How to Write Dialogue

1. Show, don’t tell
2. Avoid clunky exposition
3. Write between the lines
4. Arrive late, leave early
5. Say your dialogue out loud!

TOP TIPS

1. Sometimes writing dialogue isn’t the best way. Remember film is a visual medium, so if you can find a way to visualise what you’re trying to say, do that instead.
2. Exposition slows things to a crawl. An evil villain monologues their evil plan, a character reveals their deepest backstory when you first meet them. Organically integrating it and drip-feeding it is best. 
3. SUBTEXT! People rarely reveal what they’re actually thinking during conversations. This doesn’t mean they lie, but they often talk around the subject.
4. Cut out unecessary things like small talk, and goodbyes. They’re not needed. Get to the meat of the conversation.
5. Easiest tip. Dialogue should sound natural when read by actors. Easiest way to check if it works, read it out loud. 

EXAMPLES OF GREAT DIALOGUE

-Inglorious Basterds (2009), Dir. Quentin Tarantino, writer - Quentin Tarantino

-The Social Network (2010), Dir. David Fincher, writer - Aaron Sorkin

-L.A. Confidential (1997), Dir. Curtis Hanson, writer - Brian Hedgeland (based upon the novel by James Ellroy)

-Do The Right Thing (1989), dir. Spike Lee, writer - Spike Lee

-The Silence of the Lambs (1991), dir. Jonathon Demme, writer - Ted Tally (based upon the novel by Thomas Harris)

-Whiplash (2014), dir. Damien Chazelle, writer - Damien Chazelle.