Dialogue is one of the most challenging aspects of writing fiction. It has to sound natural, convey personality, advance the plot, and reveal information without being too obvious or boring. How can you give feedback on dialogue that sounds authentic and effective? Here are some tips to help you critique dialogue in a constructive and respectful way.
The first thing to notice when you read dialogue is the voice of the character. Does it match their age, background, education, mood, and motivation? Is it consistent throughout the story? Is it distinctive from other characters? You can give feedback on voice by pointing out what works well and what needs improvement. For example, you can praise the use of dialect, slang, or idioms that make the character sound realistic and unique. You can also suggest ways to avoid clichés, stereotypes, or awkward expressions that make the character sound artificial or generic.
Imagine a character's voice in a story as their special way of talking, just like how a dentist uses different tools for different teeth. The character's voice should match who they are and how they feel, kind of like giving each tooth the right treatment. It's about making sure the way they talk sounds real and fits them, similar to how a dentist makes sure each tooth gets the right care.
When listening to the voice of each character, consider their background, personality, and circumstances. Does the dialogue capture a distinct tone and cadence for each one? For example, does a scholar from an upper class background sound noticeably different from a farmer with little formal education? Pay attention to word choice, grammar, rhythm, and figures of speech. With feedback on whether the voice rings true, the writer can better develop authentic dialogue.
The second thing to check when you read dialogue is the punctuation, formatting, and attribution. Does the writer follow the standard rules of dialogue writing, such as using quotation marks, commas, periods, and capitalization correctly? Does the writer use dialogue tags, such as he said or she asked, sparingly and appropriately? Does the writer use action beats, such as he smiled or she shrugged, to break up long speeches and show the character's emotions and movements? You can give feedback on these aspects by pointing out any errors or inconsistencies and explaining how to fix them. You can also recommend resources or examples that can help the writer improve their dialogue skills.
When reviewing dialogue, check that it follows standard rules of conversation. Dialogue should mainly consist of short sentences and feel like a natural back-and-forth. Look for overuse of speaker attributions (he said, she asked, etc.) and unrealistically long monologues. Ensure interrupting and talking over one another is minimal. The dialogue will feel more authentic if basic mechanics like taking turns, using contractions, and avoiding excessive exposition are handled properly. Giving feedback on these issues can help strengthen the realism.
Dialogue rules are like a dental routine. Quotation marks are like toothpaste, keeping things clean and clear. Use words like he said or she asked just enough, like using toothpaste not too little, not too much. And adding actions in between talking is like using mouthwash, making the conversation fresh and lively. Following these rules keeps the talk smooth and easy to understand, just like keeping up with dental care for a bright smile.
The third thing to assess when you read dialogue is the content and purpose of the dialogue. Does it serve a function in the story, such as revealing character traits, advancing the plot, creating tension, or providing information? Does it avoid unnecessary or irrelevant details, such as greetings, small talk, or repetition? Does it show rather than tell the character's feelings, thoughts, and intentions? You can give feedback on content by highlighting what the dialogue accomplishes and what it fails to do. For example, you can commend the use of subtext, conflict, or humor that make the dialogue engaging and meaningful. You can also question the use of exposition, backstory, or info-dumping that make the dialogue dull and unnatural.
When evaluating dialogue, consider if it reveals something meaningful about the plot, relationships, or characters' motivations. Does each exchange move the story forward or enrich the reader's understanding? Beware of dialogue that only fills space or stalls the momentum. Provide feedback on instances where a conversation seems pointless, meandering, or overly expository. Suggest ways the writer could use dialogue to add depth, reveal insights, or build tension. Guiding the writer to ensure exchanges are purposeful and impactful will boost authenticity.
The fourth thing to consider when you read dialogue is the balance and flow of the dialogue. Does it fit the genre, tone, and pace of the story? Does it vary in length, structure, and rhythm? Does it blend well with the narration and description? Does it sound smooth and coherent when read aloud? You can give feedback on balance by noting what the dialogue adds or subtracts from the overall effect of the story. For example, you can applaud the use of dialogue that builds suspense, emotion, or atmosphere. You can also advise the use of less or more dialogue depending on the needs of the scene and the story.
When reviewing dialogue, check that there is a natural balance between mundane small talk and deeper conversations. Too much casual chatter can slow the pace, while heavy emotional dialogue may not fit the relationship dynamic. Provide feedback on exchanges that seem either frivolous or overly intimate for the characters involved. Suggest adding lighter discussions to relieve tension or moving intimate revelations to more appropriate moments. With feedback to help calibrate the levels of dialogue, the conversations will feel more authentic.
Ask two people to read the dialogue to you and the writer. Both of you should close your eyes when it's being read to you. Go through a list of questions together, make it feel like a checklist. - Does it sound balanced? - Does it make sense? - Does it achieve the objective of the scene in the story? Share feedback respectfully.
The fifth and final thing to remember when you give feedback on dialogue is to be specific and supportive. Don't just say that the dialogue is good or bad, but explain why and how. Give examples from the text and suggest alternatives or solutions. Be honest, but also be polite and respectful. Remember that dialogue is a personal and creative expression of the writer and the character. Your feedback should aim to help the writer improve their dialogue, not to impose your own style or preferences. Be constructive, not destructive.
When giving feedback on dialogue, think of it like a dental check-up. Be specific about what works or needs improvement, like a dentist points out dental issues. Use examples from the text, like a dentist showing X-rays, to explain. Be kind and helpful, suggesting improvements without changing the writer's style.
When giving feedback, be specific about what's working and what could be improved. Point out lines that capture a character's personality or mood especially well. Also note exchanges that feel stiff, formal, or bland for the situation. Providing examples helps the writer pinpoint where dialogue succeeds or falls flat. Balance constructive criticism with support for the writer's efforts and abilities. The more detailed and encouraging your feedback, the more it will help the writer create natural, authentic-sounding dialogue.