If you search for alternative dialogue tags to use in your story, you’ll find many lists.
While some synonyms for ‘said’ read naturally (such as words conveying volume like ‘whispered’), others come across as overwritten and forced, particularly in the wrong context.
HERE are 5 simple ways to avoid clunky overuse of ‘he said/she said’
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I do agree with those who claim that ‘he (or she) said’ becomes invisible, so one can get away with constant repetition. I also agree, though, that substitutes should be sought, but used only when completely appropriate, and sparingly. ‘Said’ is invisible; ‘murmured’ is not, and many writers have their characters murmuring non-stop throughout every love scene. A group of ‘experts’ I strongly disagree with are those who discourage the use of adverbs with ‘said’. ‘Said almost inaudibly’ or ‘said angrily’ have a quite different effect from ‘whispered/muttered/murmured’ or ‘shouted/raged/stormed’.
Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog 
Reblogged this on Viv Drewa – The Owl Lady.
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I do agree with those who claim that ‘he (or she) said’ becomes invisible, so one can get away with constant repetition. I also agree, though, that substitutes should be sought, but used only when completely appropriate, and sparingly. ‘Said’ is invisible; ‘murmured’ is not, and many writers have their characters murmuring non-stop throughout every love scene. A group of ‘experts’ I strongly disagree with are those who discourage the use of adverbs with ‘said’. ‘Said almost inaudibly’ or ‘said angrily’ have a quite different effect from ‘whispered/muttered/murmured’ or ‘shouted/raged/stormed’.
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great suggestions/alternatives –
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Glad you found them useful, Beth 😃
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