#114: 3 Common Dialogue Mistakes (And How To Fix Them)
Oct 31, 2023
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Explore the art of dialogue in storytelling with tips on attributions and clarity. Learn why rhetorical questions can hinder emotional impact. Avoid pitfalls of backstory and information overload in dialogue for engaging storytelling.
Use simple attributions to clarify dialogue and enhance reader immersion.
Convert rhetorical questions in dialogue to statements for deeper character insights and plot progression.
Deep dives
Avoid Overly Fancy Attributions, Adverbs, and Action Tags in Dialogue
One common mistake in dialogue is using overly fancy attributions, adverbs, or action tags. Writers tend to either overcomplicate attributions or omit them entirely. It is important to keep attributions simple to clearly indicate who is speaking in a conversation. By avoiding overly elaborate attributions and maintaining clarity, readers can better follow the dialogue, enhancing their immersion in the story.
Transform Rhetorical Questions in Inner Dialogue into Statements
Another common dialogue mistake is having characters ask numerous rhetorical questions within their inner dialogue. Rhetorical questions do not provide insight into the character, consume space, and do not advance the plot. Writers should convert these questions into statements to offer more meaningful content that moves the story forward. By shifting from questions to statements, authors can deepen the reader's understanding of the character's thoughts and emotions.
Be Cautious of Including Excessive Backstory or Information in Dialogue
Including an abundance of unnecessary information or backstory through dialogue is a prevalent dialogue mistake. While dialogue can be used to reveal background details, it should be done purposefully to maintain pacing and engagement. Breaking up backstory within dialogue segments can prevent info dumping and ensure that the information shared is relevant and contributes to the narrative flow, holding the reader's interest.
“Dialogue is a form of action. We can utilize what's happening around the dialogue to assist what's being said.” - Savannah Gilbo
Today, I'm thrilled to talk about the intricate art of dialogue with you once more. We're going to explore three common pitfalls that often lurk in dialogue and learning how to navigate these challenges can truly elevate your storytelling. Here’s a preview of what’s included:
[02:34] Savannah explains the meaning of attributions and what to do when you doubt if something being said is clear to the reader.
[06:55] Reading a snippet from “Mockingjay” by Suzanne Collins and why it is a great example of keeping attributions simple.
[11:27] Why asking rhetorical questions undermines the emotional potential of your scenes.
[14:15] The value of not including too much backstory or too much information in your dialogue.