Show, don't tell

Hello, and welcome to Myriora English! Telling says how someone feels. Showing lets the reader work it out. Showing usually makes better writing.

Here's telling. Sam was scared. Here's showing. Sam's hands shook, and he couldn't swallow. We never read the word scared, but we know.

Here's how to do it. Ask what you would see. What is the person's body doing? What do they do, or say?

Let's try angry. Her face went red, and she slammed the door. She's angry, and we didn't need to be told.

Let's try one together. Tom was excited. How could you show that? Here's a tip: think about what his body would do. Say it out loud!

You could say: Tom bounced on his toes, and kept looking at the door. There are lots of good answers.

Here's a common mistake. Showing every small thing. That slows the story right down. Save it for the moments that matter.

Your turn! Which sentence shows that Ella is nervous? Pick the right card. You've got ten seconds, or pause the video. Go!

Time's up! It's the second card! We can see what she does, and work out how she feels.

Quick review. Telling says how someone feels. Showing lets the reader work it out. Ask what you would see. Save it for the moments that matter. See you next time!