Verbs of Reported Speech:

The verbs that you use in your reported speech sentences ("he says") MUST reflect the author's intention and tone.  That is, using "say" or "state" over and over is not only boring  and repetitive but also gives the reader very little information.  Below is a list (not exhaustive) of possible verbs.  Choose your verbs according to the author's intention.  Ask yourself if he/she is arguing, explaining, demanding, asking, reporting, etc.

• admit
• answer
• argue
• ask (if)
• believe
• claim
• confirm
• consider 
• demonstrate
• deny
• discuss*
• doubt
• emphasize
• find
• hope
• inquire (if)
• insist
• mention
• point out
• question (if)
• recall
• recommend
• report
• respond
• say
• show
• state
• stress
• suggest
• tell*
• think
• understand
• warn
• wonder (if)
• write

NOTE:  Most of these are followed by a noun clause (eg. He states that Americans are afraid of non-existent risks).  However, some CANNOT BE.  Those that cannot are followed by an asterisk.  These must be followed by a noun or noun phrase (He discusses the problems of youth today; He tells the reader that we are too afraid.)  "Ask," "question," "inquire," and "wonder" must be followed by "whether or not" or "if" (He wonders if Americans understand statistical probability.)