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Show Me, Don't Tell Me: A Guide to Writing Vivid and Engaging Stories

Gene Powell

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Published in Show Me Don T Tell Me: Visualizing Communication Strategy

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Show Me, Don't Tell Me: Visualizing Communication Strategy

by Brendan Keogh

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6062 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	226 pages

As writers, we often fall into the trap of telling our readers what to think and feel instead of showing them. We use vague language and abstract concepts that leave readers feeling lost and disengaged. But there is a better way to write—a way that will captivate your readers and make them feel like they're right there in the story with your characters.

The key is to show, not tell.

What is Show Me, Don't Tell Me?

Show me, don't tell me is a writing technique that uses vivid imagery and sensory details to bring stories to life. Instead of telling your readers that your character is sad, you would show them by describing their body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Instead of telling your readers that the setting is beautiful, you would show them by describing the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures that make it so.

When you show your readers what's happening instead of telling them, they're more likely to be engaged in your story. They'll be able to see the world through your characters' eyes and experience the events of the story as if they were there themselves.

How to Show, Don't Tell

There are a few simple techniques you can use to show, don't tell, in your writing:

Use vivid imagery. Paint a picture for your readers using specific and concrete details. Don't just say that the sky is blue; describe the different shades of blue and the way the clouds drift across it. Don't just say that the food is delicious; describe the way it looks, smells, and tastes.
Use sensory details. Appeal to your readers' five senses to create a more immersive experience. What do your characters see, hear, smell, taste, and touch? Describe these sensations in detail to help your readers feel like they're right there in the story.
Use body language and facial expressions. Pay attention to the way your characters move and behave. What do their body language and facial expressions reveal about their thoughts and feelings? Describe these details to help your readers understand your characters on a deeper level.
Use dialogue. Dialogue is a great way to show your characters' personalities and relationships. Let your characters talk to each other and interact with the world around them. This will help your readers get to know your characters and understand their motivations.

Examples of Show Me, Don't Tell

Here are a few examples of how to show, don't tell, in your writing:

Tell: The man was sad.

Show: The man's shoulders slumped forward, his head hung low, and his eyes were red and puffy from crying.

Tell: The setting was beautiful.

Show: The sunlight streamed through the trees, casting a golden glow on the green grass and sparkling leaves. The air was filled with the sound of birdsong, and the scent of wildflowers wafted in the breeze.

Tell: The man and woman were in love.

Show: The man looked at the woman with adoration in his eyes. He reached out and took her hand, and she smiled up at him with a love that was evident in every line of her face.

Showing, not telling, is an essential writing technique that can help you write more vivid and engaging stories. By using specific and concrete details, appealing to your readers' five senses, and paying attention to your characters' body language and facial expressions, you can create stories that your readers will love.

Show Me, Don't Tell Me: Visualizing Communication Strategy

by Brendan Keogh

4.5 out of 5