Show, Don't Tell: A Guide to Better Dialogue in Your Stories

"Show, don't tell" is a great tip for fiction writing, especially when you're creating dialogue. This idea helps writers express feelings, settings, and personality through actions and conversations instead of just telling the reader what’s happening. By using this technique, your dialogue can go from ordinary to memorable, making it one of the best tools in your writing toolbox.

Why Should You "Show, Don't Tell"?

• It pulls readers in.
• It makes readers think and guess what’s happening.
• It helps create strong images and deeper feelings.
• It encourages readers to pay attention and be part of the story.

When you "show" instead of "tell," it helps readers to picture the scene in their minds. Rather than just saying a character is angry, you can describe their clenched fists, how their cheeks are getting red, or how they speak sharply. This makes the story more exciting and lets readers feel the moment instead of just reading it.

Using Dialogue as a Strong Tool

Dialogue is one of the main ways characters communicate in stories. When done right, dialogue can reveal how characters feel and their relationships without just stating facts. Here are some tips to use dialogue effectively while still "showing" instead of "telling":

1. Use Subtext: Subtext is what’s behind the words. Characters don’t always say what they really mean. For example, instead of saying, "I don't trust you," a character might answer with a sharp, "Well, that would be a first." The reader can pick up on the distrust without it needing to be directly said.

2. Body Language: Add physical actions to what characters say. If someone is nervous, show them fidgeting or avoiding eye contact. For example:

   • Instead of saying, "I’m sorry," picture a character looking down, biting their lip, and mumbling, "Guess I messed up again, huh?" This gives a clearer emotional response and creates a strong image.

3. Contextual Clues: Place your dialogue within a bigger setting to give more depth. Think about the place, the history between characters, or what's at stake. A simple line like, "You always knew how to hurt me," means a lot more if you have backstory or tension in the air—maybe they are in a room filled with their past arguments.

4. Diction and Tone: Different characters speak differently based on their backgrounds and feelings. For instance, a smart character might say, "I find your comment rather unbecoming," while a more relaxed character would say, "That’s just rude." This helps show who they are and how they relate to each other.

5. Reactions: How a character reacts to what someone else says can show their feelings or the nature of their relationship. Instead of just saying, "That hurt," show them flinch or take a big breath before replying. For example:

   • "You’re as worthless as they come," he said, and her fingers shook around her wine glass, the red liquid splashing dangerously. This moment shows both the hurtful words and her feelings without saying it outright.

6. Setting and Atmosphere: The setting can change how dialogue is understood. If a conversation happens in a dark, tense room, it feels different than one in a sunny park. If a character says, "I just can’t deal with this," in a quiet park, it suggests they’re overwhelmed by everyday struggles. But if they say it in a noisy bar, it might mean they’re frustrated with something bigger.

7. Conflict in Dialogue: Conversations don’t always have to be smooth. Adding conflict can make things more interesting. Two characters might start off agreeing but then quickly get heated. Showing this can reveal the tension and change in their relationship. For example:

   • "I thought we were on the same side," she said, shaking her head.
   • "Clearly, you didn’t understand anything I said last week," he shot back, his voice getting louder. This shows how their emotions change and highlights trouble in their bond.

8. Character Growth: As characters change, their dialogue should change too. The growth or decline of a character can be shown through their words. A once-hopeful character might start to sound more cynical. By showing this change in their dialogue, readers get a deeper connection to the character’s journey.

Putting It All Together

When you use these tips in your dialogue, it becomes more than just talking—each line can express emotions and add depth to the story. Readers won’t just get information; they will feel involved and connected.

• Create Tension: Instead of just saying a character is scared, show it in their dialogue with nervous laughter or stammering. "You—you really think that will work?" This shows their fear clearly.

• Reflect Inner Conflicts: A character who can’t decide might say, "I suppose we could try that... though I'm not sure it will help." The way they say it shows their confusion without needing to spell it out.

• Show Emotional Temperature: The mood of the dialogue can change with how fast they speak, how they use punctuation, and the rhythm of their words. Short, quick sentences can build urgency in a heated argument, while long, slow phrases can show calmness or deep thought.

Plus, the magic of "show, don't tell" is not just in what characters say but also in what they don’t say. The pauses, the interruptions, and the quiet moments add valuable insight into their relationships and feelings. As a writer, let silence speak just as loudly as the words.

Examples of Showing vs. Telling

Let’s look at two different ways to write the same situation:

1. Telling:
   • “James was annoyed that Sarah was late. He didn’t like waiting for people.”
2. Showing:
   • “James tapped his foot impatiently, glancing at his watch every few seconds. Each tick echoed in the silent café, reminding him of Sarah’s tardiness.”

In the second example, you can really feel James’s frustration without needing to explain it.

Here’s another example involving a fight:

1. Telling:
   • “Maria was furious with Tom for forgetting her birthday and shouted at him."
2. Showing:
   • “Maria’s voice shook as she leaned closer, anger flashing in her eyes. ‘You can’t just forget the one day that’s supposed to be about me!’”

Leaning in shows her growing anger, while her shaking voice hints at her pain and the complicated feelings between them.

Final Thoughts on Transformation

The "show, don't tell" technique can greatly improve dialogue by adding layers of meaning and emotion. It changes simple conversations into lively interactions that connect deeply with readers. As you work on your writing, remember these strategies:

• Engage Readers' Senses: Use descriptive words to pull readers in.
• Play with Pacing: Change the speed of conversations to match the emotions.
• Enhance Character Depth: Let dialogue reveal character growth.

Using the "show, don’t tell" technique makes your storytelling richer and helps readers connect more deeply with your characters. When you let your audience interpret feelings and relationships through clever dialogue, you create a more exciting reading experience—where the words come alive and reflect real human emotions. Writers who master this skill will find that their dialogue gives more than just information; it raises the stakes of the story and keeps the reader engaged all the way through.