One of the most common pieces of writing advice is “Show, don’t tell!” But what does that actually mean? Many writers have heard the phrase before, whether in a writing class or working with an editor, yet still find themselves unsure how to apply it. The truth is, strong writing isn’t about choosing one over the other. Instead, it’s about knowing how to use both effectively. In this post, we will break down the difference between showing and telling (and how to efficiently balance them in your writing).
What Does Telling Mean?
Telling is stating information directly to the reader rather than illustrating it. It gives readers clear insight into what’s happening in the scene, often summarizing emotions or descriptions. For example, a writer might say, “He was exhausted” to communicate a feeling without expanding.
While telling is sometimes viewed negatively, it’s not always bad. In fact, it plays an important role in keeping writing clear and moving at a steady pace. The issue arises when telling is overused in moments that would benefit from more depth or emotional connection. In the editing and revision process, cut places where you’re doing the reader’s thinking for them. This falls under telling, not showing.
What Does Showing Mean?
Showing is revealing information to the reader through descriptive details, action, and emotion. Instead of telling the reader how a character feels, showing allows them to experience the emotion through the character’s behaviors, body language, and dialogue with other characters. For example, rather than writing, “He was excited,” you might describe him grinning, speaking quickly, or bouncing up and down. This helps create an immersive reading experience, bringing scenes to life.
However, it can be easy to get caught up in the details. Some details are unimportant, and if it’s not something the character would observe, it doesn’t need to go on the page. For example, a character probably won’t get out of bed in the morning, look in the mirror, and say, “I’m tossing my long blonde hair.” They live with that hair, so they’re used to it. The only time they might say something like that is when they are doing their hair for the day.
Showing Vs. Telling: Side-by-Side Comparison
If you’re a visual learner, here is a chart to help conceptualize this idea. It can be easy to tell readers what’s happening, but it’s more impactful to help them see and experience it for themselves. As you notice these differences, consider how the small shifts in details can transform simple statements into an engaging story.
| Telling | Showing |
| She was nervous. | She twiddled her thumbs, avoiding eye contact with him. |
| He was angry. | He slammed the door in a rage-filled fit. |
| The room was messy. | Clothes were piled on the floor, and papers spilled out of the dusty desk. |
| She felt sad after the conversation. | Her voice cracked when she spoke with tears stinging her eyes. |
| It was cold that night. | Her breath fogged up the air as she pulled the coat tighter to her chest. |
How to Balance Showing and Telling in Your Writing
If you want your writing to stand out, showing through description is impactful, but it’s important to know when to use each effectively.
Showing is most important in key moments, such as emotional scenes, character development, and crucial turning points. Good examples of effective scenes open with action, combine intimate details with an inner voice that reflects and reveals, and have a definite starting and stopping point. You can also show effectively through dialogue.
Telling plays an important role in maintaining clarity and pacing, especially when moving between scenes or summarizing less critical details. Instead of saying, “She brushed her teeth, packed her bag, checked her phone, tied her shoes, grabbed her keys, and walked out the door,” say, “She quickly got ready and headed out the door.”
Many writers run into trouble by leaning too far in one direction. They may rely too much on telling, which can make writing feel flat, or overuse showing, which can lead to overly detailed and slow-paced scenes. Your goal should be recognizing when the moment needs to be deeply experienced or when it simply needs to be understood.
Conclusion
“Show, don’t tell” isn’t meant to be a rigid rule that causes you to overthink your usage in both areas. It’s a tool to help you become more intentional with your writing and make your storytelling more engaging. Remember, showing is revealing information to the reader through descriptive details, action, and emotion. It’s important to use when you want to create an effective scene. Telling is stating information directly to the reader rather than illustrating it. It is important to tell when moving between scenes or summarizing unimportant details. As you continue to learn and grow, focus less on getting it perfect and more on understanding the purpose behind each choice you make. If you’re looking for an extra set of eyes on your manuscript, the team at Christian Editing and Design is here to help you strengthen your skills and help bring your story to life!