You’ve probably heard it before: “Show, don’t tell.” It’s the golden rule of great writing, but it can also feel frustratingly vague. What does it really mean? And how do you actually do it? After hours of research (and more drafts of my college essays than I’d like to admit), here’s what I’ve learned.
“Show, not tell” is about engaging your reader by painting vivid scenes instead of spoon-feeding them information. Think of it as the difference between watching a movie and reading the script. One immerses you in the world; the other just states facts.
For example:
Telling: I was really sad.
Showing: A heavy weight settled in my chest, and my eyes refused to stay dry no matter how hard I tried to blink away the tears.
The second version pulls the reader into the moment. They don’t need to be told you’re nervous — they feel it with you.
This is effective because we as humans are very emotional creatures. We connect to stories through sensory details, actions, and emotions. When you show rather than tell, you invite readers to experience your world firsthand. This is especially powerful in college essays, where admissions officers read thousands of essays. “Showing” makes yours memorable.
Below are some quick tips with examples to help you master the technique:
1. Use sensory details. Engage the five senses to ground your reader in the scene. What do you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel?
Telling: The bakery smelled good.
Showing: The warm scent of cinnamon and butter wafted through the air, wrapping itself around me like a cozy blanket.
2. Let actions speak louder than words. Instead of explaining emotions, show how they manifest.
Telling: I was excited about my acceptance letter.
Showing: My hands trembled as I ripped open the envelope, my heart pounding so loud I swore my neighbors could hear it.
3. Use dialogue to add depth. What characters say (and how they say it) can reveal volumes.
Telling: My dad was proud of me.
Showing: “Look at you,” Dad said, his voice catching as he held up my acceptance letter. “First in the family. You’ve made us so proud.”
4. Show change over time. Transformation is a crucial element in any great story. Instead of stating what you learned, illustrate your growth through your actions and experiences.
Telling: I became more confident as a leader.
Showing: At the first meeting, I stumbled through my words, avoiding eye contact. By the last meeting, I stood tall, my voice steady as I presented our team’s accomplishments to a room full of professionals.
5. Bonus tip: don’t over do it.
Not every sentence needs to be a vivid description. Too much “showing” can overwhelm your reader. Mix concise statements with detailed scenes for rhythm and clarity.
In your first draft, let it all out. When revising, ask:
Does this detail help the reader experience the moment?
Could I describe this in a more engaging way?
Ultimately, by focusing on vivid details and actions, you draw them into your world, making your story or essay more engaging and memorable. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to craft moments that stick with your audience long after they’ve finished reading!