Let’s begin with the old saying, a picture is worth a thousand words. A related principle is celebrated in writing: “Show, don’t tell.” This potent mantra serves as the beating heart of powerful storytelling, transforming plain words into a vivid tapestry of experiences and emotions.

What Does “Show, Don’t Tell” Mean?

The phrase “show, don’t tell” is frequently tossed around in writing workshops and critique circles. But what does it truly mean? Well, it’s fairly easy to define. To ‘tell’ is to state something outright, handing information to your readers in a straightforward manner. To ‘show,’ on the other hand, is to illustrate these details subtly, providing readers with enough context clues to draw their own conclusions. The latter encourages active engagement, making the reading experience immersive and personal. Perhaps it is more difficult in practice than the definition leads writers to believe. We need some examples!

Consider the following sentences:

Tell: “Javier was angry.”

Show: “Clutching his tousled hair, Javier’s hands balled into fists, his knuckles turning as white as his bared teeth.”

In the ‘telling’ example, we’re simply informed that Javier is angry. It’s a bald statement, void of emotional depth. Yes, it is simple and to the point, which some readers enjoy, but we are also disconnected. Saying that Javier was angry doesn’t give us much. You can still show AND get to the point.

Conversely, the ‘showing’ example paints a vivid picture of Javier’s anger, allowing readers to infer his feelings through his actions.

Useful Strategies for Transforming Your Writing

So, how do you transform ‘telling’ into ‘showing’? How do writers create a visual from an otherwise mundane statement? Here are three key strategies:

1. Use Sensory Details:

Sensory details engage a reader’s senses – sight, touch, sound, smell, and taste – creating a tangible experience. Instead of saying, “The cake was delicious,” show readers with something like, “The cake melted on her tongue, a symphony of sweet strawberries and tangy lemon.”

2. Convey Through Actions and Dialogue:

Revealing character traits and emotions through actions and dialogue is a powerful tool for ‘showing.’ Rather than telling readers, “Maria is a kind person,” demonstrate her kindness with, “Maria stopped to hug the disheartened girl, knowing this simple action could change the course of her day.”

3. Incorporate Thoughts and Feelings:

Delving into a character’s thoughts and emotions provides an intimate glimpse into their psyche. Instead of, “Alex was nervous about the meeting,” consider showing his nerves with, “Alex inhaled deeply, his mind whirling with ‘what ifs’ as the meeting loomed.”

As Always, Do What Needs to Be Done

Despite its immense value, ‘show, don’t tell’ isn’t a hard and fast rule. Telling has its place, too, such as when summarizing events, providing necessary background information, or avoiding redundancy. Effective writing often involves a balanced mix of both ‘showing’ and ‘telling.’

The key lies in knowing when to use each approach. ‘Showing’ works best when you’re dealing with significant moments that need to be emotionally impactful, while ‘telling’ can be more effective for less crucial scenes where specific details aren’t required.

Consider our initial example. If Javier’s anger is a crucial element, it’s worth ‘showing’ to emphasize its intensity. However, a simple ‘telling’ sentence may suffice if it’s a fleeting emotion. There’s no need to draw out every last detail if it’s unnecessary.

Examples for Writers

Mastering ‘show, don’t tell’ is an ongoing journey filled with trial, error, and ample rewriting. As you venture into this exciting terrain, remember that your goal is to draw readers into your story’s world, not merely to present them with a succession of facts.

Showing invites your readers to experience your characters’ trials and triumphs, their hopes and fears, alongside them. It’s a golden ticket into the hearts and minds of your characters, offered with a simple whisper: “Come, see for yourself.”

Example 1:

Telling

Susan was an excellent chef. She was well known in town for her delicious dishes. Every person who tasted her food always wanted more.

Showing

As Susan whisked through her kitchen, her practiced hands danced between sizzling pans and vibrant, chopped vegetables, each movement a testament to her culinary prowess. Her signature dish, a robust spaghetti Bolognese, filled the air with a tantalizing aroma that wafted down the block, enticing the noses of passersby. A spontaneous line would often form outside her door – friends, neighbors, and even strangers, drawn in by the promise of a taste sensation, all returning for just another bite of Susan’s magic.

In the ‘showing’ paragraph, Susan’s skill as a chef is demonstrated through her confident actions and the reactions of people around her.

Example 2:

Telling

Bob was terrified of public speaking. His boss asked him to present at the annual meeting, and Bob was extremely nervous.

Showing

As Bob scanned the memo from his boss, his stomach performed an impromptu somersault – he was to lead the annual meeting presentation. Suddenly, his coffee tasted bitter, and his tie felt like a boa constrictor around his neck. The mere thought of a sea of expectant faces, the deafening silence punctuated only by his voice, sent ice-cold jitters crawling down his spine.

In the ‘showing’ version, Bob’s fear manifests physically and psychologically rather than simply being told he’s scared.

Example 3:

Telling

Lisa loved playing the piano. She played it every day and had won many competitions.

Showing

Daylight or dusk, you’d find Lisa at the piano, her fingers gliding effortlessly across the ivories, weaving beautiful sonatas that echoed through her home. Crowded atop the piano were trophies of all sizes, glittering testaments to her melodic triumphs, yet their presence paled in comparison to the joy that sparkled in Lisa’s eyes with every note she played.

In this ‘showing’ example, we infer Lisa’s love for the piano from her daily commitment to practice, the competitions she’s won, and the joy it brings her.

Example 4:

Telling

Steve was exhausted after his long day at work. When he got home, he was too tired to do anything.

Showing

Steve trudged through the front door, his overcoat hanging off his drooping shoulders like a leaden weight. His eyes, shadowed and bloodshot, squinted against the soft living room light. Each step towards the comfort of the sagging armchair felt like a marathon. He sunk into it, surrendering to its welcoming embrace, a silent promise to his to-do list left unfulfilled.

In the ‘showing’ paragraph, we experience Steve’s fatigue with him – his heavy steps, his reaction to light, and his surrender to rest show us his exhaustion.

Example 5:

Telling

Emily was a very generous person. She always helped others and gave money to charity.

Showing

Emily slid the last $20 bill from her wallet, pressing it into the donation box at the town’s shelter. Her eyes sparkled as she witnessed the young mother and her daughter receive a warm meal, momentarily safe and nourished. Earlier that day, she’d spent her morning helping Mr. Johnson, their elderly neighbor, with his overgrown garden. Her hands might be stained with soil, her wallet lighter, but her heart was full.

In the ‘showing’ version, Emily’s generosity is illustrated through her actions – we see her donating her last $20 and helping her neighbor, which enables readers to experience her generous spirit.

Practice: Mastering “Show, Don’t Tell”

We’ve delved into the concept of ‘show, don’t tell’ and explored its transformative effect on storytelling. Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and put this theory into practice. Below are ten ‘tell’ statements – simple, direct expressions that report the situation.

Your task is to breathe life into these sentences, transforming them into vibrant, ‘showing’ passages. Engage the senses, reveal the information through character actions and dialogue, and dive deep into their thoughts and emotions.

1. Tell: Mike is a very dedicated teacher.
   • Consider describing a scenario where Mike stays after school to help a struggling student, carefully explaining a complex concept until the student understands.
2. Tell: Saraya was so scared she could hardly speak.
   • Describe Sarah’s physical reactions to fear – a racing heartbeat, sweaty palms, a tight throat, or stammering words.
3. Tell: The baby was adorable.
   • Instead of just stating the baby’s adorability, describe specific charming features or actions – like the baby’s giggle, the chubby cheeks, or the fascination with a simple toy.
4. Tell: It was a chilly winter evening.
   • Engage the senses here. You could talk about the sound of crunching snow underfoot, the cold air frosting breaths, or describe the sight of snowflakes lazily drifting down.
5. Tell: Felix felt insulted by his boss’s comments.
   • To show Felix’s insult, write about his reaction to the comments – perhaps a clenched jaw, a shocked silence, or a quiet retreat to the solitude of his office.
6. Tell: Addie was excited about her upcoming birthday party.
   • Describe Addie’s preparations – maybe she’s animatedly planning games or menu, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
7. Tell: The sunset was breathtaking.
   • Delve into the colors and sensory experience of the sunset. Describe the brilliant hues, the silhouetted landscape, or the peaceful ambiance it creates.
8. Tell: He felt deeply embarrassed when he spilled his coffee.
   • Paint the picture of the incident – the coffee spilling on his shirt, the heat flushing his cheeks, or his awkward attempts to clean up the mess.
9. Tell: She was extremely proud of her son’s achievements.
   • Show her bragging about her son to her friends or the loving, teary-eyed look she gives him when he’s not looking.
10. Tell: The city was bustling with activity.
    • Illustrate the busy cityscape – honking cars, swarming pedestrians, or describe the energetic rhythm of city life.

Get Describing!

Remember, “showing” is about creating an image or feeling through description and implication. The goal is not to tell your readers what’s happening but to invite them into the narrative, allowing them to experience the story for themselves. Invite the reader to infer the state or emotion instead of being told directly.

Happy writing!