Show Don’t Tell in Writing: What It Means (With Examples)
You’ve heard it before: “Show, don’t tell.” It’s one of the most common pieces of writing advice—and one of the most confusing.
What does it actually mean? And how do you know if you’re guilty of “telling” instead of “showing”?
Let’s break it down, look at real examples, and figure out how to spot (and fix) telling in your own drafts.
What Does “Telling” Mean?
Telling is when you state facts, emotions, or descriptions directly instead of letting the reader experience them.
“She was sad.”
“The room was messy.”
These sentences communicate information, but they don’t create an image or emotion in the reader’s mind. They name something instead of showing what it feels like.
What Does “Showing” Mean?
Showing is when you use sensory detail, action, or context to let the reader feel what’s happening.
Telling: “She was sad.”
Showing: “She kept her eyes on the floor, blinking fast as she twisted the sleeve of her sweatshirt.”
Telling: “The room was messy.”
Showing: “Clothes spilled across the floor, and a stack of dishes leaned dangerously on the desk.”
Showing paints a picture. Telling reads like a summary.
Why Telling Feels Flat
Telling isn’t wrong—sometimes you need it to move the story along. But too much telling:
Distances your reader from the scene.
Flattens emotional impact.
Makes your prose feel like a summary instead of a lived experience.
When you show, you:
Engage the reader’s senses.
Let them feel emotions instead of being told what the emotion is.
Create immersive, memorable moments.
Common Places Telling Slips In
1. Naming Emotions Instead of Showing Them
Telling: “He was nervous.”
Showing: “His palms slicked with sweat, and he kept wiping them on his jeans.”
2. Flat Scene Summaries
Telling: “The town was quiet.”
Showing: “Shutters hung half-closed, and not a single voice carried down the street.”
3. Info Dumps & Backstory Blocks
Telling: “She had always been strong-willed, even as a child.”
Showing: “At six years old she crossed her arms and told her father, ‘No. I’m not moving.’”
How to Fix Telling in Your Writing
Spot the verbs “was” or “felt.” They often signal telling. Instead of “She was angry” → show her slamming the door.
Ask: Can I make this visual? If a reader can’t see it, try rewriting.
Anchor emotions in action. Don’t name the emotion—show what the body does under its weight.
Use detail with purpose. Don’t describe everything, only the things that reveal mood, character, or tension.
Takeaway
Telling gives information. Showing creates experience. The trick isn’t to ban telling—it’s to balance it. Use telling when you need speed, and showing when you need impact.
Think of it this way: Telling is a road sign. Showing is the journey.
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