Dialogue is one of the most challenging skills a writer has to develop. Producing words that sound natural and - above all - human, takes real talent and hard work. As discussed previously when analysing The Assassination of Jesse James, people rarely say what they actually mean, necessitating the writer to imbue dialogue with subtexts and subterfuge.
Yet, people are generally lazy in their speech patterns. We are immensely economical and will never use five words where one would do - less if possible. Tony Jordan is one of the great writers behind Life on Mars and Hustle. Here, interviewed by Charlie Brooker for the Screenwipe program, he explains what makes good dialogue.
It is such a common mistake to write verbose, overlong dialogue because that's how we write down ideas. but verbal communication is far more tied up in the expressions, tone and actions, allowing to convey meaning with far less. A look, a sigh, a gesture - coupled with the right word can say the same as an entire paragraph.
Next time you're watching a film, pay attention to how economical the dialogue is.
(The above clip is copyright the BBC from Charlie Brooker's Screenwipe program. No infringement of copyright is intended - just a clip to make a point. Follow Charlie Brooker on Twitter.)
