Every writing teacher has said it: “Show, don’t tell.” You’ve probably nodded, felt guilty, and gone straight back to writing, anyway. Don’t worry — this advice isn’t a punishment. It’s a superpower. Master it, and your readers will feel, see, and live your story rather than just reading it.
Here’s how to understand it, practice it, and finally get it right — without overthinking every sentence.
1. What “Show, Don’t Tell” Really Means
- Telling: States facts or emotions directly.
- “Sarah was sad.”
- Showing: Demonstrates those facts or emotions through action, dialogue, and sensory detail.
- “Sarah’s hands trembled as she folded the letter, her eyes fixed on the darkened street outside.”
Showing invites readers to experience your story rather than just being told about it.
2. Engage the Senses
People remember what they sense. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell make writing vivid.
Example:
Instead of:
“It was a hot day.”
Try:
“The asphalt radiated heat, and sweat dripped down Marco’s neck as he fanned himself with a battered notebook.”
Sensory details immerse readers instantly.
3. Use Actions to Reveal Character
Character traits are more believable when shown through choices and behavior.
Example:
Instead of:
“John was impatient.”
Try:
“John drummed his fingers on the table, tapping his foot in a rhythm only he seemed to hear.”
The reader sees impatience instead of being told about it.
4. Dialogue Is a Secret Weapon
What characters say — and how they say it — can show their personality, mood, and relationships.
Example:
“I guess I’ll just do it myself,” Lily muttered, rolling her eyes.
You learn about Lily’s frustration, independence, and attitude — all without a single adjective.
5. Let Readers Infer Emotions
You don’t need to spell out every feeling. Trust your reader’s intelligence.
Example:
Instead of:
“He was scared.”
Try:
“His pulse thundered in his ears. He edged backward, barely breathing, eyes darting to the dark alley.”
Readers experience the fear — it feels real because it’s shown, not labeled.
6. Balance Showing and Telling
Yes, sometimes telling is okay. Not every sentence needs to be cinematic. Use telling to:
- Move time forward quickly
- Summarize minor events
- Provide context efficiently
Think of telling as seasoning. Show the main events, conflicts, and emotional beats; tell the transitions or less critical details.
7. Practice with “Rewrite This Sentence” Exercises
Pick a paragraph where you’ve told something, then rewrite it showing it instead.
Original (telling):
“Anna was nervous about the presentation.”
Rewritten (showing):
“Anna’s palms sweated as she shuffled her notes, glancing at the clock every three seconds. Her stomach churned as the room filled with murmurs and shifting chairs.”
The difference is immediate — readers feel Anna’s nerves instead of being told.
8. Observe Real Life
Writers are professional observers. Watch people and note:
- How someone expresses impatience or joy
- Body language that betrays anger or fear
- Tone, cadence, and quirks in speech
Use these observations to enrich your writing.
💬 Final Thoughts
“Show, don’t tell” isn’t a punishment or rule — it’s a tool for immersion. Engage the senses, reveal character through action, and trust readers to infer emotion. Mix showing with occasional telling, and your writing will feel alive and memorable.
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