Short and Sharp:
* Exclaimed: "Exclaimed the boy, "You mean we're going to the beach?!"
* Gasped: "Gasped the girl, "I can't believe you won!"
* Whimpered: "Whimpered the dog, "Did you say walkies?"
* Cried: "Cried the woman, "You're kidding, right?"
* Spat: "Spat the man, "You're telling me you did that?!"
* Shouted: "Shouted the teacher, "What in the world are you doing?"
* Barked: "Barked the officer, "Hold it right there!"
More Expressive:
* Stammered: "Stammered the student, "I-I-I don't understand."
* Whispered: "Whispered the spy, "Are you sure about this?"
* Stuttered: "Stuttered the witness, "I-I-I saw him do it!"
* Choked: "Choked out the suspect, "I-I didn't do it!"
* Squealed: "Squealed the child, "A puppy! A puppy!"
* Breathed: "Breathed the hiker, "We made it!"
Adding Emphasis:
* Said with a gasp: "Said with a gasp, "You're leaving?!"
* Said in astonishment: "Said in astonishment, "Did you really just say that?"
* Said with wide eyes: "Said with wide eyes, "This is amazing!"
* Said in disbelief: "Said in disbelief, "I can't believe it!"
Other Alternatives:
* Muttered: "Muttered the man, "This is a nightmare."
* Moaned: "Moaned the patient, "My head hurts."
* Sighed: "Sighed the woman, "I give up."
* Gurgled: "Gurgled the baby, "Goo goo ga ga."
Remember to choose the word that best fits the context of your story and the character's personality.