Dialogue can reveal a character, introduce a problem or change the direction of a story. It is not automatically a weakness in timed writing, and there is no universal percentage of dialogue that makes a narrative good or bad.
The useful test is whether an exchange helps the reader understand the characters and events. In a short task, routine greetings may use space without adding much, while a single revealing line may do important work.
Give the conversation a purpose
Before adding speech, ask what changes because of it. Does someone reveal information, make a decision, challenge another person or avoid an uncomfortable question?
Compare this routine exchange:
“Hello,” said Finn. “Hello,” said Ruby. “How are you?” “Fine.” “What are you doing?” “Looking in my bag.”
With this opening:
“Please tell me you've got the key,” Ruby said, emptying her bag onto the step.
The second version introduces a problem and combines speech with action. It gives the reader a reason to continue. The first exchange might be appropriate in a particular scene, but by itself it offers little information beyond a greeting.
Combine dialogue with action
“It wasn't me,” Finn said. He pushed his muddy shoes beneath the bench.
Finn's words deny something, while his action suggests he may be hiding evidence. The reader can infer tension between what he says and what he does. The context would need to establish the accusation before we could draw a firmer conclusion.
Actions also help locate speakers in the scene. Without them, a long conversation can leave the reader uncertain about where the characters are and what is happening around them.
Summarise when the exact words do not matter
A character might explain the same plan to three people. Instead of repeating the whole conversation, write: “Ruby explained the plan to the others, who agreed to wait by the gate.”
This is indirect reporting. It conveys the information without claiming to reproduce the exact words. Use direct speech when the wording, voice or interaction matters; summarise when the main purpose is simply to move information through the story.
Do not assume direct speech is always slower or summary always better. Compare the versions in the context of your piece.
Check basic speech punctuation
Here are common conventions using double quotation marks. Single quotation marks are also used in some styles; follow the task's guidance and be consistent.
“We should go,” Ruby said.
The comma belongs inside the closing quotation mark, and the reporting clause continues the sentence.
“Are you ready?” Finn asked.
The question mark belongs to the spoken question. There is no additional comma after it.
“We should go.” Ruby picked up her bag.
Here the following words describe a separate action, rather than a speech tag. The spoken sentence ends with a full stop, and the action begins a new sentence.
In a conventional prose narrative, begin a new paragraph when the speaker changes. This helps the reader follow the exchange. During revision, check the opening and closing quotation marks as well as the punctuation.
Keep voices clear without forcing them
Characters do not need an unusual accent or an elaborate speech tag to sound different. One may answer briefly while another explains; one may ask questions while another avoids them. Make these choices fit the character and situation.
“Said” and “asked” are often sufficient. An action can convey anger or hesitation without adding several adverbs to every line. Avoid using speech mainly to deliver a long explanation that neither character would naturally need.
A focused revision exercise
Choose one conversation from a practice story. Identify the line that reveals the most or changes what happens next. Keep that line, then try summarising the routine information around it. Add an action only if it clarifies the situation or character.
Read the revised scene aloud at home to check whether the exchange is understandable. Then check that the story still reaches the outcome required by the prompt within the task's limits.
Continue with showing and telling or planning a manageable story. To review the whole piece, use the parent writing checklist.