Today, we’re going to chat about a handy writing technique that can take your storytelling to the next level—say hello to implied dialogue. Used correctly, it can be the secret sauce your writing needs to keep your readers hooked and your characters oh-so-engaging.
And most importantly (to me), implied dialogue addresses one of my personal reader/writer pet peeves: the relentless use of ‘he said’, ‘she said’, ‘he gasped’ and ‘she shouted’ that mushroom up all over a text like so many poisonous fungi.
Ahem. So, grab your favourite writing snack and let’s explore what implied dialogue is all about and how you can use it like a pro.
So, what is implied dialogue?
Alright, let’s start with the basics. Implied dialogue, also known as indirect dialogue, is like writing in code, but in a less obnoxious way. Instead of slapping quotation marks around every word a character says and throwing in those sneaky ‘he said’ or ‘she exclaimed’ tags, implied dialogue relies on context and clever description to get the point across.
It’s subtle, it’s smooth, and it’s super effective because it gives your reader more credit. They’re savvy enough to know what’s going on in your writing.
Why bother with implied dialogue?
- Get to know your characters: Implied dialogue is like a sneak peek into your characters’ minds. It’s like reading their diary without actually reading their diary. By showing how they react to stuff, you give your readers a backstage pass to their inner workings.
- Subtext and intrigue: It’s all about what’s not being said. Implied dialogue is your secret weapon for conveying emotions and hidden meanings. You know, when a character says something, but it’s clear they mean something totally different. Think literary charades.
- Keep them hooked: Implied dialogue turns your readers into detectives. They’re not just passive spectators; they’re actively engaged in deciphering the unspoken. It’s like a literary puzzle that keeps them flipping pages.
- Smooth sailing: In action-packed scenes where things are moving at a rapid pace, implied dialogue helps keep the momentum going. No need to slow your reader down with lengthy conversations when you can whizz through in style.
Subtext refers to the underlying or hidden meanings, emotions, or messages that aren’t obvious or explicit in the dialogue itself. It adds depth and complexity to a conversation, and allows readers to, well, read between the lines.
How to use implied dialogue
Now that you’re convinced, obviously, let’s dive into the good stuff. Here’s how to use implied dialogue like a pro:
1. Set the scene
Remember, context is your best buddy in implied dialogue. Paint a clear picture of what’s going on, where your characters are, and what they’re up to. Give your readers a comfy sofa to lounge on while they eavesdrop.
2. Character flavour
Make sure your implied dialogue matches your characters’ personalities. A tough detective should react differently than a quirky artist in the same situation. Consistency is the name of the game.
3. Show, don’t tell
When it comes to this golden rule of writing, implied dialogue is all about the show. Instead of saying ‘He’s angry,’ show it with clenched fists, a furrowed brow, a pulsing forehead vein or maybe a few expletives under his breath. Readers love putting two and two together.
4. Don’t over-egg it
While implied dialogue is cool, too much of a good thing can be overwhelming. Balance is key. Mix it up with a sprinkling—and I mean a sprinkling—of direct dialogue so your readers don’t get lost in a sea of hints and winks.
5. Let readers connect the dots
Trust your readers to be smart. You don’t need to spell everything out. Let them play Sherlock and connect those literary dots. It’s more fun that way, and pulls them into the story more effectively.
6. Edit and fine-tune
After you’ve sprinkled some implied dialogue magic, go back and review it with a critical eye. Get feedback from friends or your trusty editor (maybe me) to make sure your hints and subtleties come across crystal clear.
7. Learn from the masters
Study books by authors who rock at implied dialogue. One of my favourite authors when it come to dialogue is Cormac McCarthy, specifically the way he does it in The Road. It’s masterful, so please do check it out. Anyway, analyse these techniques in action and add some of that literary flair to your toolbox.
Examples of implied dialogue in action
Enough theory, let’s dive into some actual examples:
Direct dialogue: “I’m so scared!” she said with a shaky voice.
Implied dialogue: Her hands trembled as she clutched her chest. “I can’t…breathe,” she stammered.
Direct dialogue: “I’ll miss you,” he said sadly.
Implied Dialogue: He pulled her into a tight hug, lingering a moment longer than usual.
Direct dialogue: “I’ll think about it,” she said, clearly unsure.
Implied Dialogue: She tapped her chin with her finger, and brought her thumb to her lips. “Hmm. Let me mull it over.”
Wrapping it all up
And there you have it! Implied dialogue is like a secret handshake in the world of writing. It adds depth, intrigue, and that extra dash of seasoning to your storytelling.
So, next time you’re crafting a scene, give implied dialogue a try. Your characters will thank you, and your readers will be hooked from the first word to the last. Happy writing!
Kelly Dent | Editor & Writer 
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