KEY CREATIVE WRITING SKILLS
Writing direct speech
FAQ
These FAQ pages are designed to provide a quick summary of each skill. Use them to do some last minute revision before assessments. They are generated by AI which has been trained on the guide pages on the website.
When do I need to start a new paragraph when writing direct speech?
Every time a new character speaks, you should begin a new paragraph. This ensures clarity and helps the reader follow the flow of conversation.
What punctuation marks can be used with speech declarations?
The punctuation before a speech declaration can be a comma, a question mark, an exclamation mark, or a dash. However, you should never use a full stop before a speech declaration.
What happens to capitalisation after a question mark or exclamation mark in dialogue?
Even if a question mark or exclamation mark ends the spoken words, the speech declaration following it ("he said," "she asked") should start with a lowercase letter unless it's a proper noun.
Where should I place speech declarations in longer pieces of dialogue?
It's best to embed the speech declaration after the first sentence in a longer piece of dialogue. This helps the reader understand who is speaking without having to read a large chunk of text first.
Is it repetitive to use "said" and "asked" frequently in dialogue?
No, professional writers use "said" and "asked" frequently. Don't be afraid to repeat these verbs as they are natural and don't distract the reader.
Can I use verbs other than "said" and "asked" in speech declarations?
While "said" and "asked" are standard, using other verbs occasionally can add variety and convey specific emotions or actions associated with the speech. However, make sure they are still speech verbs.
How can I incorporate character actions and thoughts within dialogue?
You can add actions and thoughts before the dialogue, or after the speech declaration using an adverbial phrase with a present participle. For example: "He chuckled, running a hand through his hair. 'That's a good one,' he said, his eyes twinkling."
What's the most important rule to remember about writing direct speech?
Clarity is key. Each aspect of formatting dialogue—paragraphs, punctuation, speech declarations—should contribute to making the conversation easy to follow and understand.