Why It Matters
This is THE most important technique in creative writing. Examiners specifically look for it. "Show, don't tell" makes your writing vivid and immersive — the reader experiences the emotion instead of just being informed about it.
Examples
Weak vs Strong Comparisons
“I was scared.”
“My heart hammered against my ribs. My palms were slick with sweat, and every shadow seemed to move.”
“She was happy.”
“A grin spread across her face, and she bounced on her toes, unable to keep still.”
“He was angry.”
“His jaw tightened. He gripped the edge of the table until his knuckles turned white.”
“It was a cold day.”
“My breath escaped in silver clouds, and the tips of my fingers had gone numb inside my gloves.”
“The food was delicious.”
“The first bite was an explosion of flavour — rich, buttery, and so perfectly seasoned that I closed my eyes.”
For every emotion in your story, ask yourself: "How would a camera see this?" A camera can't film "sad" — but it can film tears, slumped shoulders, a person staring out of a window. That's what you should write.
Practice Exercises
Try these exercises to practise using show, don't tell in your own writing. Click "Show Suggestions" to see example answers.
1
Show "excitement" without using the word.
I couldn't sit still. My knee bounced under the desk, my eyes kept darting to the clock, and every second felt like an hour.
The grin wouldn't leave my face. I read the letter again — and again — and then once more, just to make sure it was real.
2
Show "loneliness" without using the word.
The lunchroom was full, but the seat next to me was empty. It had been empty all week.
I ate my sandwich slowly, watching the groups of friends around me, their laughter a language I didn't know how to speak.
3
Show "relief" without using the word.
I let out a breath I didn't know I had been holding. My shoulders dropped. The knot in my stomach loosened for the first time in hours.
She sank into the chair, her whole body deflating like a balloon finally allowed to let go.