If you’ve ever come across the phrase “show, don’t tell” while working on your writing, you may have wondered what it really means. It sounds simple enough, but when it comes time to put pen to paper, many writers find themselves unsure of how to apply it.
Understanding how to use “show, don’t tell” in your writing can elevate your storytelling dramatically. It helps you create richer, more immersive experiences that pull readers into your world. Whether you're just starting out or refining your style, this guide will help you make sense of the concept, using practical advice and plenty of “show, don't tell” writing examples.
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What Is “Show, Don’t Tell”?
The phrase “show, don’t tell” is a common piece of writing advice. So, what’s the difference between showing and telling? To put it simply, telling states facts outright. Showing, on the other hand, invites the reader to interpret and feel the story through actions, imagery, dialogue, and sensory details.
Telling:
Emma was nervous before the presentation.
Showing:
Emma’s fingers drummed against her notepad as she glanced at the clock for the fifth time in two minutes.
The definition of “show, not tell” is letting the reader experience what’s happening rather than explaining it directly.
Why Does “Showing Not Telling” Matter?
Stories that tell too much often feel flat or distant. By showing, you allow the reader to actively engage with your characters and world. It creates depth, emotion, and realism. Readers don't just know your character is sad; they feel it.
Showing, not telling, in writing brings your narrative to life, turning plain descriptions into powerful moments. If you want readers to connect with your work, this is one of the most effective ways to do it.
When Is Telling Acceptable?
Telling isn’t a writing sin; it has its place. You can use it to move quickly through time, summarise unimportant events, or provide background information efficiently. The trick is knowing when to show and when to tell.
A good balance might look like this: tell to get from scene to scene, and show when it’s time to dive into an emotional beat, key moment, or reveal.
How Can You Show Instead of Tell?
If you’re wondering how to “show, not tell” in your writing, here are some straightforward techniques that can make a big difference. These approaches help you turn flat statements into vivid scenes that stay with your reader.
1. Use the Five Senses
One of the simplest ways to bring your writing to life is by drawing on the five senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. These sensory cues place the reader inside the scene, making it more immersive and believable.
Telling:
The kitchen was messy.
Showing:
Unwashed dishes teetered in the sink, and a sour smell clung to the air like a warning. Crumbs dotted the counter, and something sticky tugged at her shoe as she stepped inside.
2. Focus on Body Language
People don’t always say how they feel, but they often show it in their movements, posture, and expressions. Describing a character’s physical reactions is one of the most effective ways to show emotion without naming it directly.
Telling:
He was angry.
Showing:
His nostrils flared, and his voice dropped to a tight whisper. His fingers twitched at his sides, then curled into fists.
3. Use Dialogue
Dialogue is a powerful way to reveal character, mood, and motivation. What someone says, and how they say it, can show far more than a simple statement ever could.
Telling:
She was rude.
Showing:
“Move,” she snapped, not even glancing at the person she’d just pushed past. Her tone was sharp enough to silence the room.
The rhythm, tone, and choice of words can all communicate mood and personality without explicitly stating it.
4. Let the Setting Reflect the Mood
Your environment can serve as a subtle reflection of your character’s emotional state. Instead of saying someone feels lonely, you might show their world as quiet, still, or empty.
Telling:
She felt lonely.
Showing:
The single bulb flickered above her as she sipped cold tea in silence, the second chair untouched since last week. The ticking of the clock was the only sound in the room.
By describing surroundings with emotional undertones, you add atmosphere and resonance to your story. It’s a subtle but powerful way to deepen your narrative.
5. Show Emotions Through Action and Atmosphere
Many writers struggle with portraying emotions in a natural and engaging way. Rather than simply stating how a character feels, you can hint at their emotions through what they do, how they move, and the world around them. This creates emotional depth and allows your readers to interpret and feel alongside your characters.
Fear
Telling:
He was afraid.
Showing:
His footsteps slowed, and he kept looking over his shoulder, breath shallow and uneven.
Grief
Telling:
She was grieving.
Showing:
She still set the second plate at dinner, out of habit more than hope.
Excitement
Telling:
He was excited.
Showing:
He couldn’t stop bouncing on his heels, checking the time every few seconds.
These are strong examples of “showing, not telling” emotions and can be used in everything from dialogue to description to internal thought.
6. Show Reactions and Consequences
Emotions often lead to actions, both small and dramatic. By showing what a character does in response to a feeling or event, you help readers understand what’s going on without spelling it out.
Telling:
He was devastated.
Showing:
He stood motionless as the phone slipped from his hand and clattered to the floor. Minutes passed before he blinked.
Reactions are often more powerful than the emotion itself, especially when readers are allowed to draw their own conclusions.
7. Be Specific, Not Generic
Generic language tends to tell. Specificity, on the other hand, roots your story in concrete images that invite the reader to connect more deeply.
Telling:
The party was fun.
Showing:
Laughter burst through the garden as fairy lights shimmered overhead. Ella danced barefoot on the grass, her cheeks flushed and her drink forgotten on the table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mastering the balance between showing and telling takes time, and it's easy to overdo it in either direction. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Over-explaining: Once you’ve shown something, don’t follow it with a tell.
She slammed the door and kicked the wall. She was angry.
(The last sentence is unnecessary; the action already made it clear.)
- Showing too much: Not every sentence needs rich detail. Over-describing every moment can slow your story. Use showing strategically for emotional or pivotal moments.
- Vagueness: Be clear enough for your reader to understand what’s going on. If your showing is too subtle, they may miss your point entirely.
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How to Practise “Show, Don’t Tell”
Want to sharpen your skills? These simple exercises can help you build confidence with “showing, not telling” in your writing.
1. Emotion Swap
Pick five emotions and write a paragraph for each without naming the emotion. Focus on physical reactions, sensory details, and body language.
2. Description Challenge
Choose an everyday setting (a café, a garden, a school hallway) and describe it using one emotion as the underlying mood, without ever naming that emotion.
3. Character Sketch
Write a short scene where two characters argue or fall in love, but without telling the reader how they feel. Let their actions and words do the work.
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