This is all about awareness. You must know that it is a dream, realize that you are dreaming, really be present in that moment. That is so important. Feel yourself there, be aware of yourself and of your surroundings. Just be present.

Then you can start controlling it.

Step 1, gain awareness of your waking life. It's not about how many reality checks you do, it's about how often you remember to ask yourself whether or not your dream, and how sincere that consideration is. You can never be sure.