A dialogue literally means ``talk between two people’’. Dialogue writing is a useful form pf composition, especially for the Indian student who is trying to gain a command of spoken English. Under proper guidance, it should introduce him to the colloquial way of talking English, and train him express his thoughts in easy and natural constructions. The spoken English of the Indian school boy is too often rather stilted and bookish, owing to the fact he has not much chance of talking with English people; and anything that will help him to acquire naturalness and ease in speaking in English is of value.

To write a dialogue successfully, calls for a little dramatic power, for the writer has not only to see both sides of a question, but has also to put himself, so to speak, inside two imaginary persons so as to make them express their opposite opinions naturally and in keeping with their characters, he has in return to be each one, and see the point of view of each on the question.

A written dialogue should be so composed that it appears to be spontaneous or impromptu. The reader of it should not feel that it is premeditated, stilted and dull.

All the same time, careful preparation is necessary for writing a dialogue, though this must not appear. The writer must have the art to conceal his art. It is always advisable to make a plan or out line of the dialogue before beginning to write; otherwise the dialogue may be rambling and pointless.

Example

``Indeed,’’ replied the king, deep in thought.

``So that was the reason. But tell me why both of you were quarreling as to who should be killed first?’’

``That is easy to explain, my lord,’’ Said Birbal.

``Whichever one of us is killed first is destined to be the king. We were fighting because we both wish to be king’’.

The king laughed, and, turning to the executioner, said, ``There will be no execution to day.’’

Then he addressed he two prisoners.