Dialogue Tags to Change Things Up!
If you find that you use the same dialogue tags over and over, try some of these out! Using new words will help you create more vivid description, and help keep your writing fresh.
Admitted - The person may be reluctant to speak.
Assumed - The person is guessing or unsure.
Advised - The character is giving advice or instruction.
Beamed - To say happily, with a smile.
Breathed - To say airily or very quietly.
Comforted - The character is trying to cheer up or help someone who is upset.
Drawled - The character is speaking in a slow and lazy way; they do not care.
Dryly - To say in a hoarse way, indicating the character could be winded or emotionless.
Jabbered - To say quickly and with excitement.
Offhandedly - The character did not think before they spoke; what they said was strange, rude, TMI, etc.
Persuaded - The character is trying to convince someone of something.
Pointed Out - The character is mentioning something that was not noticed before, or is mentioning again to show importance.
Retorted - To say sharply with anger.
Slyly - To say sneakily or with the intention of deceiving someone, perhaps the character is lying.
Stammered - The character is uncertain about what they are saying, therefore are stuttering.
Testified - The character is giving important information.
There you go! Hopefully you are able to swap some of these out for some less interesting dialogue tags in your stories! If you’re interested in another post like this, please let me know. I’d be happy to help! Anyway, thanks for reading, and happy writing!
-RB