Narrative: Show-Not-Tell
Writing Practice
Complete your revision by reading this together with our 2023 Issue 4/5 print issue or as a standalone guide.
LANGUAGE FOR IMPACT: SHOW-NOT-TELL
Once you have defined the time and space in which your narrative takes place, strengthen your writing by using literary devices that enable you to show (and not simply tell) your story.
Just Telling
The descriptions may be boring and it is harder for your readers to get fully engaged with the story.
Showing, Not Telling
The descriptions are vivid and exciting. One way to help your readers to visualise is to use similes. A simile is a figure of speech that makes a comparison to give your readers a better idea of what you are trying to communicate.
Write about a time you missed an important event.
Important event you missed: Your friend’s flight to USA, where she is migrating to.
Just Telling
- I stood at the bus stop near my house. It was teeming with people.
- Looking at the time on my watch, I suddenly felt very worried.
Showing, Not Telling
- The other sweaty commuters and I were packed like sardines, waiting for the only bus that served this bus stop.
- Fear swept over me like a wave as I looked at the time on my watch.
