What Does “Show, Don’t Tell” Actually Mean?

Telling:

“Emily is nervous.”

That’s something the audience can’t see. We’re inside the writer’s head—but not the actor’s or the camera’s.

Showing:

“Emily taps her fingers against her notebook. Her eyes flick toward the clock—again.”

That’s visual. It tells us what she’s feeling without saying it out loud.

Why This Matters for Screenwriters

A screenplay is not a novel. It’s not meant to describe inner thoughts or long backstories.

It’s a blueprint for a film, where the camera tells the story.

Writing visually helps:

• Directors know what to shoot

• Actors know what to play

• The story feel real—even without words

Here’s a Quick Example

Telling version:

“Leo is heartbroken after his best friend moves away.”

Showing version:

“Leo stands by the empty locker. He opens it, takes out an old photo, then closes it slowly.”

Both versions say the same thing. But one is cinema.

Bonus for Actors in Screen Acting Class

If you’re also acting in your own script, showing gives you space to act.

A reaction. A hesitation. A sudden move.

When scripts are written visually, they invite better performances.

Quick Checklist: Are You Showing or Telling?

• Are you writing emotions like “angry,” “confused,” or “excited”?

• Can you swap it for an action or detail the audience can see?

Tiny Fixes That Make a Big Difference

Instead of:

“She’s confused.”

Try:

“She tilts her head. Her brow furrows.”

Instead of:

“He loves her.”

Try:

“He waits outside with two cups of hot chocolate, even though it’s raining.”

These choices help actors do their job—and help your story come alive on screen.

Final Tip

Always ask:

If someone filmed this scene right now—what would we see?

That’s how you write visually. That’s how you become a screenwriter.