Writing Lite Tip 48: Use characters’ actions instead of dialogue tags

Writing Lite Tip 48 - Use characters' actions instead of dialogue tags.You already know you don’t need dialogue tags other than “he/she said” or, occasionally, “he/she asked.” Often, however, you don’t need a tag at all, if you couple it with a character’s action. That action, BTW, will tell you more about a character’s frame of mind than a bunch of words. Examples:

Ellie ran a hand through her hair. “I don’t know about that…”
Or
“What do you mean you’re not coming?” Georgia planted her hands on her hips.
Or
“I can’t.” Dar backed away from Alix. “I just can’t see you any more.”