Show, Don’t Tell Notes What is the technique of “show, don’t tell”? Instead of telling about what happens in the story, you show the reader what is happening by using descriptive words and phrases that incorporate sensory language (see, hear, taste, touch, smell). “Showing instead of telling” allows readers to experience your writing more authentically so that they feel like they are in your moment, not an outsider.

Show, Don’t Tell Notes How do you “show” instead of “tell”? Telling sentence: It was an unusual cat. Showing sentence: With glowing yellow eyes, long black fur that stood on end, a mouth full of sharp pointed teeth that emitted a yowl like a tiger, I knew that the small animal before me was no ordinary cat. Note: Sometimes, a writer may choose to tell instead of show. Save your “telling” times for when you are intentionally trying to distance the reader from the emotion of your story or if you are trying to create a contrast of settings or perspectives.

Show, Don’t Tell practice The teacher is irritated. The cake was delicious. It was a pleasant day at the beach. The empty house looked scary. My little brother is nosy. She is such a slob. The puppy is undisciplined.