10 Examples of Formal and Informal Dialogue

Formal and Informal Dialogue

When initiating a speech act, the participants make decisions that depend on the context, the topic being developed, who or who the interlocutors are, among others. Considering these issues, the speaker adapts his speech, intonation, gestures and language, with the aim of successful communication.

Depending on the relationship between the speakers, a dialogue can be:

Characteristics of formal dialogue

• Sometimes the subject to be discussed is known in advance.
• The exchange follows a prescribed order.
• Special care is taken in the use of language:
  • There is greater precision in the choice of words.
  • The pronoun "you" is used to express the distance and respect that is maintained with the interlocutor.
  • Courtesy formulas are included.
  • Avoid vulgar terms or too much colloquial.
  • The statements they are more elaborate.
  • May include technical language from a specific area known to the conversational speakers.
  • Gestures are avoided and posture is taken care of.
• There may be hierarchical differences between speakers, of the type boss-employee or teacher-student.
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• It can also be used to express respect. For example: before an older adult.

Characteristics of informal dialogue

• He is spontaneous, free and friendly.
• The pronoun you (or you, in countries like Argentina and Uruguay), to express friendship and closeness.
• The topics develop naturally, without prior protocols.
• The conversation can be fragmented, interrupted, end abruptly.
• There is no special care for language:
  • Allowed exclamations.
  • Expressions that directly appeal to the interlocutor's attention can be used.
  • Colloquial lexicon and terminology related to sociolects or dialects specific.
  • There is little care in formulating sentences that, moreover, can be interrupted.
  • Gestures and variations in intonation are used to accentuate the message being delivered.
• There is no hierarchical differentiation between the speakers.

Examples of formal dialogue

1. Dialogue between a teacher and the students

TEACHER: Good morning, students. I am Professor Gómez and I will be in charge of your history classes.
STUDENTS: Good morning, teacher.
TEACHER: Today we will discuss the first topic on the program: ancient civilizations. Open the subject manual to page fifty-four to begin reading.
STUDENT: Excuse me, teacher, I'm Marcos Domínguez, could you repeat the page number?
TEACHER: Of course, Domínguez. It's page fifty-four.
STUDENT: Thank you very much.

1. Dialogue between two strangers

TO. Excuse me, sir. I'm looking for Mirasoles street. Do you know her?
B. Sorry I'm not from the area. But I can tell you where the police station is so that you can make your inquiry. I crossed it just a moment ago.
TO. If you would kindly provide me with that information, it would be very helpful to me.
B. Of course: walk one hundred meters in that direction and turn left. There you will find the police officer at the door of the offices.
TO. Thank you.
B. Bye.

1. Dialogue of a job interview

TO. Good afternoon, are you Rafael Sánchez?
B. Yes, it's me. Pleasure.
TO. Please take a seat. I introduce myself: I am Bernardo De las Casas and I am the company's Human Resources manager. To begin, I would like to ask you a few personal questions. Are you currently working?
B. Yes, I have been working as an administrative employee in Empresa Del Sur, for five years.
TO. Very well. And what are the tasks you perform in your current position?
B. Well, I do a large number of tasks, all related to the financial organization of the company and the payment of the employees.
TO. I understand. What are the reasons why you are interested in changing jobs?
B. In principle, I would like to have new work experiences, change my environment and face new challenges.
TO. Then, surely, you will love the proposal that I am going to offer you.

1. Dialogue between a client and an employee

CLIENT: Miss, sorry for the inconvenience, I would like to ask you a question.
EMPLOYEE: Good afternoon, it's not a bother. Tell me, how can I help you?
CUSTOMER: I wanted to return this garment that I bought yesterday. You see, it has a hole.
EMPLOYEE: Allow me the garment. I see, it's a manufacturing flaw. Do you want to change it for the same one?
CUSTOMER: To tell the truth, I would like to choose another color.
EMPLOYEE: Of course. These are the ones we have available at the moment.
CLIENT: Very good. I choose this.
EMPLOYEE: I'll wrap it up right away.
CLIENT: Thank you very much.

1. Dialogue between a man and a receptionist in a restaurant

MAN: Good morning. I am communicating to request a reservation for tonight.
RECEPTION: Very good. First I must ask you a few questions.
MAN: I hear it.
RECEPTION: What time would you like the reservation for?
MAN: If possible, at nine in the evening.
RECEPTION: I'm afraid all tables are reserved at that time. Is eight o'clock okay?
MAN: Well, it's a bit early, but it's okay.
RECEPTION: Excellent. For how many diners do I prepare the table?
MAN: We will be five people.
RECEPTION: In whose name will the reservation be made?
MAN: Omar Contursi, if he's so kind.
RECEPTION: Very well, we are waiting for you Mr. Contursi.
MAN: See you soon.

Examples of informal dialogue

1. Dialogue between neighbors

D: Hi Ricardo, how are you?
A: Hi Daniel, how are you?
D: I haven't seen you for a long time ...
A: I just went on a trip. I only came back yesterday. I had an amazing time.
D: How happy I am! Send my regards to your mother.
A: Likewise, bye!

1. Dialogue between friends

I: What don't you know, Francisca?
F: What happened to you Isabel?
I: Last night I went to dinner at the trendy bar and I saw Ricky Martin.
F: I don't believe it!
I: I swear I do. It was him! And I asked for an autograph. Sight.
F: And you didn't take a picture?
I: No, my cell phone was out of battery.

1. Dialogue between coworkers

CARLOS: Good morning.
SABRINA: Hello, Carlos, what a face! Something happened to you?
CARLOS: We finished late with the balance last night and then I couldn't sleep. I think I need a vacation.
SABRINA: Yes, but with the new boss, I wouldn't dare ask for them. Did you see that he is always dog-faced? He never says "please" or "thank you."
CARLOS: It's true, but do you know what? Although he seems very serious, when you get to know him a little more he is kind and understanding. Today I'm going to ask for my vacation.

1. Dialogue between husband and wife

ROBERTO: Hello my love, how good that you arrived because dinner is almost ready.
INÉS: What joy, darling. Today I had a crazy day, I want to take a bath and rest.
ROBERTO: I also had a difficult day, the system fell and customer complaints rained down, all very angry, asking the impossible: that it be restored immediately.
INÉS: Well, tomorrow will be another day. Can you pass me the salt, please? What are you watching?
ROBERTO: Here. It's a new TV show, I think you'll like it.

1. Dialogue between a father and a daughter

FATHER: Marcia, how are you?
DAUGHTER: Regular.
FATHER: What is it, daughter?
DAUGHTER: I got a two on the biology test. I studied so much for this!
FATHER: I'm so sorry, Marcia. I know you are very dedicated. You will surely be able to improve your result in the next evaluation.
DAUGHTER: I don't think so ...
FATHER: Of course I do! Let's go! Give me a hug, everything will get better!
DAUGHTER: Thanks, Dad!

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