Resources for Writers
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Dialogue Tags Simplified
As a lifelong reader, I never gave much thought to the mechanics of writing.
I knew the familiar advice—show, don’t tell—but it wasn’t until I began drafting my own novel that I learned how directly that applies to dialogue tags.
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I discovered this almost by accident when a writing program flagged that I was relying too heavily on non-standard dialogue tags. A standard dialogue tag is something simple and familiar—said or asked. Over time, I learned a few practical rules that helped streamline my dialogue and keep the focus where it belongs: on the scene itself.
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Three Simple Guidelines for Dialogue Tags
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1. Favor standard tags.
About 80% of dialogue tags should be simple (said, asked). They’re nearly invisible to the reader, which helps maintain immersion.
2. Use action beats for emotion and emphasis.
Let physical movement, setting, and pacing convey tone instead of emotional adverbs or embellished tags.
3. Don’t tag every line.
If it’s already clear who’s speaking—because only two characters are present or the voices are distinct—a tag isn’t necessary at all. If the reader never has to ask "Who’s speaking?" you can safely leave it out.
Example: Simple Dialogue Tags
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“I don’t really remember what happened.”
Witherspoon nodded in understanding. “It was rough, over Hamburg. We managed to get you out of the ball turret after you were hit. Stanowick even took down a Jerry as we left. We were all sweating it out that we’d get you back in time!”
Podoske, the copilot, stuck his head through the small crowd. “Yeah. Landing was another story—a busted wheel and all. Johnston pulled off quite the stunt bringing us down in one piece.” He clapped the pilot on the back appreciatively. “The medics took it from there, got you help fast.”
Caruso looked at them, one by one. “Thank you all. You saved my life. I don’t know what I’ll do to repay you.”
“No need. You’re one of our own,” Lieutenant Stevens said. “We’re saving your spot.”
“Thanks, fellas.” He let out a big sigh, and the room fell quiet.
The Same Scene — When Dialogue Tags Compete
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“I don’t really remember what happened,” Caruso admitted.
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“It was rough, over Hamburg,” Witherspoon explained. “We managed to get you out of the ball turret after you were hit,” he added.
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“Landing was another story,” Podoske remarked seriously. “Johnston pulled off quite the stunt bringing us down in one piece,” he said proudly.
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Here, the dialogue tags begin to compete with the dialogue itself, steering the reader’s emotional response instead of allowing the scene to unfold on its own.
Takeaway
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Simple dialogue tags—and fewer of them—keep the reader immersed. When emotion comes from context and action, dialogue doesn’t need commentary; it just needs room.
