40 percent of writers struggle with showing versus telling in their writing. This issue can make their stories seem less engaging and less believable to readers.
Understanding the Concept
Showing and telling are two different ways to convey information to the reader. Telling is when the writer directly states what is happening, while showing is when the writer uses descriptive language to allow the reader to infer what is happening.
Examples of Telling
For example, saying "Sarah was sad" is an example of telling. This statement simply states how Sarah is feeling without giving any context or description. In contrast, saying "Sarah's eyes drooped as she trudged through the door, her shoulders slumped in defeat" is an example of showing. This statement allows the reader to infer that Sarah is sad based on her actions and body language.
Effective Storytelling
By using descriptive language to show what is happening, writers can create more engaging and believable stories. This technique can help to draw the reader into the story and make them feel more connected to the characters.
Expert opinions
Emily J. Miller
As a renowned writing instructor and literary critic, I, Emily J. Miller, have dedicated my career to helping writers refine their craft and avoid common pitfalls, such as telling instead of showing. In this explanation, I will delve into the concept of showing versus telling writing, providing a clear example to illustrate the difference.
Showing versus telling is a fundamental principle in writing that distinguishes between two approaches to conveying information to the reader. Telling involves directly stating what is happening, how characters feel, or what they are thinking, whereas showing involves using descriptive language, action, and dialogue to allow the reader to infer and interpret the story.
An example of telling writing would be: "Sarah was sad and angry when she received the news that she didn't get the job." This sentence simply states how Sarah feels, without giving the reader any opportunity to experience her emotions firsthand. In contrast, an example of showing writing would be: "Sarah's eyes dropped as she stared at the rejection letter, her face falling as the words 'we regret to inform you' seemed to leap off the page. She crumpled the paper in her fist, the sound of her own ragged breathing filling the silence." In this revised sentence, I've used descriptive language to paint a picture of Sarah's emotional state, allowing the reader to infer her feelings and become more invested in the story.
By showing rather than telling, writers can create a more immersive and engaging reading experience, drawing the reader into the world of the story and inviting them to participate in the narrative. As an expert in writing and literature, I, Emily J. Miller, emphasize the importance of mastering the art of showing versus telling to craft compelling stories that resonate with readers.
In addition to the example provided, it's essential to recognize that showing versus telling is not a binary concept, but rather a spectrum. Effective writing often employs a balance of both techniques, using telling to provide necessary context and background information, while showing is used to create vivid and memorable scenes. By understanding the difference between showing and telling, writers can refine their craft, develop their unique voice, and produce writing that captivates and inspires their audience.
As a writing instructor, I encourage my students to practice showing versus telling by rewriting sentences that tell into sentences that show. This exercise helps develop their observational skills, creativity, and ability to craft descriptive language that brings their stories to life. By adopting this approach, writers can elevate their writing, creating a more engaging and immersive experience for their readers.
In conclusion, the distinction between showing and telling is a crucial aspect of writing, and understanding this concept is essential for any writer seeking to improve their craft. Through examples, exercises, and practice, writers can develop the skills necessary to show rather than tell, producing writing that is more vivid, engaging, and memorable. As an expert in writing and literature, I, Emily J. Miller, am committed to helping writers master the art of showing versus telling, and I hope that this explanation has provided a clear understanding of this fundamental principle.
Q: What is showing vs telling in writing?
A: Showing vs telling in writing refers to the technique of conveying information to the reader through action, dialogue, and sensory details (showing) rather than simply stating it (telling). This approach helps to create a more immersive and engaging reading experience. It draws the reader into the story.
Q: What is an example of telling in writing?
A: An example of telling in writing is saying "Sarah was sad" without providing any context or description of her emotions. This tells the reader how Sarah feels without showing them through her actions or expressions. It lacks depth and detail.
Q: How does showing differ from telling in a story?
A: Showing in a story involves using descriptive language to paint a picture of what's happening, while telling simply states what's happening without elaboration. For example, instead of saying "it was a cold day," showing would describe the scene as "frost covered the windows and the wind whipped through the streets."
Q: What are some common examples of telling writing?
A: Common examples of telling writing include phrases like "he was angry," "she was happy," or "it was a beautiful day." These statements tell the reader how someone feels or what something is like without providing any evidence or description. They can make the writing seem flat and unengaging.
Q: Can you give an example of showing instead of telling in a character description?
A: Instead of saying "John was a tall, handsome man," showing would describe him as "John stood at least six feet tall, with piercing blue eyes and chiseled features that turned heads as he walked into the room." This creates a vivid image in the reader's mind. It helps to bring the character to life.
Q: How can showing instead of telling improve a story?
A: Showing instead of telling can improve a story by creating a more immersive and engaging experience for the reader. It allows the reader to infer and interpret the information, making the story more interactive and memorable. This technique also helps to build trust with the reader.
Sources
- Swain James. Techniques of the Selling Writer. University of Oklahoma Press, 1990.
- McKee Robert. Story: Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting. HarperCollins Publishers, 1997.
- “The Art of Showing, Not Telling”. Site: The Writer – writermag.com
- “Show, Don’t Tell: How to Write a Compelling Story”. Site: Literary Hub – lithub.com
