Show Don't Tell: What You Need to Know

Do you know this cardinal rule of writing?

It’s easy to tell readers what’s happening.

But telling doesn’t evoke emotion or involves readers in the story experience.

Writing “It was cold” simply informs.

Writing “Bill raised his collar, turned his face away from the biting wind, and thrust his hands deep into his pockets” engages the readers’ senses and allows them to deduce the weather.

That’s why “Show, Don’t Tell” has become one of the cardinal rules of writing.

In this video, you'll learn:

- How to appeal to readers’ senses
- How effective dialogue aids in showing
- How to resist the urge to explain
- Examples of how to do this right
- And more

[ChristinaFonthes]

"The last person I read of who appeared despite a closed door, was Jesus." I love Jerry's humour so much!!!!

[SzazaM]

I cannot believe how kind you are Jerry to offer personal mentoring for driven writers. I was so touched when I received the email today. Not many famous writers do that. To give us a chance to succeed in writing, is so thoughtful and proactive. Huge respect to you.💙

[thDecember]

I think I'm finally getting the concept of "show don't tell" through my thick head. It just occurred to me that one way to practice this is to mentally narrate scenes of everyday things I experience; e.g., taking a walk. So instead of saying "My dog is frisky today, " I would say, "My dog prances along the trail as though she is wearing a pink-plumed headdress and leading a parade."
Okay, that may be a bit much, but it's a start.

[lechevaliernoir]

"Sometimes, telling works better than showing." A good rule to also remember. Thank your Jerry!

[seventus]

You make the best writing advice videos ever. I hope you're in good health.

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Index:
1:06 The difference between showing and telling

2:46 1. Use dialogue
3:59 2. Engage your reader's senses
5:24 3. Avoid state-of-being verbs
6:56 4. Use an active voice
8:09 5. Resist the urge to explain

8:59 When is telling acceptable?
10:39 Examples of showing (1) "Cold Mountain"
11:37 Examples of showing (2) "The Sign of Four"
12:06 Examples of showing (3) "Beloved"

[LeightonReiley]

This is invaluable, I've been learning so much! I also really enjoy the sound of your voice, very relaxing

[thejorgemunoz]

OMG I can't believe is really on YT for free, like man this is an absolute masterclass with more value than what you can get during one year in universality, for real! you are one of the very few people that has totally convinced me that you are willing to teach everything you know just because you really want to help other people. I got literally like 2 pages of absolute gold out of this. i can't thank you enough.

[DejanOfRadic]

Such a concise and articulate video. It always strikes me as ironic how 99% of content on the art of writing seems to break all of the best practices suggested. You are a wonderful resource....not only instructing, but demonstrantung as you instruct.

[myrtlemaesimmons]

This is the clearest explanation of "Show, Don't Tell" that I've ever heard. I took notes and am so excited to incorporate these examples! Thank you for what your work has meant to our family over the years and for the gift of these lessons.

[ashcross]

Told with Jerry's trademark clarity, concision and passion. God bless you, Jerry.

[electricdreamer]

You're the best writing mentor that I've never met.

[N.Traveler]

I love the fact that you're explaining show don't tell as in giving the reader something to do to ensure they engage with the story. Never heard anyone explain it that way, and I watched a LOT of show don't tell explanation videos. I mostly hear writing teachers explain this writing principle as 'delivering evidence'. I've become very sceptical of show don't tell videos because everyone says the same thing. Yours actually makes quite a couple points I've ever heard before and your examples are always so clear. Thank you!

[dietofly]

Jerry B Jenkins, you are a freakin legend! i'm so grateful that someone like you has the energy, thoughtfullness and time to create amazing videos like these. I am learning so much, enthralled the whole while. God bless brother!

[lifeissobeautiful]

Beautiful way of explaining sir. Finally I understood what it mean 'Show, Don't tell.'

[Zadkiev]

5:30, about the state-of-being verbs, anyone have an equivalence in french ? Or could someone tell me if "is, am, was, are, were, being, be, been" are the only ones to look out for ?

I would like to thanks you, Jerry, for the incredible content you put on YT. Two years ago, my manuscript was rejected by XX editors, and after two years of constant researchs, learning, training, writing and editing, I redid everything, but 10 times better. The new version of the manuscript is closing to its end.
Your content has been the most valuable thing I found on the whole of Internet. Fr and Eng blended, Yt, fb, writing forum, reddit, blogs ect.
Then again, thank you.
You are an inspiration to me.

[arnoldchristine]

You described clearly the importance of active voice and the role of showing using senses while also illustrating the appropriate use of telling for a succinct transition. Thank you. I’ll revisit this valuable guidance.

[ria]

I always knew that there is difference between showing and telling, and that it is a big deal. But honestly, I never really understood how to show in my stories and when(if ever) it is appropriate to tell. Thank you so much for making me understand the beauty of showing, I needed it!

[jacquesvanderhaar]

Such nuggets of gold. Thank you, Jerry. As a first-time writer as I so needed to tell my story, I am so inspired to sharpen my very rough edges, and to be pointed in the right direction is priceless. Thank you again.

[Ligeia_Ravin]

You provide priceless knowledge that is essential for productive writers. I also enjoy hearing your soothing, kind voice as you so generously teach and motivate us. I cannot thank you enough, sir! I appreciate you!