I don’t usually suggest that my writing coach clients resist the urge to be creative. In fact, I never suggest that–with one notable exception. Straying from basic speech tags is one of those rookie writing mistakes you want to avoid.
“That makes no sense,” I hear you say.
In a way, it does. Think of picture frames. If the frames are stunningly original, they wind up competing with the paintings they’re supposed to highlight. Similarly, in writing, if your speech tags are stunningly original, you’ll draw attention to the speech tags rather than the dialogue. Obviously, you want to let the dialogue do the talking. That’s what needs to shine. The speech tags are only there to make sure the reader knows who’s speaking or thinking.
So, when the speakers are clearly identifiable, dump the speech tags. That’s point #1.
Point #2: When you do need to use speech tags, keep them simple. More often than not, you’ll use the verb “to say.” Your characters will also whisper, yell (along with variations like scream and shriek), joke, or ask. They may mutter, reply, plead, demand, or interrupt. If you’re writing internal dialogue, they may think or wonder. There are a few more speech tags that work, but not many.
While that may sound limiting or boring, getting super creative with your speech tags not only detracts from your dialogue, but it also tags you as an amateur writer. And none of us need that.
Finally, for point #3, remember that speech tags relate to speech. While that sounds obvious, writers regularly mess this up. The fact is that you can’t giggle or wink or shrug or grin a bit of dialogue and neither can your characters. You and your characters can say that bit of dialogue, followed by an action.
- Wrong: “I know you love me,” he smiled.
Right: “I know you love me,” he said with a smile.
- Wrong: “You’re doomed,” he sneered.
Right: “You’re doomed.” His sneer betrayed a sense of contempt mixed with pleasure.
So, the next time you’re tempted to get creative with the speech tags in your prose, remind yourself to keep those basic and focus on ramping up the dialogue or scene-setting instead.
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