Do some writers avoid using the word "said" in dialogue? If so, how do they make their dialogue flow naturally without using this word?

60–80% of the time use said. 20–40% use synonyms.

Anything out of the ordinary is memorable. Anything out of a generic day would stand out. Samething applies with writing.

‘Said’ is generic.

But that’s not a bad thing.

It gives you the opportunity to use a word to effectively deliver a line.

But to have dialogue flow naturally without any “said” descriptions at all is because they’ve identified which line belongs to whom. How one character speaks should be obvious compared to how another speaks.

Imagine your character commenting on a kid falling.

Would the start with “Ha!” Or “Pfft!” Or click their tongue in annoyance? “Tch…” Using examples like these also gives you the opportunity to NOT use any “said” lines.

It’s obvious which one is a scoff. Clicking tongue. Or a burst of laughter. You already have the imagery.