Many writers think "show, don’t tell" is just for fiction. But nonfiction needs it too—because facts alone don’t keep readers hooked.
Showing makes your writing:
More memorable (our brains latch onto stories and images)
More persuasive (readers "see" the evidence)
More engaging (dry facts become experiences)
But how do you "show" without bending the truth? Here’s how.
4 Ways to "Show" in Nonfiction (Ethically)
1. Use Vivid, Sensory Details
Instead of stating a fact, paint a picture with concrete details.
Telling: "The factory was polluted."
Showing: "The air inside the factory clung to the back of the throat, a mix of burnt plastic and sulfur. Workers squinted through a haze that left a greasy film on their safety goggles."
Tip: Pull from research—interviews, documentaries, or firsthand accounts—to keep descriptions accurate.
2. Replace Abstract Claims With Scenes
Turn concepts into mini-stories or case studies.
Telling: "Stress harms productivity."
Showing: "In a 2023 study, accountants working 60-hour weeks made 40% more errors in tax filings—like the one that cost a small business $12,000 in penalties."
Great for: Self-help, business, and science writing.
3. Let People’s Voices Be Heard
Use direct quotes, dialogue, or anecdotes to reveal emotions and stakes.
Telling: "Many nurses felt overwhelmed during the pandemic."
Showing: "‘We ran out of ventilators by 8 a.m.,’ said ICU nurse Lila Marcos, her gloves still smudged with ink from scribbling patient stats on her forearm. ‘That’s when I cried in the supply closet.’"
Caution: Only use real quotes (from interviews or published sources).
4. Compare the Unfamiliar to the Known
Analogies and metaphors bridge gaps in understanding.
Telling: "The blue whale is enormous."
Showing: "A blue whale’s heart is the size of a Volkswagen Beetle—so large that a human could swim through its arteries."
Pro Tip: Avoid clichés ("sharp as a knife"). Instead, tie comparisons to your topic (e.g., for a tech book: "The server crashed like a Tesla with no brakes").
When Is It Okay to "Tell"?
Sometimes, you need to be direct. Use telling for:
Summarizing data ("Sales dropped 20% in Q3.")
Clarifying key points ("This study proves X.")
Transitioning between sections
The key is balance.
Your Homework: The "Show, Don’t Tell" Checklist
Next time you edit, ask:
Can I add a sensory detail? (Sounds, smells, textures)
Is there a real-life example or quote I can use?
Would an analogy make this clearer?
Am I stating the obvious? (If yes, show proof instead.)
Still have questions? Feel free to reach out to me!
