The best dialogue sounds natural. But it isn't.

It’s designed speech.

Real conversations are full of filler words and sounds: um, uh, like, you know?

People ramble, go off-topic, and say things that don’t matter.

But in fiction, dialogue has a job: to reveal character, build tension, and move the story forward.

Great dialogue feels real, but it’s actually refined. Every line is intentional. Every word serves a purpose. Think of it as speech without the fluff. It’s shaped, sharpened, and designed for impact.

Listen to how people talk. Then write a version that’s better, clearer, and more meaningful. Because in storytelling, what’s left unsaid is just as powerful as what’s spoken.