for making these videos they are so helpful!
Excellent video! I struggle a lot, especially being someone with autism, to hit that balance between believable dialogue and book dialogue, so i'm also a little happy that some of these tips already align, means i must be doing at least something right.
I found the reminder that dialogue isn't supposed to be actual dialogue, but a representation of actual dialogue, especially useful to how to approach finding that balance. :D
Some really great advice. I have the habit of trying to replace the word said too much because it was always encouraged by teachers back in my school days.
1:55 Reach Your Goals
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Incredible advice and examples. Thank you very much!
Love this video!! Thank you so much! Pure gold...