Substitutes for Said
One word conveys meaning, emotions, and the background of a conversation
The tagline in dialogue provides information to the reader. Lazy writers typically introduce the speaker, add the word said, and follow it up with a quote. However, experienced writers understand that the way a character speaks enlightens readers about the mood, environment, and tone.
In dialogue using “said” in the tagline, only reports the words that are exchanged. However, a writer who is selective when choosing the tag word, shares so much more. For example, words such as accused complained, and confessed provide a motive behind the speaker’s words. Pleaded, barked, and cried inform readers of the emotions. And with a single word the voice and volume of the speaker becomes evident, whispered, screamed, or whooped.
Too much of a good thing is too much. The word said should still be used when writing dialogue. An overuse of powerful words can create an abundance of tension and cause a reader to be uncomfortable.
Better yet, when possible try not to use a tag line at all. Avoid using tag lines each time a person speaks. This technique can produce dialogue that is natural and relaxed.
Overuse of tag lines identifies a novice writer and lulls readers to sleep or worse yet, prompts her to…
