Show, Don’t Tell: Showing vs. Telling in Writing (With Examples)

When it comes to writing, the advice "show, don’t tell" is something you'll hear again and again.

But what does it really mean?

And why is it so important for making your writing come alive?

In this blog, we'll break down the concept of "show, don’t tell," explore its benefits, and provide practical tips to master this essential writing technique.

Definition and meaning of “show, don’t tell”

"Show, don’t tell" is a fundamental principle in writing that encourages writers to create scenes and descriptions that allow the reader to experience the story through actions, senses, and emotions rather than through exposition or straightforward statements. In simpler terms, it’s about letting your readers infer what’s happening rather than just telling them outright.

For example, instead of telling your readers, “Jane was angry,” you could show Jane’s anger by writing, “Jane’s face turned red, and she slammed her fist on the table, sending her coffee cup flying.” By showing, you paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind and engage their senses, making the story more immersive.

What are the benefits of show vs tell in writing?

"Show, don’t tell" offers several benefits that can significantly enhance your writing:

1. Engages the reader’s imagination: When you show rather than tell, readers are invited to interpret and visualize the story in their own way. This engagement keeps them more invested in the narrative.

2. Creates a deeper emotional impact: Showing allows readers to feel what the characters are experiencing, creating a stronger emotional connection to the story.

3. Makes the story more vivid and dynamic: Showing adds life to your scenes, making them more dynamic and memorable.

4. Provides subtlety and layers: Telling can be blunt and direct, but showing allows for subtlety, letting readers pick up on nuances and layers of meaning.

Examples of showing vs telling in writing

To understand the difference between showing and telling, let’s look at some examples:

Telling: Sarah was nervous about the job interview.

Showing: Sarah’s hands trembled as she fidgeted with the buttons on her blouse. Her heart raced, and she could feel a bead of sweat forming on her forehead.

Telling: The night was cold.

Showing: The crisp night air nipped at his cheeks, and he pulled his coat tighter, his breath visible in the frosty air.

In these examples, telling gives us information, but showing allows us to experience the scene alongside the characters.

Examples of “show, don’t tell” in popular novels

Many successful authors have mastered the art of "show, don’t tell." Here are a few examples from popular novels:

Example from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: Telling: Harry was sad when he saw his parents in the Mirror of Erised. Showing: Harry stared hungrily back at them. He quickly looked over his shoulder to see if anyone was watching. They were alone. His mother smiled and waved at him, and he stared into her face, full of longing.

Example from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby:

Telling: Gatsby was nervous when he was about to meet Daisy. Showing: Gatsby, pale as death, with his hands plunged like weights in his coat pockets, was standing in a puddle of water glaring tragically into my eyes.

These examples show how powerful and evocative writing can be when you focus on showing rather than telling.

How to show not tell in writing: 4 expert tips

Now that you understand the importance of showing rather than telling, here are four expert tips to help you incorporate this technique into your writing:

1. Use sensory details: Engage the reader’s senses by describing how things look, sound, smell, taste, and feel. For example, instead of telling, “The cake was delicious,” you could show, “The rich chocolate melted on her tongue, leaving a sweet, lingering aftertaste.”

2. Focus on action and dialogue: Actions and dialogue are great tools for showing. Instead of telling readers that a character is angry, show their anger through their actions and words. For example, “He clenched his fists and shouted, ‘I’ve had enough!’”

3. Paint the setting vividly: Instead of telling readers the setting, show them through descriptive language. For example, instead of telling, “The garden was beautiful,” you could show, “The garden was a riot of color, with blooming roses and daisies swaying in the gentle breeze.”

4. Avoid over-explaining: Trust your readers to pick up on the cues you’re providing. You don’t need to spell everything out. For example, instead of telling, “She was happy,” show her happiness through her actions and expressions, like, “She skipped down the sidewalk, humming her favorite tune.”

"Show, don’t tell" is crucial for creating immersive, engaging, and emotionally impactful writing. By focusing on sensory details, action, dialogue, and vivid settings, you can bring your story to life in a way that captivates your readers. Remember, it’s not just about telling them what’s happening; it’s about showing them and letting them experience the journey alongside your characters.

So, challenge yourself to show, not tell, and watch your writing flourish!