A List of Dialog Tags For Writers
By rhiannon richardson
editor, published author, and writing teacher.
A list of dialog tags is an essential tool for any fiction writer. They help to bring characters to life by giving each fictional person distinct voices. Dialog tags can also be used to convey emotion, mood, tone, and other elements of characterization. In this article, we’ll discuss the various types of speech tags available to writers and how a list of dialog tags can be used effectively in fiction writing.
Types of Speech and Dialog Tags
Dialog tags are words or phrases that indicate who is speaking in a scene. For example:
“I don’t understand,” she said.
The most common dialog tag is “said” because it is unobtrusive and does not draw attention away from the dialogue itself. ‘Said’ should have the top spot on your list of dialog tags. Here’s a short list of dialog tags that come up frequently in fiction writing:
“asked”, “replied”, “exclaimed”, “gasped”, etc.
Speech tags are words or phrases that provide additional information about the speaker beyond just their identity. Examples of speech tags include adverbs like “happily” or “grumpily” which give readers an idea of how a character is speaking.
Other examples of speech tags include words like “implored” or “pleaded” which can be used to show a character's emotional state without using dialogue. But add these to your list of dialog tags sparingly, as these can easily overrun your narrative and err too close to telling in the debate of showing vs telling in writing.
Using Your List of Dialog Tags Effectively
When using a list of dialog tags in your writing, it is important to remember that less is more. Too many tags can make your dialogue feel clunky and unnatural. When possible, try to use action instead of a list of dialog tags, as this will add more depth to your scenes while still conveying the same information. For example, instead of saying:
"I'm so scared," she said.
You could say:
"She took a step back, her eyes wide with fear."
You can split up your list of dialog tags with physical descriptions and a sense of tone. What’s being said in the dialog itself can also play a major role in getting emotion across.
It's also important not to overuse adverbs, as these can become distracting for readers if used excessively. Try to think outside the box when it comes to showing emotions in writing rather than relying on adverbs alone.
Finally, try not to use too many attributions (the phrase that follows the dialog tag, otherwise known as the “speech tag”), as this can break up the flow of conversation between characters. If you have two characters in dialogue, you need fewer of these than you might think. Instead, consider leaving out attributions when possible but make sure that there is enough context for readers so that they understand who is speaking.
Writing realistic dialog takes practice and patience, but by understanding how a list of dialog tags works, you'll be able to craft believable conversations between characters that come alive on the page. Develop your own list of dialog tags, but feel free to get away from it, too, as you find your own dialog style.
craft your best story
Do you want to tell a compelling story that resonates with readers? Let author and editor Rhiannon Richardson help you take your writing to the next level. With her expertise in middle grade, young adult, picture book, and memoir, she can guide you to your best story.
