Things Real People Do in Dialogue (For Your Next Story)
Okay, let’s be real—dialogue can make or break a scene. You want your characters to sound natural, like actual humans talking, not robots reading a script. So, how do you write dialogue that feels real without it turning into a mess of awkward pauses and “ums”? Here’s a little cheat sheet of what real people actually do when they talk (and you can totally steal these for your next story):
1. People Interrupt Each Other All the Time
In real conversations, nobody waits for the perfect moment to speak. We interrupt, cut each other off, and finish each other's sentences. Throw in some overlaps or interruptions in your dialogue to make it feel more dynamic and less like a rehearsed play.
2. They Don’t Always Say What They Mean
Real people are masters of dodging. They’ll say one thing but mean something totally different (hello, passive-aggressive banter). Or they’ll just avoid the question entirely. Let your characters be vague, sarcastic, or just plain evasive sometimes—it makes their conversations feel more layered.
3. People Trail Off...
We don’t always finish our sentences. Sometimes we just... stop talking because we assume the other person gets what we’re trying to say. Use that in your dialogue! Let a sentence trail off into nothing. It adds realism and shows the comfort (or awkwardness) between characters.
4. Repeating Words Is Normal
In real life, people repeat words when they’re excited, nervous, or trying to make a point. It’s not a sign of bad writing—it’s how we talk. Let your characters get a little repetitive now and then. It adds a rhythm to their speech that feels more genuine.
5. Fillers Are Your Friends
People say "um," "uh," "like," "you know," all the time. Not every character needs to sound polished or poetic. Sprinkle in some filler words where it makes sense, especially if the character is nervous or thinking on their feet.
6. Not Everyone Speaks in Complete Sentences
Sometimes, people just throw out fragments instead of complete sentences, especially when emotions are high. Short, choppy dialogue can convey tension or excitement. Instead of saying “I really think we need to talk about this,” try “We need to talk. Now.”
7. Body Language Is Part of the Conversation
Real people don’t just communicate with words; they use facial expressions, gestures, and body language. When your characters are talking, think about what they’re doing—are they fidgeting? Smiling? Crossing their arms? Those little actions can add a lot of subtext to the dialogue without needing extra words.
8. Awkward Silences Are Golden
People don’t talk non-stop. Sometimes, they stop mid-conversation to think, or because things just got weird. Don’t be afraid to add a beat of awkward silence, a long pause, or a meaningful look between characters. It can say more than words.
9. People Talk Over Themselves When They're Nervous
When we’re anxious, we tend to talk too fast, go back to rephrase what we just said, or add unnecessary details. If your character’s nervous, let them ramble a bit or correct themselves. It’s a great way to show their internal state through dialogue.
10. Inside Jokes and Shared History
Real people have history. Sometimes they reference something that happened off-page, or they share an inside joke only they get. This makes your dialogue feel lived-in and shows that your characters have a life beyond the scene. Throw in a callback to something earlier, or a joke only two characters understand.
11. No One Explains Everything
People leave stuff out. We assume the person we’re talking to knows what we’re talking about, so we skip over background details. Instead of having your character explain everything for the reader’s benefit, let some things go unsaid. It’ll feel more natural—and trust your reader to keep up!
12. Characters Have Different Voices
Real people don’t all talk the same way. Your characters shouldn’t either! Pay attention to their unique quirks—does one character use slang? Does another speak more formally? Maybe someone’s always cutting people off while another is super polite. Give them different voices and patterns of speech so their dialogue feels authentic to them.
13. People Change the Subject
In real life, conversations don’t always stay on track. People get sidetracked, jump to random topics, or avoid certain subjects altogether. If your characters are uncomfortable or trying to dodge a question, let them awkwardly change the subject or ramble to fill the space.
14. Reactions Aren’t Always Immediate
People don’t always respond right away. They pause, they think, they hesitate. Sometimes they don’t know what to say, and that delay can speak volumes. Give your characters a moment to process before they respond—it’ll make the conversation feel more natural.
Important note: Please don’t use all of these tips in one dialogue at once.
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It started normal.
Which, in Wayne terms, means slightly catastrophic but manageable.
Training in the Cave. Damian threatening to stab Jason again.
Cass winning.
Tim asleep standing up.
Then the air freezes.
Like, actual frost crawling up the Batcomputer.
A glowing guy in a hoodie just phases through the ceiling.
Bright white hair, green eyes, whole ecto-god vibe.
And then he tackles Bruce Wayne like a golden retriever finding his long-lost tennis ball.
“ARCHIE! My BABY!”
The family: 😶
Bruce: “Excuse me—?”
Jason: “Did he just call B baby?”
Tim, already recording: “Oh this is going online.”
Damian: “If this is a cult, we’re burning the cave.”
The stranger (still hugging Bruce): “You’re so grown! Look at you! I knew cloning was risky, but—”
Whole family: “CLONING???”
Cue ten minutes of screaming, two fainting Robins, and one very confused Batman trying to process that he’s apparently the clone of a dead teen god who rules ghosts.
Danny just looks at them all, smiling, completely oblivious to the existential crisis unfolding:
Summary: A year has passed since your feelings for Bucky were unrequited. You find someone new but is he good for you?
Word Count: 1,826
Warnings: Absolute jackass of a boyfriend, jerk John, protective Bucky, little angst with lots of comfort, language.
A/N: Here is the second part to It's A Heartache. This is fast forward one year on and I promised protective Bucky would come out to play, I hope I lived up to your expectations. A massive shout out and hugs to my lovely friend @jobean12-blog for proofreading this for me and giving me awesome suggestions, you're the best and everyone should go and read Jo's work because she is an amazing person and writer! ❤️
It took a long time for you to bury your feelings for Bucky. Too long, honestly. But how could it not? Your feelings for Bucky became genuine. This wasn't some kind of high school crush that lasted a few days.
To you, it was serious.
His relationship with the mystery woman outside the compound hadn’t lasted very long. It ended ugly and with betrayal that cut deeper than he’d admit out loud.
She cheated with some guy she called an “old friend” Simon. She begged him to forgive her, swore it didn’t mean anything and it was a one time mistake. But Bucky wasn't interested in her excuses or lies. Once the trust was gone, it was gone. He wasn’t about to try to glue pieces back together knowing the cracks would always show and have a constant reminder of her betrayal by having to look at her everyday. He didn't need to go to bed at night wondering what she was doing or who she was with.
Bucky was done with her, once and for all.
Bucky needed a friend because it was what he so desperately needed and that’s where you came in.
Late nights brewing hot tea in the kitchen. Breaking into Tony’s ridiculously expensive stash of chocolate that he always hid in the top cupboard. Dunking cookies in milk, laughing at dumb movies, sitting shoulder to shoulder with books open but barely reading. It was just the little comforting things.
The things Bucky needed and loved doing, especially with you.
You got close. Closer than you had ever expected.
The walls Bucky had built around himself started to crumble piece by piece, especially during the times you smiled at him like he was worth something.
And maybe that’s why he looked so completely pissed and defeated when you walked into the common room with some guy’s arm slung around your shoulders.
This guy was no good, he could tell just by the aftershave he was wearing.
“Hey, everyone,” you said, voice quiet and nervous. “I'd like to introduce you to my new boyfriend. This is John.”
The team greeted John with handshakes, hugs and even ‘bro’ hugs as Sam liked to call them.
But Bucky just sat there with his fists clenched in his lap, jaw locked, staring ahead like the world had just ended.
And for Bucky, that's exactly how it felt.
John really did look the part. He was tall, he wore an expensive suit with shiny shoes and an expensive watch. His hair slicked back neatly with hair gel, though by how greasy it looked, it looked as though John had used the whole tube.
But there was something in John’s eyes that put Bucky on edge, there was something behind those eyes Bucky just didn't like about John.
Just as arrogant as Tony, he thought.
John's gaze flicked to him, a smirk etched into his features.
“Oh, you're the famous Bucky Barnes.”
John said, flat toned. But that smirk? It wasn't casual, it wasn't friendly. Not even close.
“You don't seem as scary as I imagined.” John chuckled, one posh hand slipped into the pockets of his tight slacks.
Bucky’s jaw twitched but kept focused on the white wall ahead. His vibranium arm whirred with the tension of the clenched fist.
Keep cool Barnes, keep cool.
But it didn't take too long for the cracks to start showing in yours and John's relationship.
It was very subtle at first. John would interrupt you mid sentence, intentionally being contradictive, making comments that he would disguise as a joke.
Intentionally being a dickhead.
Then as time went on John’s mask began to fall.
“Do you really think you should be wearing that? It’s a bit tight, you're going to attract unwanted attention.” he muttered one evening before training.
“Oh for fuck sakes Y/N! You're too damn sensitive. Why can't you ever take a joke?” whenever you would scowl at his immature comments.
The others noticed of course. Clint’s eyebrows nearly shot off his head. Natasha’s lips thinned every time she witnessed one of his digs.
But you being the sweet and stubborn you just kept brushing it all off, as if trying to make it hurt less.
Bucky however felt his blood boil hotter with every passing day that John was around. There were days Bucky was more tempted than others to ring John's neck.
Bucky often imagined what it would feel like to hear one of John’s pathetic bones crack under the pressure of his arm.
Because he’d heard those same words before. Cruel, narcissistic, leaving you to feel smaller than you deserved to be.
He just couldn’t stand watching it happen to you.
Things came to a boiling point one Friday evening.
The team had gathered in the common room for a takeaway and films, a rare moment of downtime that you cherished when it happened. You sat cross legged next to John, food in your lap and snacks on the other side of you. Your shoulders were tense and your smile felt a little forced.
Halfway through one of the films, you offered a light hearted joke on the plot. A few chuckles were heard, but your smile soon faded when John snorted.
“Babe, please don’t embarrass yourself tonight. Then again, you never seem to get it.”
The room fell silent. So silent that you could absolutely hear a pin drop. Your throat suddenly felt like sandpaper and it was hard to breathe. It felt as if there was no air and you were suffocating under the stares.
You tried to laugh it off, but nothing sound came out.
And that's when Bucky stood abruptly, his own food flying off his lap. His heavy breathing cut through the silence of the room. All eyes were on you.
“Get the fuck out.” Bucky’s voice boomed. His nostrils flared and vibranium arm whirring by his side, ready to punch that irritating smirk right off this guy's fucking face once and for all.
John blinked, chuckling as if finding this whole exchange humorous. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me.” Bucky shouted. “You’re not welcome here. Not after the way you’ve been treating her.”
John scoffed. “Oh come on, Buck. She knows I’m only teasing.”
Bucky stepped forward, eyes blazing. “No you're wrong, John. Teasing doesn’t leave her looking small. Teasing doesn’t make her laugh like she’s trying not to cry. You’re not teasing her, you’re tearing her down and I've had enough of it.”
The weight of his words hung in the air.
John sneered, glancing around the room for backup. “Are you all just going to let him talk to me like that?”
Natasha crossed her arms. “He’s not wrong though.”
Sam gave a sharp nod. “She deserves better, man. Way better.”
John’s expression changed like the weather. He looked angry as he turned back to you, as if expecting you to defend him. “Y/N?”
You swallowed the hard lump in your throat, torn between instinct and the truth. For so long you’d brushed off his cruelty and comments. But the look in Bucky’s eyes, he was furious, he was protective of you and you realised it tonight. It made something inside you snap.
“I… I just think you should go,” you whispered, avoiding his stare.
John’s face twisted into disgust. “You are fucking unbelievable.” He shouted, causing you to flinch at both his words and anger.
He snatched his coat, muttered something under his breath, and stormed out.
The slam of the door echoed and rang in your ears.
The silence was intense. Embarrassment crept up to your cheeks.
Wanda leaned forward gently. “Are you all right, Y/N?”
You nodded quickly, though your throat felt tight. “I’m fine honestly. Just… I’m so sorry you all had to see th-”
“No,” Bucky said firmly, interrupting your train of thoughts, his voice softer now but no less intense. “Don’t apologise Y/N. He should never have spoken to you like that. Not once. Not ever.”
Your eyes met his, and something in your chest shifted. For a moment, you weren’t sure whether you wanted to cry or throw your arms around him.
“Thank you Buck.” You murmured instead, eyes glossing over.
When the evening officially ended and the team headed off to their own rooms, you lingered in the kitchen staring thoughtfully into your lukewarm cup of tea. Your chest felt tight, and your shoulders slouched under the weight of what happened tonight. Your mind replaying everything John ever said to you, his jokes, his control over you.
Bucky found you there, sitting on the stool in the kitchen staring out into the void.
“You okay?” he asked quietly.
You gave a weak smile. “I will be. Just… I just feel stupid, you know? For not seeing it sooner.”
“Don’t.” His tone was fierce, but not with you. “People like him Y/N, they’re very good at hiding it, at twisting things and never taking accountability for it. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
Your throat tightened. “Still. I thought… I thought he cared. I only wanted that.”
Bucky’s jaw clenched. “He didn’t deserve you. Not even close.”
The words were simple, but the way he said them was low, steady, filled with genuineness and made the warmth spread through your chest despite the ache.
You studied him for a long moment, searching his face for any signs he's lying. “Do you really mean that?”
He stepped closer, blue eyes locking with yours. “Y/N… you deserve someone who sees you for who you are, doll. Someone who makes you feel stronger and taller, not smaller. Who knows exactly how lucky they are to have you.”
Your breath caught. “Bucky…”
He swallowed hard, fighting the war inside himself. For years he’d kept it buried. Convinced he wasn’t good enough for you, convinced you deserved someone whole. But watching that man tear you down had snapped something inside him.
Bucky didn't just need you. He loved you.
His voice was raw when he finally admitted, “I’ve always seen you that way. Even when I tried not to.”
The air between you shifted, heavy with something unspoken, finally given breath.
You blinked, heart drumming fiercely against your ribcage. “You… you’ve always…?”
“I thought it was better if you didn’t know,” he said, voice low. “When I was with someone else, when you deserved more than a broken mess like me, I thought keeping it to myself was protecting you. But tonight, seeing him like that… God, Y/N, I can’t just stand by and let you think that’s all you deserve. Because it’s not. You deserve everything. You deserve love.”
Tears stung your eyes, but for once they weren’t from pain.
You reached for his hand. The cool metal of the vibranium was steady beneath your palm.
“Bucky…” Your voice shook. “All this time, I thought you didn’t want me.”
His laugh was rough, almost disbelieving. “Want you? Doll, I’ve been in love with you longer than I ever care to admit.”
The words settled over you like a balm, like sunlight breaking through a storm.
And for the first time in what felt like forever, you let yourself believe it.
Alright, cool cats, it’s time to find your groove, and let the music lead the way.
For June, we’re trying something a little different… but don’t worry, the beat stays the same. There will still be an allocated prompt every day, only this time each prompt will be a song. The full setlist is below.
For anyone who feels a little uncertain, or doesn’t want the pressure of choosing where to start, we’ve also picked a line from each song to help narrow things down as a second option.
But for anyone feeling adventurous? You can absolutely choose another line from the song instead.
Your Scribble must contain at least one line from the song. It does not have to be the line we picked, and you’re welcome to use multiple lines if the music moves you.
We’ve also created a playlist so you can listen along with the full prompt list and really get into the June Jukebox mood.
The Goal: Write a Scribble of 300 words max, including the prompt/lyric line. We’d love people to try and stay as close to that as possible, but we’re here for the vibes, not to slap anyone with a ruler.
The Timing: You have until the end of the day in your own time zone to complete and submit each prompt.
The Swap-Outs: If a certain day’s song isn’t your jam, don’t stress. We’ve made sure there are options to swap out, so you can still keep the music playing.
Rules / Guidelines:
The final day for submissions is July 1st, end of the day in your own time zone. Please be aware that any entries submitted after this will not be added to the event masterlist.
For the event masterlist, we will link any users who have created their own Scribbles masterlist. For anyone who has not created a masterlist, we will link to their preferred profile instead. For example, if you have a sideblog, we will confirm this with you.
Please use the tag #JuneJukeboxScribbles (no spaces) so we can find your creations. Please do not use the tag after the event has ended. You’re also welcome to tag @societynsoelsscribbles if you wish.
Please use appropriate warnings for explicit content, non-con, triggers, etc.
Hard no content: No incest, underage, bestiality, or necrophilia.
Any 18+ entries must be posted by an 18+ listed blog to be included.
Here are no limits on the number of submissions for a prompt. Do as many as you like, just remember to use the #JuneJukeboxScribbles tag!
The target is 300 words, but should you go over, we will not scold, fine, or ban you… as long as you deliver (but please.. try)
The possibilities are endless. Any fandom, pairing, reader insert, OC, character, ship, tone, or genre is welcome; smut, fluff, angst, crack, horror, romance, heartbreak, whatever beat you hear.
Join as often or as little as you like. There is absolutely no pressure. Whether you drop one track or complete the whole album, we’re thrilled to have you playing along.
You can use our event header for your own entries or masterlist, but please credit Society.
So warm up the jukebox, spread the sound and get ready to jive to your own funk… Drum roll please!!!
Prompt list: (Playlist for all songs can be found here)
June 1st - Joy To The World - Three Dog Night / “I never understood a single word he said”
June 2nd - I Wanna Be Bad - Willa Ford / “No I can't promise that I won't do that”
June 3rd - Mack the Knife - Bobby Darin / “And he shows them pearly white”
June 4th - Right Place, Wrong Time - Dr. John / “But I'm having such a good time”
June 5th - Hey! Baby - Bruce Channel / “I'm gonna make her mine, all mine”
June 6th - Therefore I Am - Billie Eilish / “I don't think I caught your name”
June 7th - Jump (For My Love) - Pointer Sisters / “I know you like what you see”
June 8th - Living La Vida Loca - Ricky Martin / “I feel a premonition”
June 9th - Somebody That I Used To Know - Gotye / “Like when you said you felt so happy you could die”
June 10th - Pink Pony Club - Chappell Roan / “Every night's another reason why I left it all”
June 11th - Little Bitty Pretty One - Thurston Harris / “Tell you a story”
June 12th - Tainted Love - Soft Cell / “I cannot stand the way you tease”
June 13th - Town Without Pity - Gene Pitney / “Only those in love could know”
June 14th - Play That Funky Music - Wild Cherry / “Til you die?”
June 15th - Bad Habits - Ed Sheeran / “I got nothin' left to lose, or use, or do”
June 16th - Every Breath You Take - The Police / “Every smile you fake”
June 17th - Say Something - A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera / “It was over my head”
June 18th - Come and Get Your Love - Redbone / “What's the matter with you”
June 19th - Raise Your Glass - P!nk / “You can choose to let it go”
June 20th - All Shook Up - Elvis Presley / “Who do you thank when you have such luck?”
June 21st - Animal I Have Become - Three Days Grace / “I can't control myself”
June 22nd - Wonderwall - Oasis / “Because maybe”
June 23rd - I Believe In A Thing Called Love - The Darkness / “We'll be rocking till the sun goes down”
June 24th - Groove Is In The Heart - Deee-Lite / “No, I couldn't ask for another”
June 25th - Rude - MAGIC! / “I hate to do this, you leave no choice”
June 26th - Total Eclipse of the Heart - Bonnie Tyler / “There's nothing I can do”
June 27th - The Dark End of the Street - James Carr / “That's where we always meet”
June 28th - Northern Attitude - Noah Kahan (with Hozier) / “If I get too close”
June 29th - Mr. Brightside - The Killers / “But it's just the price I pay”
June 30th - Don’t Speak - No Doubt / “I know what you're thinkin'”
Swap-Out Tracks
Praying - Kesha / “I'm proud of who I am”
Don’t Stop Believing - Journey / “A smell of wine and cheap perfume”
Season of the Witch - Donovan / “When I look out my window”
Cry Me A River - Julie London / “Now you say you love me”
Daydream Believer - The Monkees / “You once thought of me”
Dancing Queen - ABBA / “Anybody could be that guy”
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