1. The First Rule of Writing
Show, Don't Tell
The First Rule of Writing

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, to get away from the repetition of such empty words like went, big, or said.

3. Brain Pop
Show, Don’t Tell

4. Which is better?
My teeth chattered as I blew warm breath on my numb fingers.
I am cold.

5. Which is better? 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 without stopping.

6. Which is better?
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.

7. Which is better? This . . .
As graceful as any queen, with her head high in the air, and her long red tail arched in a perfect rainbow, my little dog walked down the table. With her warm gray eyes staring straight at me, on she came. Walking up to me, she laid her head on my shoulder. As I put my arms around her, the crowd exploded.

8. Or This?
Little Ann walked across the table towards Billy. She did a good job, and the men cheered.

9. Now let’s practice by writing our own paragraph with me.

10. What are some things that happen to your body and mind when it is hot outside?

11. Face gets red
Body sweats
Have a short temper
Sunburn
Sticky skin
The sun gets in your eyes

12. Showing: It is hot outside. Telling:

13. Showing: It is hot outside
Showing: It is hot outside. Telling: The sun cooked my skin as I angrily wiped the sweat that dripped into my eyes. Sweat trickled down my back and dampened my t-shirt. My throat was raspy and ached for water.

14. Now, Use the worksheet to write your own.

15. Additional Resources
Toni Buzzeo
What If?
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE WRITING CENTER Show, Don’t Tell: Specific Examples and Concrete Details
Show, Don’t Tell
Really Good Stuff
Show Don’t Tell
Writers Workshop #1 Show, Don’t Tell: Okay, But How Do You Do It?
Handout: Show, Don’t Tell
Developing Elaboration with showing sentences. Show, Don't Tell