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
Need more writing advice? Check out my free self-editing checklist! leveragecreative.lpages.co/se...

[@SzazaM077]

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.💙

[@Ekitiba66]

Very helpful !!

[@goblinoide]

This guy is wicked for promoting the antichrist false doctrine of the pre-trib rapture. Jesus can't come back at any moment, the rapture is AFTER the tribulation! Matthew 24:29-30 "Immediately AFTER the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

[@williamwaddell6799]

@Joy Timmons if you're going to write a book it's probably worth learning to spell to. Edit. So Sorry, I don't know what got into me that day and I was behaving like a .... that day. Goodluck with your writing 🙏🙏🙏

[@teachmegaming822]

​​@@williamwaddell6799 stf* u weirdo loser

[@TheLittlechicthings]

Thank you!

[@ChristinaFonthes]

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

[@kyuuketsukikun420]

This one got me

[@tomkelly00]

Jesus is shadowcat?

[@12thDecember]

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.

[@Iron-Bridge]

😁😁 That's a very 'woman-ese' phrase but yes, the general idea is there.

[@shieldgenerator7]

i like it

[@darius2955]

👋 Hey! That line was 🔥 fire🤣🤝

[@The_Queer_Geek]

Just in time for Pride month!

[@lechevaliernoir8859]

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

[@ramajain1918]

Exception are always there

[@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.

[@raysawareness4797]

Isn't it awesome!

[@undefinedvariable8085]

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"

[@Iron-Bridge]

Thank you!

[@dalenemarie]

😊

[@LeightonReiley]

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

[@seventus]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@electricdreamer]

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

[@slevinchannel7589]

I talked with other Authors and Writing-Experts and would also like to know what this one here says about the so-called 'best' Power-System in all of Fiction: Nen. Does he know it? Does he also agree that it should be studied by all folk that likes Writing-Videos like this channel's here? ?

[@hans5893]

@@slevinchannel7589 While I agree that Nen is a great power system, I wouldn't dare call it the 'best' as best is very subjective. You could make the argument that Nen is one of the best soft magic power systems but as a whole, other power systems like allomancy from Mistborn stand out as more refined and detailed. Also, if we're talking anime, Full Metal Alchemist agrueably had the best power system in any anime/manga that I've watched or read.

[@slevinchannel7589]

@@hans5893 Well, a really obvious way to judge this would be to see what the Majority says. Which is that Stands and Nen are the Best but Stands are literally the smaller version of Nen, with both being similar and therefore easy to compare. Also, excuse me, but did you just say Nen is a soft power-system? It’s literally one of the hardest ever, making me doubt your knowledge about the topic at hand.

[@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.

[@ria7574]

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!

[@arnoldchristine2020]

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.

[@dietofly1]

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!

[@jacquesvanderhaar1174]

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.

[@Youcifer]

I've heard it put as "describe - don't explain," and that's what's helped me understand it the most.

[@CitizenMio]

I think that covers it largely for me as well. Though mostly what I'm learning is that balance in everything remains key. Basically learn all the rules, then throw out the rulebook and write what feels good. Then learn from your inevitable failures and try again. For instance, having a writer "tell" me as a reader that it's Autumn can generate a ton of images for me. Whereas having them "show" me as mentioned in the video could feel like they're telling me what images to see. That could feel restrictive or when used too often veer into purple prose I guess. There's uses for both instances I like to think, so it can't be completely "show" either. But it was refreshing to hear him say as much in this insightful video. :)

[@Youcifer]

@@CitizenMio Yeah, that's all important stuff! :)

[@lifeissobeautiful3758]

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

[@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!

[@veradragilyova3122]

Clear, concise, and absolutely brilliant! Every time! Thank you so much! 👏😁👏

[@slevinchannel7589]

Excuse the Randomness but here you go, have some warm Recommendations, cause the Learning never Ends! -Veritasium. -Oversimplified! -It’s ok to be smart. -Hbomberguy. -Professor Dave Explains. -Michio Kaku. -More Michio Kaku. -Practical Engineering. -SciShow.

[@jennifergreathousewellness]

I always surrounded myself with books my entire life, but never felt smart enough to think I could be a writer. Today at 39 I am writing as a hobby. However, I am not confident to call it a book just yet. With the many grammatical errors I am needing to fix I will continue to watch your videos and work hard at editing my story. In the meantime I can say this...I finally believe I can do it and I can overcome this challenge to be the best creative writer I can be. Thank you for inspiring me.

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

That is amazing! Well done!

[@jennifergreathousewellness]

@@Musicienne-DAB1995 thank you :).

[@BbGun-lw5vi]

Have you continued writing? How much have you improved. I’m about your age and having your exact experience.

[@kazumasatou6256]

To hear this man say 4:36, gives me hope for my writing. I always forget to include the other senses besides sight and sound 😂

[@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.

[@kelseyswanepoel7056]

One needs a balance of both but it's important to recognize that there is appropriate and inappropriate times for both, really all you can do is feel your way through. This is such a big part of writing that a lot of people don't understand.

[@namnettaget8806]

I've just discovered Jerry B Jenkins videos about writing and I'm so grateful and excited. Thank you for all the great tips

[@yyc1217]

It's like "telling your readers something without telling your readers something" challenges

[@nryane]

Thank you, Jerry. I appreciate this video. I tend to “narrate”, rather than “show”. I wish to turn my writing in a 180-degree direction that compels readers of my work to continue reading! “Flipping pages and searching through the paragraphs written there, sighing and putting the book on the table, and looking for another book on the shelf by his elbow”, is not the way in which I wish to have my readers behave! (I made an effort to “show” boredom in the previous sentence, rather than telling about it.) I will practice, despite my inner Critic shouting: “Who made you think you could become a writer?! Banal is your middle name, since you don’t really have one! Give over and clean your house! That’s all you’re good for! You don’t even do that well!” Nasty so-and-so, isn’t he?! I’m writing every day, at least one full handwritten page, despite his urging that I do something else. At the end of 60 days I will have 60 pages to reread and to begin to edit. I LOVE to write. Words excite me and put me in the “zone”, a place of peace and contentment. Thanks, again, Jerry. I may never write a great novel, but I have little vignettes of my life that I can write. In them I can show the people in my life and their impact on me.

[@j.pendergrass9805]

I just want to say thank you for taking the time out of the busy ( maybe more specifically aloof ) schedule that a writer has, I sympathize, to make these videos for us. Which is essentially free of charge. Thanks again Jenkins, we appreciate it.

[@animeforever5384]

Happy Belated Birthday Mr. Jenkins!!!!

[@cathypettinella1765]

I am so grateful I came across your channel. I am new to writing and your videos are not only providing me with lessons but more importantly encouragement. Thank you !!

[@dutchgrrl]

I am from the Netherlands and I am studying to be a Dutch translator. This video helped me so much! Thank you!!

[@knowledgeaddict1192]

The way he memorises from books is adorable..

[@southwind6078]

This is a tutorial on “writing”, not “speaking”. While the content is solid, it is difficult to imagine the words in my head rather than as in concrete form-written-which is the ultimate goal. Thank you for trying. It’s my first attempt after 70 years of talking to explore the possibility of writing my cryptic ideas down in a coherent, interesting, effective way.

[@stellasilverstone]

Oh this is actually great. People often see "show, don't tell" and then end up straight up using narration as dialogue, like in inu yasha... Where the characters can be clearly seen doing things... And then thw other characters just watch on the sidelines and shout a play-by-play of what we see. Great for the blind, though...

[@SharonMalley-fy2gb]

Thank you, I'm writing my first book at 66 and having done the first draft I have now realised how much I have to learn. So I'm exploring many online sources and have taken away some very useful advice, you are probably the 30th person and OMG I wish you'd been the first. Thank you 🎉

[@jdbattito5131]

I’ve started 100 how to write offerings. This eloquent,powerful information about his craft captivated me. I forgot Was learning.

[@RaghidaIbrahim-lb5bj]

So happy I finally got the idea of what use when I want to show and not tell, I can’t wait to start editing my long awaiting novel,. Thank you so much.

[@patbrumph6769]

Your example by Tony Morrison was a beautiful choice and made you point.

[@samantafloor]

I really like these videos and I have to say: Jerry's voice is so soothing, is almost ASMR hehe

[@geupelboi]

I appreciate this guy's approach to explaining this frustrating subject. Though at the end of the day, while saying "the man was tall" is telling, so is "she had to crane her neck to look at him" also telling. Books can not ever be visual in the way that movies are. There's got to be something more helpful than just saying "show don't tell".

[@StepbyStepbyMiriam]

When someone shares their knowledge gained from years of working with their passion, its like sharing their lottery winnings! Pure Golden! Thank you, Jerry. May it be returned to you a thousandfold.

[@CanadyYT]

Yo hi Jerry, I just wanted to tell you thank you so much for helping me to know what show don’t tell is. I am a 6th grader studying for a very good school and was always writing and writing but getting the same feedback every time and that was show don’t tell you were able to simplify it for me thank you from the bottom of my heart❤️

[@vickyargyle4086]

What a great voice to listen to showing how to write in active layers. Truly inspiring and helpful. Thank you Jerry

[@hasaniennis442]

Show, don't tell ultimately intrigues me. I'm a novice writer and don't want to develop bad habits, so anything I can learn about this literary philosophy is paramount. It's easily spoken, but encompasses so much! Thank you for this video, sir!

[@tysoncarver5181]

I've been trying yo do fantasy, and it's incredibly frustrating to look over my work and think; "who the hell talks like this?" Thanks a bunch for the videos, they really help!

[@lavenderart34]

I love how he explained everything. It was very easy to understand.

[@holistic7980]

Great points

[@thefreelancer695]

Someone also renamed this rule “don’t explain, describe” and that for me was what helped me to really understand it. Thank you for all your videos!

[@exceptionalhistory1955]

Now I don't feel so guilty about those moments in my writing where I think, "Telling this would work so much better than showing." Thanks!😊

[@Musicienne-DAB1995]

Absolutely. Telling is a necessary bridge to help eliminate unnecessary information. I can now see the problem with some previous work of mine, which had too much showing.

[@jdee4956]

Very useful - I find showing, not telling difficult since I was a journalist. Very hard not to 'tell'!

[@silentlatif]

Jerry, your words are "pearls of wisdom"! I discovered the idea behind the title: The Happy Prince. Giving begets happiness. Like Oscar Wilde you must be a happy man- our happy 🤴. Thank You!

[@obeddolo832]

Riveting and revelatory.Thanks for such powerful mentoring, Mr. Jenkins.

[@NeilABrown]

Thanks for sharing this incredible information on how to get readers engrossed in a visual picture that can be painted for them instead of simply telling them everything. I had a difficult time understanding the concept of show-don't-tell, but you painted a very clear picture of it, thanks.

[@tomleach5385]

So many people would pay for this and probably do! Thank you for giving this to us out of the goodness of your heart

[@andreabrasier4393]

Thank you for lessening my anxiety about writing a novel. Bless you!!!

[@Speed202]

That Beloved quote was gold...

[@royalmuffin2330]

The world is lucky to have Jerry sharing his accumulated knowledge with the world. Thank you for making these videos :)

[@samp4050]

As a novice author, I've read so many times about this show, don't tell, but this young man has the best examples to explain it. Thank you so much. Only now do I actually get it.

[@davemiller401]

What a wonderful video! Thank you!

[@jerrybustamente1046]

You've shared yet another large pearl of wisdom. Thank you.

[@user-bi6md7vn6n]

You are a great help to me. Thank you very much Sir Jerry.

[@harispaterakis917]

Thank you for all your informative videos.

[@michaelphythian5338]

I thoroughly agree with the part about Hollywoods inability to compare with the theatre of the mind. Their shows don't tell half as well as a well told story that shows but doesent tell.

[@sabrinabecker491]

I am so thankful and blessed to come across your page. Over the last few months, I have pursued writing whole-heartedly; currently gathering as much knowledge as I can. I paused for a moment to look into your books and noticed your involvement in The Chosen. My husband and I binged every episode last year, which inspired us to read the bible every day since. We will soon reach the finish line of reading the bible in a year. God has blessed our little family through you and your sons gift of story telling. You both are simultaneously blessing the world with your wealth of knowledge and creativity. I pray God covers you both as you create new opportunities for the world to get to know him and that he brings blessings and overflow into every season of your life. ❤

[@BetterAzubike-eb3qp]

Deep lessons. I'm enthralled. You are a great teacher. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge.

[@BenjaminBiruta-mu3by]

I love the idea of giving the reader a task imagination.

[@Thiccubus]

This is masterful. You have my appreciation for making this!

[@jedihistorian7683]

Thank you for the breakdown on show don’t tell. I love the examples you picked. Very good.

[@user-eq1ml3gq1u]

'Thanks' Jerry... you paint a clear picture of the action each scene and script need. Hopefully, your insight will force me to slow down to get it right so the audience sees the experience required to move the action and story forward. Brian Couch

[@nattymctatty84]

This is so helpful, especially with all the examples you give. Thank you!

[@hansbengtsson9942]

Thanks Jerry! Great as always. Everything becomes clear when you show and tell it.

[@KenanOlivier]

Awesome Jerry! What puts you above the other youtube videos et that you give accurate example that make me understand your point. Please keep doing these videos :-) They are gold!

[@Romdryl]

Great instructions and examples. Love it.

[@ascensionwalkies]

Another excellent tutorial, thank you for sharing so generously, Jerry.

[@barbieecholsgunter612]

Amazing! Watching his videos akin to sitting in a university classroom, listening to a seasoned professor... without having paid hundreds, or thousands of dollars. Thank you.

[@3rdmanrun]

So much useful advice in Jerry's videos. The best channel for aspiring writers by far.

[@taradeleeuw2344]

Yes ,thank you in the outline

[@sailortiger8772]

Your videos are super helpful. Love that you get straight to the point.

[@VaggelisIosifidis]

Your tone, your words, your preciseness, every little detail makes your videos enjoyable. Thank you and have a nice day, sir.

[@SanguiphiliaTV]

Great video! Very clear explanation and perfect examples.

[@ilonabieszke6720]

great explanation and loving your vibe - just clicked subscribe😊

[@warrioroflight6122]

Thank you so much ! I have a lot clearer view on this technique now...

[@thekingofmikes]

This is 2 years old, but its really good! Thank you for helping out!

[@pankhurikhanna-tl9zl]

Thank you so much sir 🙏🏻

[@clintoreilly]

Wow. Powerful advice.

[@aj3428]

Thank you! So valuable!

[@SweetE1403]

I love this!!! Great info

[@mrlozano]

You are a great teacher, thank you very much for this lesson.

[@sanctuarynaturals]

I've been struggling with showing instead of telling in my short memoir writing. I'm so glad I came across your channel - this has been invaluable! Subscribed! Much gratitude!

[@brynaadamo6344]

Thank you so much Jerry. I am learning so much from you. I was focused for a long time on getting my novel perfect in the first draft that I was getting nowhere. I have progressed so far now implementing the knowledge from your videos that feel that what I am doing has an end in sight and I am no longer chasing my tail. Thank you!

[@viviandukart7878]

I feel so lucky to listen to your guidance. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge with us. By the way, your voice reminds me of Client Eastwood’s. Thank you 😊

[@earlhayes1916]

"Readers' minds are far more imaginative than anything Hollywood can put on the screen." How true! What a wonderful craft we've chosen. I Relish your thoughtful and inspiring advice. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge so generously. .

[@h.h.amford702]

The only writing advice I will ever listen to, comes from this gentleman. Please take care of yourself, Mr. Jenkins, you look a little tired in this video. Your are a hard working man - time to rest a little every now and again.❤

[@michaelkuntz1923]

Easily the best description of show don't tell I have come across. It wasn't something I struggled with, but I learned something, and that is always the goal. As always, well done, Jerry.

[@mohammadmahdi4915]

Nice to hear from you after a while. You're voice is so comforting and i always learn from you. Your tips are always so insightfully helpful!

[@terrypatterson1481]

Thanks Jerry- Some great advice given.

[@coffeecreateconnect]

Jerry you are appreciated. Thank you for being so generous with your time and knowledge.

[@mamilolucosi]

Great video. Thank you.

[@eduardoortegabadel2017]

Brilliant video. Thank you!