1. Show, Don't Tell

2. What is Show, Don’t Tell?
The Show, Don’t Tell method of writing is when the writer is able to create a picture in the reader's mind.

3. Please shut your eyes while I read this sentence to you:
Mary was angry when she heard what the umpire said.
What did that look like? It looked different to all of you.

4. Now shut your eyes again and listen to this sentence:
Shaking her head back and forth, Mary pounded home plate with her fist after the umpire shouted, “You’re out!”
Now we all have a similar picture.

5. Question: How can you make a reader SEE what you are writing about without actually using pictures?

6. Answer: You SHOW what you mean with vivid verbs and sensory language
Answer: You SHOW what you mean with vivid verbs and sensory language. Look at the following examples:

7. Tell:
A spectacular catch was made by Bill during the game.
Show:
Bill raced to the backfield, turned, and leaped into the air; the ball smacked loudly into his glove.

8. How to Show-Not Tell 1. Vivid Verbs Examples:
Instead of run, use jogged, sprinted, bolted
Instead of said, use whispered, shouted, exclaimed

9. How to Show-Not Tell Sight – describe what you see, color, size
2. Sensory Details = Imagery
Sight – describe what you see, color, size
Sound – boom, bang, buzz, whisper
Smell – musty, rotten, fresh
Taste – sweet, salty, sour
Touch – fuzzy, prickly, squishy

10. How to Show-Not Tell 3. Dialogue and Speaker Tags Telling:
Lindsey and Chelsea were really excited about the concert. Lindsey said she couldn’t wait, and Chelsea agreed that it would be fun.
Showing:
“I can’t believe it’s here! I’ve been waiting for this concert for weeks,” Lindsay shouted from her room as she was getting dressed.
“I know! It’s going to be a blast!” exclaimed Chelsea, while she patiently waited for Lindsay to finish getting ready.

11. How to Show-Not Tell
4. Snapshot – a specific description of an important detail in the story that creates a picture for the readers to see in their minds.

12. Snapshot Telling Showing Ryan was tired.
Ryan trudged back to his room. His eyelids drooped, and he struggled to keep them open. He flopped onto his soft bed, wrapped the warm blankets around his exhausted body, and closed his eyes.

13. Which helps you see? I missed the bus.
I raced down the road, wildly waving my hands, and yelling, “Stop, stop!” but the bus traveled on down the road.

14. Which helps you see?
My teeth chattered as I blew warm breath on my numb fingers.
I am cold.

15. Which helps you see?
Papers overflowed my cramped desk as I rummaged for the pencil I knew was buried somewhere inside its dark depths.
My desk is a mess.

16. Practice I am nervous. This weather is nice. Lauren is scared.
The ocean is beautiful.