The Greek word “dialogos”, meaning conversation, is the point of origin of dialogue writing.
Rule Governing Dialogue
Some simple rules that govern dialogue writing include a purpose; convey the tone and plot of the conversation. It must give insights on character traits of people involved and must action the conversation forward. “As a writer, you draw on your lifelong practice of dialogue in creating your characters’ dialogue” (Weinman 5)
Punctuation of dialogues
Quotation marks must be used at the beginning and end of dialogue. The comma should be used after the speaker tag when it precedes conversation and inside the conversation when speaker tag succeeds it. The period is used inside quotation marks if the quote ends a sentence. The use of question mark is either inside or outside the quotation mark depends on whether or not the question is posed by the speaker. “In American English grammar, periods and commas go inside the quotation marks. Other punctuation marks such as semicolons, question marks, dashes, and exclamation points, go outside unless they pertain to the conversation in quotations.” (Hassler)
Rules regarding dialogues in paragraphs
Paragraphs in lengthy dialogues are used to bring in clarity, every time a new person speaks, in an exchange. This makes it easy for reader to understand the flow of conversation, smoothly. New paragraphs must be used when there is a change in speaker, time or theme. Sometimes, paragraphs in dialogues are used to pull a dramatic effect.
Use of dialogues in places other than fiction
Dialogues are used in newspaper articles, to bring in more reality to the information reported. They are used in non-fictional books as well, like self-help, management and medicine. Other non-fictional places include reports, researches, travelogues and reviews. “Dialogue works as a hook because it makes a story out of mere information.” (“3 Things You Need to Know about Using Dialogue in Non-Fiction | WTD”)
Report Writing and Verbatim Recollections
During report writing, it is essential to include dialogues to provide clarity and authenticity of reports. While recording minutes of meeting, it is essential to record verbatim exchanges of few important and key dialogues between the participants, keeping in mind the need for brevity and conciseness.
Dialogues in advertising and market research reports
The qualitative approach for marketing research includes mentioning a few dialogues especially when using interesting anecdotes, to attract the attention of the readers. While passive voice is preferred in business writing, interspersing the formal text with interactive dialogues. In advertising reports, dialogues can convey the effectiveness of advertising campaign and can be a measure of customer feedback.
Works Cited
Hassler, Michelle. “English conversation dialogues: Grammar rules and writing tips.” Udemy Blog. Udemy Blog, 9 Apr. 2014. Web. 16 Jan. 2017.
Weinman, Irving. Teach Yourself How to Write Dialogue in Fiction. London: Teach Yourself Books, 2012. Print.
“3 things you need to know about using dialogue in non-fiction | WTD.” Uncategorized. WTD, 29 Dec. 2008. Web. 16 Jan. 2017.
