Know your annoyances. Practically everyone is particularly sensitive to something. It keeps things popping when characters have habits that annoy other characters. Fighter Joe hates high-pitched sounds, and also happens to be adored by the rather shrill and hopelessly talkative mage, Donna. It's a simple technique that characterizes, and can be both visual and entertaining.
Actions speak louder than attributions.
Sometimes, however, names just aren't good enough when you have five or six characters in a dialogue. In that case, tags and gestures become a necessity. Use them in place of attribute tags where possible to keep characters in action and distinct in the scene. Facial expressions and body language also become of paramount importance for the reader to have a clear idea of what's going on. Jock nodded, and lowered his voice.