Red Pencil Series - Dialogue Tags (Part 1)
These are the short phrases we use when writing, such as ‘she said’ or ‘asked Linda’. They identify who is speaking, the tone, emotion or intent of what is being expressed. They can be used for clarity within a conversation between characters.
Neutral Tags: Also known as the disappearing tags
These are terms used frequently and recommended by writing guides as words that ‘disappear’ into the narrative.
Said, Asked, Replied, Noted, Added
However, these can become so common place that the writing begins to feel repetitious and create a flat feeling within the writing. They can fall under the ‘Show, Don’t Tell’.
How can we improve the use of dialogue tags to create engaging dialogue that moves the narrative forward instead of falling flat?
Dialogue Tags to ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ Volume:
Whispered, Murmured, Muttered, Shouted
Dialogue Tags to ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ Emotion:
Cried, Sobbed, Sighed, Growled, Laughed
Dialogue Tags to ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ Physicality:
Stuttered, Mumbled, Slurred, Rasped, Wheezed
Dialogue Tags to ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ Intensity:
Demanded, Insisted, Urged, Warned, Threatened
Dialogue Tags to ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ Uncertainty/Thoughtfulness:
Wondered, Speculated, Guessed, Pondered
When editing your dialogue ask yourself what you are trying to convey within the dialogue of a scene. Sometimes you can eliminate a dialogue tag altogether by creating what is called an ‘Action Beat’. These are actions that show emotion and intensity within the dialogue because it is backed by action ‘Showing, Not Telling’.
An example of showing fear and urgency within a dialogue without any tags.
With dialogue tag said: “We have to go now, he’ll be home any minute”, she said urgently.
Without dialogue tag: “We have to go now, he’ll be home any minute.” She grabbed her keys, heading to the door with her shoes in hand.
OR: “We have to go now.” She grabbed her keys, heading to the door with her shoes in hand. “He’ll be home any minute”
How do you know when you should use a neutral tag, a volume tag, ana emotion tag, a physical tag, an intensity tag, an uncertain/thoughtfulness tag, or skip a tag altogether and use an action beat?
It is ok for your default tag to be a neutral tag, when in doubt these are tried and true tags to use when writing. It also removes the stress of figuring it out when you’re just trying to get your first draft written and on the page. These can be revisited during a self-editing phase, as an editor I also look out for the dialogue tags and will suggest changes or removal of the tags so that you don’t have to stress about that aspect of your story until later drafts.
You’ll want to use your other descriptive tags sparingly. Just like neutral tags, too much of something can create a flat dialogue or one that is overly ‘decorative’. Finding a good balance can happen during editing.
Use the action beats when you’re trying to reveal what’s going on without telling the audience. Our above example tells us that this woman is scared and rushing to leave where they are, to the point where she didn’t even put her shoes on. It introduced what is happening by telling us she’s urging someone else to hurry and also giving us the movements of gathering her things and moving to physically leave. This can help break up monotonous description and dialogue.
Above all, prioritize clarity to your reader. Clarity in which character is speaking, who they’re speaking too, and all of the above are taken into consideration to create dialogue and action together that keeps the pacing of the story into a good rhythm and flow. What you don’t want to do is take away from the dialogue itself.
When writing dialogue, one of the key challenges is ensuring that each character’s voice is distinct and the conversation feels authentic. Beyond simply marking who is speaking, dialogue tags can convey subtle elements like emotion, volume, or urgency when used thoughtfully. For instance, even the commonly used tags like ‘said’ or ‘asked’ serve as steady anchors that let the conversation flow without distraction, often referred to as disappearing or neutral tags. However, relying exclusively on these can sometimes result in flat or monotonous dialogue. In my own writing experience, I try to balance the use of these neutral tags with more descriptive ones that reveal nuances without overwhelming the reader. For example, when a character is whispering a secret, using tags like ‘whispered’ or ‘murmured’ can add an extra layer of intimacy or suspense. On the other hand, overusing elaborate tags such as ‘growled’ or ‘lamented’ can make the narration feel forced or melodramatic, which is why moderation is essential. Another effective technique to bring dialogue to life is the use of action beats—brief descriptions of physical movements or gestures that accompany speech. For example, instead of writing, “We need to leave now,” she said urgently, you might write, “We need to leave now.” She grabbed her coat and headed for the door, eyes darting anxiously around the room. This ‘show, don’t tell’ method leverages the power of body language to communicate the character’s feelings and urgency without explicitly stating them in the dialogue tag. Moreover, clarity should remain a top priority when editing dialogue. It’s important to ensure readers always know which character is speaking, especially during fast-paced conversations or group interactions. Sometimes opting to remove a tag altogether in favor of distinctive voice or action can maintain flow and reduce redundancy. In summary, experimenting with dialogue tags—using neutral tags as a base, sprinkling in tags that convey volume, emotion, or intensity, and incorporating action beats—can transform your dialogue from simple exchanges into vivid storytelling. This layered approach not only engages readers but also deepens their connection to the characters and advances your narrative effectively.