Show-Don’t Tell “The bigger the issue, the smaller you write. Remember that. You don ’ t write about war. No. You write about a kid ’ s burnt socks lying on the ground. You pick the smallest manageable part of the big thing, and you work off the resonance. ” -Richard Price “ Don ’ t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass. ” –Chekhov

Show-Don’t Tell How to SHOW, not TELL 1. Create a visual for the reader 2. Focus on the 5 senses 3. Make comparisons 4. Use strong adjectives

Show-Don’t Tell Sample : We were anxiously waiting for the news of my father’s test results. Face- The crease in the middle of my mother’s forehead showed the cumulative worry of a long life lived. Body- I couldn’t help the tremble of my upper body. Voice- As he answered the phone, the tremble in his voice was apparent. Scene- My family wore paths in the carpet with their pacing. Observation- It felt like an out of body experience and I was hovering, weightless over my living room. Comparison- Time wore on as if Earth’s own rotation clicked forward like the slow hand of a clock.

Show-Don’t Tell Practice : We waited at the hospital for 5 hours. Show Time Show Appearance Show Scene Compare

Show-Don’t Tell Activity: You will be given a topic, scene, emotion, etc. Draft a phrase that shows, not tells an audience about it. Every 30 seconds….we switch.

Show-Don’t Tell Worry

Show-Don’t Tell Nervousness

Show-Don’t Tell Embarrassement

Show-Don’t Tell Anger

Show-Don’t Tell Happy

Show-Don’t Tell Worry

Show-Don’t Tell Worry

Show-Don’t Tell Worry

Show-Don’t Tell Hot

Show-Don’t Tell Shocked

Show-Don’t Tell Tired

Show-Don’t Tell Cold

Show-Don’t Tell Excited

Show-Don’t Tell Hunger

Show-Don’t Tell Shy

Show-Don’t Tell Teenager

Show-Don’t Tell Child

Show-Don’t Tell Beautiful day

Show-Don’t Tell Winter

Show-Don’t Tell Summer

Show-Don’t Tell City life

Show-Don’t Tell At school

Show-Don’t Tell At home

Show-Don’t Tell Death

Show-Don’t Tell Birth

Show-Don’t Tell Pets

Show-Don’t Tell First date

Show-Don’t Tell School dance

Show-Don’t Tell Classroom

Show-Don’t Tell First F on a test

Show-Don’t Tell Cell phone (new, dies, rings, etc.)