Tags
There are a few things you can do with the dialogue to save words and keep readers engaged without having to make extra boring, long sentences.
Dialogue tags in this context refers to the action of the character in which a speech is expressed.
Normally a character 'said' is the usual most rampant dialogue tag, but there are other words that can be used instead of 'say' or 'said'.
Example
"I like sushi," I whispered in his ears.
The manner of speech here is whisper.
"I hate mushrooms!" Susan shouted.
The dialogue tag is Susan shouted.
These verbs describe the tone of voice of a character. They can be used in place of said.
Description
Instead of dialogue tags, you can describe a character from a statement he makes. Making the description short, precise and simple.
"I like sushi," Susan said tucking a strand of blonde hair away from her freckled cheeks.
"Open the door!" The man wiped sweat from his round hairless head and hit his dark heavy boots against the iron door.
Emotion
Dialogue Tags can be used to convey emotions.
Example, Anger
Shouted, bellowed, rebuked, yelled, snapped, etc
Happiness
Sighed, murmured, gushed, laughed
Determination
Declared, insisted, maintained, commanded etc
Conflict
Demanded, threatened, insinuated, Jabbed, spat, hissed, glowered etc
Fear
Whispered, hesitated, stuttered, gasped, babbled etc
Amusement
Giggled, laughed, joked, teased, chuckled, chortled, sniggered etc
Use sparingly. You don't want your dialogue to be filled with conflicting tags.
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