Communication Quote by Ernest Hemingway
“Good dialogue is not real speech-it's the illusion of real speech.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Art of the Novel", 1934
Dialogue should mimic real speech’s rhythm and subtext, creating an illusion of authenticity.
In simple terms: Good dialogue feels like real conversation.
Key Takeaway
Craft speech that sounds natural yet purposeful.
Themes
communication
authenticity
writing
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- screenwriting
- novel writing
- teaching
- public speaking
Key Concepts
literary technique
subtext
Questions to Reflect On
- When does realistic dialogue hinder storytelling?
- How to embed subtext effectively?
A Different Perspective
Overly realistic dialogue can become mundane; balance is needed.
![“There is no such thing as realistic dialogue. If you [simply recorded] the real conversation of any people and played it back from the stage, it would be impossible to listen to. It would be redundant . . . . The good dialogue writer is the one who can give you the impression of real speech.” quote by Joseph L. Mankiewicz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ab6/joseph-l-mankiewicz-29724_communication_there-is-no-such-thing-as-realistic-dial_1192941.jpg)
