Avoid using adverbs when mannerisms and thoughts will convey a more vivid picture.

“I . . . I think we should take a break for a while. See other people,” Jake said gently.

“But-but I thought you loved me,” Patti responded anxiously.

“I do, I do. But I just . . . well, I think we need some time off,” he answered quietly.

“Are you dumping me?” she asked fretfully.

“No, I . . . Well, I suppose I am,” he said honestly.

Not only is the excessive use of adverbs annoying to read, it’s also a lazy way to write and makes your dialogue flat. It takes much more effort and detail to avoid overusing adverbs, but it’s time well spent.

Here’s the same scene using mannerisms and thoughts instead of adverbs:

Jake took Patti’s hand in his sweaty palm. She was gazing at him, a small smile playing on her lips. She probably thought he was going to say something sweet, something lovey-dovey. He swallowed back the lump in his throat. “Patti, I . . . I think we should take a break for a while. See other people.” Yikes, that didn’t sound nearly as gentle as I’d hoped.

The color drained from her face. She blinked, looking stunned.”But-but I thought you loved me.” She pulled her hand from his grasp, a line indenting her brow.

He frowned and flicked a glance about the room. “I do, I do,” he said, scratching the back of his neck. “But I just”–he softened his voice, trying to be gentle–”well, I think we need some time off.”

Patti folded her shaky hands together on the tabletop, tears wetting her eyes. “Are you dumping me?”

He let out a slow exhale. “No, I . . . ” Oh, what the heck--I am, aren’t I? Might as well get this done and over with.

“I suppose I am,” he said.