Catch Phrases

We all have specific words or phrases we use in certain situations. What does your character say when s/he's excited? What does s/he say when something goes wrong? How does s/he verbally express surprise or disappointment?

Distinct Voices

Write a scene between your main character and his/her closest confidante using only dialogue. Make sure to make each character's voice distinct so it's easy to follow the scene without being told who's speaking.

Speech Patterns

We all have words and phrases we tend to overuse (often without realizing it). Make a list of the words and phrases that tend to pop up in your character's speech.

Omit Needless Words!

As William Strunk, Jr. often said: "Omit needless words!" Take a page of your writing (or someone else's) and cut out any unnecessary words. Try to get as much meaning into as few words as you can.