Roots of the word dialogue

Dia + logos.

Dia means "through" and logos means "words". So, it means through words or
through conversation. 

Definition of Dialogue
Dialogue means a conversation between two characters. A written composition in the
form of a conversation is also known as a dialogue. It is a verbal conversation
between maybe two or more characters. Furthermore, it also expresses the speech or
thoughts of the characters. 

For Example:

Teacher: Student A, stand up and tell me what am I teaching?

Student A: Sir, you are teaching dialogue writing.

Teacher: So, tell me what is a dialogue?

So, this the easiest and most common way of writing dialogue. 

Why Dialogue Is Important to Learn

There are two main reasons behind learning dialogue writing.

a) Colloquial Way

Colloquial means using the English language in an ordinary manner. It is observed

that dialogue writing helps the learners to speak English in an ordinary and familiar
way. In this way, the speakers are allowed to be freed in a friendly way to express
themselves. In the colloquial technique, the speakers can use language in a flexible
environment. It means no language formalities are required. 

b) Natural Construction

The dialogue writing helps the learners to express themselves in an easy and natural
construction. It means the speakers can express their thoughts in their own way.
Remember, speaking the language in a natural way creates the stream to step towards
an advanced speaking environment. 
Characteristics of Dialogue Writing
Spontaneous: The dialogue should be impulsive. It should not be planned and
premeditated. 

Natural: It should be natural. To make the dialogue natural, add some questions and
exclamatory sentences. Construct the sentences direct speech-based. 

Interesting: Make the dialogue interesting by adding an opening and a conclusion. 

Impartial: Remember, this is a dialogue, not a monologue where a single person is a

speaker. So, give equal chances of speaking to others. 

Concise: The dialogue must be comprehensive and meaningful. The replies to the
questions should be to the point.  

Steps of Dialogue Writing

There are three main steps of dialogue.

Imagine

To write good dialogue, you need to imagine the characters and their point of view.
To do so, you need to have a clear idea of the imaginary persons in your mind taking
part in the dialogue. 

Outline

After imagining the characters and thought process, you need to write down the
arguments or opinions of each of them. Add at least five dialogues for each speaker. 

Arrange

After outlining, arrange the ideas in some logical order so that the conversation may
proceed in proper flow. Write the dialogues neatly and properly. Don't forget to
include all five characteristics of dialogue writing we learn above.

Format of Dialogue Writing

 New paragraph for every speaker.

 Punctuation must be inside the quotation marks. 
  Punctuation means comma, full stop, etc., and quotation mark ("....."). For
instance; He said, "I am not fond of musical instruments. "
 No additional punctuation is needed while using ellipses like (...); three dots.
The ellipses are used in a sentence to show a sudden break or a pause. For
instance; "let me think...the best place here on the bridge, "Ali said.
  

Rules of Dialogue Writing

Let's talk about some common but important rules for writing good and effective
dialogue. 

The dialogue should undergo the following rules:

 Understand the topic well; having proper opening and salutation.

 Clear, natural, and appropriate.
 The conversation should be well punctuated so that the readers may not be
confused.
 The conversation and must be according to the characters. Every speaker
should talk according to his/her nature. For example, there should be a clear
difference between the conversation of a student and a vendor.
 There should be sincerity and enthusiasm in the tone of the characters.
 The sentences should be unconventional. 
 The topic should be comprehensive and based on reasons.
 The sentences should be short and close-ended.
 Every speaker should be given equal time to participate. 
 Try to make the first and last part of the dialogue comparatively more
interesting. 
 There is no need to introduce yourself as a speaker.
 Use relevant and interesting words as I've, shouldn't, don't, they've, etc.
 Have a proper ending.

Types of Dialogue Writing

There are three types of dialogue writing. Remember, every type has the same rules
and characteristics but a different tone.  

1. Formal

In this type, the dialogue is written in some honored and respected way. For example,
dialogue between teacher and student or between boss and employees.
Example:

Student A: Good morning Sir.

Teacher: Good morning student. How are you?

Student A: I am good. Thank you for asking. How are you, sir?

Teacher: I am also fine. I saw your project. It was good but I need you to mention
more examples.

Student: Thank you sir for the feedback and I'll try to put more examples.

Teacher: All the best! If you need more suggestions, put them on my notice.

Student: Sure Sir.

Teacher: Okay go to your class.

Student: Thank you, sir.

2. Informal

It is totally opposite to the formal dialogue writings where frankness does matter more
than in a formal dialogue. For example; between two friends.

Example;

Ricky: Hey Mike! What's up?

Mike: Hey!

Ricky: What's wrong, Mike? You look worried!

Mike: Well, I miss the good old days. I miss school!

Ricky: Yah! Same here. It has been more than a year, I have not seen my school.

Mike: Right! I also miss our friends.

Ricky: I wish everything will get back to normal very soon.

Mike: Yeh! I am sure it would get better soon.

Ricky: Okay! I have to go now. 

Mike: Bye!

3. Semi-Formal

It is in between formal and informal. In this type, the speaker can talk with respect and
honor as well as the speaker can talk openly. For example; the dialogue between
parent and son. For example; a dialogue between parents and the son/child, and the
dialogue between the colleagues.

Example;

Daughter: Good morning papa!

Father: Good morning daughter. Daughter, why did you wake up so early today
unlikely?

Daughter: Dad, I am going for a walk with my brother.

Father: That's good. It is very good for your health as I read in a book.

Daughter: Yes papa, I read about it in a book.

Father: That's true. Go but come back on time.

Daughter: Yes papa! We will come on time for breakfast.

Father: Bye!

Daughter: Bye papa!

Importance of Dialogue Writing

Why is dialogue writing an important skill?

 Good dialogues attract the readers.

 The readers show comparatively more involvement in the story.
 On the other hand, bad constructed dialogue pushes the readers' interest away. 
 The readers would prefer to close the book rather than reading it.

You may also learn:

Idioms and Phrases with Meanings and Examples

Punctuations and Its Uses/Applications

Apostrophe

Parts and Kinds of Sentence/Speech