Show, Don’t Tell: How To Master This Essential Writing Technique

Have you ever read a story that made you feel like you were right there in the scene, experiencing every moment? That’s the magic of ‘show, don’t tell’.

It is often attributed to writer Anton Chekhov who wrote, ‘Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass’ and is an important technique to use when you write your novel.

So, let’s cover what it is, how it improves your creative writing and how you can use it in your story.

What Is ‘Show, Don’t Tell’?

‘Show, don’t tell’ is a foundational piece of writing advice that encourages writers to immerse readers in a story by illustrating actions, emotions, and scenes rather than merely explaining them.

This approach, which gained prominence in the early 20th century with modernist writers, allows readers to experience the narrative more vividly, engaging with characters and plot on a deeper, more emotional level.

By showing rather than telling, writers create a more interactive reading experience, trusting the audience to draw their own meaning from the text. This often results in a more compelling and memorable story.

The Benefits of Using ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ In Your Writing

Using the ‘show, don’t tell’ technique in your writing can transform your storytelling in several powerful ways:

• Enhances Reader Engagement: This technique draws readers into the narrative, making them active participants who visualise and feel the story as it unfolds.
• Creates Emotional Impact: Describing emotions through actions and sensory details allows readers to connect more deeply with characters, developing empathy and investment in their journeys.
• Builds a Vivid, Immersive World: When you show details of the setting and characters, you create a more vivid story world that lingers in the reader’s mind.
• Strengthens Character Development: Introducing characters through their actions, body language, speech and interactions reveals their personalities and motivations more naturally and effectively.

Show, Don’t Tell Examples 

To forever seal the power of ‘show, don’t tell’ in writing, here are some before and after examples: 

Example 1: Describing Emotions

Let’s take a look at a piece of writing that wants to communicate the character’s fear. Here is the, well quite frankly, lazy way to depict this: 

Before: She was terrified of the dark.

Boring right? You don’t feel any connection to this text, let alone connect with the character’s emotions. Now take a look when we apply a little more technique: 

After: Her hands trembled as she reached for the light switch, heart pounding with every step into the shadowed hallway.

Hopefully, you now see why show, don’t tell is one of the best ways to tell a story. Below are a few more examples in different writing scenarios. 

Example 2: Setting the Scene

Before: The garden was beautiful.

After: Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the blooming roses, while a gentle breeze stirred the scent of lavender.

Example 3: Character Introductions

Before: John was a stubborn man.

After: John crossed his arms, jaw set, as he refused to budge from his decision, ignoring the pleas of those around him.

5 Ways To Master ‘Show, Don’t Tell’

Now you know why ‘show, don’t tell’ is often referred to as the golden rule when writing a story, here are some top tips to use the technique effectively: 

• Action Verbs: Using action verbs instead of state-of-being verbs activates the imagination of your readers, giving them a crucial part in vividly experiencing your story.
  • For example, ‘She was scared as she walked through the dark alley’ is not a particularly exciting sentence, but add in some action verbs and you’ve got a much stronger line: “Her heart pounded as she crept through the shadowy alley, her breath quickening with every step.”
• Sensory Details: Engage the reader’s senses by describing what characters see, hear, smell, taste and feel. This immerses the reader in the scene, making it vivid and real.
• Incorporate Action: Instead of stating a character’s emotions, show them through their actions. For example, rather than explaining that a character might be nervous, describe their fidgeting hands or their gaze darting around the room. 
• Leverage Dialogue: Dialogue can reveal character traits, relationships, and emotions without directly stating them. How characters speak, the words they choose, and their tone can all convey underlying feelings and tensions.
• Focus on Subtext: What’s left unsaid can be just as powerful as what’s spoken. Subtext allows readers to read between the lines and infer deeper meanings from characters’ interactions and situations.
• Show Internal Reactions: Rather than simply telling the reader how a character feels, illustrate their internal reactions—like a tightening chest or a knot in their stomach—to convey emotions more effectively and give the reader a chance to form their own opinion.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

While ‘show, don’t tell’ is a powerful tool, it’s easy to use it incorrectly, leading to writing errors:

• Overloading with Description: While showing is important, too much description can overwhelm the reader and slow down the narrative. Focus on key details that enhance the scene rather than describing every minor aspect.
• Forgetting to Tell When Necessary: Not every part of your story needs to be shown. Some information, like background details or minor plot points, can be told succinctly to maintain pacing. Use telling strategically to avoid dragging down the narrative.
• Being Too Vague: In an effort to improve their writing, some writers can become too vague, leaving readers confused about what’s happening or what a character is feeling. Ensure that your descriptions and actions are clear enough to convey the intended emotions or information.
• Neglecting Pacing: Showing can sometimes lead to scenes that drag if not managed carefully. Keep an eye on the pacing, and ensure that your story moves forward at a steady, engaging pace by balancing showing with moments of concise telling.
• Overusing Dialogue for Exposition: While dialogue is a great way to show character and emotion, it shouldn’t be used as a vehicle for dumping information. Avoid using characters as mouthpieces for exposition; instead, weave necessary details into the story naturally so you strike the right balance.

Transform Your Writing With ‘Show, Don’t Tell’

‘Show, don’t tell’ is a great way to immerse readers in your story, making them feel as though they’re living alongside your characters. By focusing on sensory details, actions, and subtext, you can create a vivid story that pulls readers in and keeps them engaged.

When you tell in writing, you leave nothing to the reader’s imagination and paint a dull picture that is difficult to invest in. 

As you review your work, ask yourself: Am I simply telling the reader something here? If the answer is yes, challenge yourself to show it instead. With time, this approach will become second nature, improving your writing and bringing your stories to life in a way that resonates deeply with your readers.

Before you know it, you’ll have mastered this technique in no time – good luck!