Show, not tell
12 ways to paint a picture with your words
Vivid storytelling
Telling informs. Showing immerses.
When you write, “The sunset was beautiful”, readers read, nod and move on. But when you show them “The horizon burned with streaks of crimson and gold, casting long shadows over the quiet, rolling hills,” they feel it.
The difference? Depth, emotion, and connection.
Showing, not telling, turns your writing into a portal that pulls readers into your world. It’s the difference between a forgettable statement and a story that lingers in their mind. It’s what transform ordinary writing into memorable experiences.
Your secret weapon
Showing is about inviting your readers to experience the story themselves, not just hear about it. Engage their imagination and make them feel as if they’re right there. Here are 12 ways to spice up your writing.
1. Describe the scene
Instead of saying “It was cold”, write, “Her breath clouded the air as she pulled her coat tighter against the icy wind.”
2. Use sensory details
Engage all the senses. Don’t just describe what things look like, include how they sound, feel, smell, and taste. The more senses you could touch on, the more engaging your words become. The sunset example above illustrates that.
3. Show emotions through actions
Instead of “He was nervous”, write, “He tapped his fingers on the table, eyes darting to the clock every few seconds.”
Pro-tip: Pair description with feelings. “The empty chair at the dinner table whispered of loss.”
4. Be specific, not generic
Vague descriptions fall flat.
Replace “She had a great time” with “She laughed until her stomach ached, her cheeks flushed from the endless stream of jokes.”
5. Use dialogue
Let characters reveal their thoughts and feelings through what they say. Use inner dialogue to portray what they don’t say.
6. Show change over time
Instead of stating “She became confident”, write, “At first, she avoided eye contact, but now she stood tall, her voice steady and sure.”
7. Add context
Don’t just say “He was rich”, add in context like, “He adjusted the gold cufflinks on his tailored suit before stepping into his sleek black Porsche.”
8. Create contrast
Highlight differences to make your point vivid. “Her laughter filled the room, a stark contrast to the solemn faces around her.”
9. Use metaphors and similes
Compare to the relatable. “His determination was like a river carving through rock, slow but unstoppable.”
10. Let actions speak louder than words
Instead of “She was angry”, expand it to, “She slammed the door, the sound echoing through the house.”
11. Focus on small details
Tiny observations can reveal more than grand statements. “He adjusted his tie three times before stepping onto the stage.”
12. Create immersive worlds
Don’t just list events, transport your readers into the moment. Make them feel the crackle of the fire, the sting of the rain, the tension in the silence.
Conclusion
When you paint a vivid imagery with your words, you
engage your readers
evoke empathy and curiosity
make your writing dynamic, relatable, and memorable
By mastering these techniques, your writing will move beyond the page, resonating deeply with your readers. Whether you’re writing novels, posts, notes, or emails, the power to paint vivid pictures lies in your hands.
Remember, show, not tell.
Let your words come alive!
Be the change you want to see in the world - Moon AricaExpand your comfort zone here, tell me your thoughts:
Which is your favourite technique?
Which have you used before?
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P.s: Last week I wrote my first guest post ever, read how 7 books changed my life:
Thanks for reading.
Merry Christmas AricaN! :-)
Mel
I've used showing change over time as a hook in my articles. Readers always want to dive in how the transformation happened.