"Show don't tell" is a common saying in the writing business and rightfully so. Showing instead of telling is one of the most useful writing techniques since it draws in readers. and engages them. Even though it is short, this piece of advice applies to both new writers and established writers.
What Does Show Don't Tell Mean?
Although "show don't tell" sounds easy to use, it can be hard to learn especially for new writers. But, don't fret once you understand how to "show" in writing, you won't go back! The technique of showing instead of telling allows readers to be pulled into a book and experience the story through imagery, sensory details, and actions.
The Differences Between Showing And Telling
Showing is quite different than telling. When you "show" in your writing, you are drawing a vivid scene using details that relate to all 5 senses. When you use this technique you are allowing the reader to experience the story and interpret it, instead of lecture it. "Showing" keeps the reader actively involved with the story rather than watching it from the sidelines. Simply put, instead of telling the details of a story, showing lets readers be transported into the novel. Telling separates readers from the story and won't engage them.
Examples of Showing and Telling
Make sure that you don't talk to the reader, but instead, show them what is happening in the world and let them experience it. As you write your next novel, consider the following examples:
Tell: "She and I are best friends."
Show: "A grin overtook my face as I ran to embrace her. We wrapped our arms around each other and I melted into her, inhaling the comforting smell of her sweater."
Showing is extremely important for describing relationships. In the first example, the main character tells the reader that she has a best friend, however, she doesn't prove it or engage the reader. Instead, the reader is merely observing the scene. In the second example, the reader is shown how good friends they are and feels the emotions the main character is feeling.
Tell: "John is terrified."
Show: "John's heart thumps violently in his chest like a drum. His face is chalky and ashen. When the floorboards creak, he screams a blood-curdling scream, and beads of sweat roll down his face."
Although both examples demonstrate that John is terrified, the second example does a much better job of engaging the reader. This example puts the reader into John's shoes and lets them feel the sensations that John is feeling. The second example allows the reader to experience fear.
5 Tips For Showing Instead Of Telling
Showing is important not only for fictional novels but also for non-fiction stories. Follow these 5 tips to show not tell in your writing:
Relate To The Senses
The best way to bring a reader into the scene is through the 5 senses. In each scene be sure to include how each of the senses responds to that scene. Before writing a scene, make a list of what the character feels, hears, sees, tastes, and smells, then rewrite and incorporate thses senses into the scene.
Use Dialogue
Dialogue is an easy way to bring showing into your novel. Dialogue is in real-time and engages readers in the scene. Including dialogue is a good way to demonstrate narrative and setting details without having to tell them. Dialogue is also useful for teaching the reader about the personality of a character and introducing characters.
Replace Emotion-Specific Words
Although this can be hard to stick with, instead of using emotion-specific words show the reader how a character is feeling. Emotion-specific words are typically weak words and don't draw readers into the novel. Examples of emotion-specific words are happy, sad, angry, hurt, jealous, anxious, nauseous, and love. If you want readers to know the emotion of a character, show it instead of telling it.
Use Strong Verbs
Strong verbs are dynamic and descriptive and will help your writing be vivid. Strong verbs typically give readers an image of what a character is doing and therefore engross readers into a scene. For example instead of saying, "character A said," you may want to say, "character A screamed." The second example paints a clear picture of what the character is doing.
Practice Every Day
Showing instead of telling can take some getting used to, which is why you should practice each day. You don't need to edit your work, but rather think of a scene or emotion and write it using the showing technique.
Utilizing these tips and with regular practice, "showing" will become very natural and easy for you to write, even though it seems hard. "Showing' is a vital part of good writing and I hope these tips help you "show" in your writing.