Chapter 15Demonstrate Your Technique
One of the strongest memories I have from grade school is a class storytelling. I remember the Sister who taught the class yelling at us, “Show, don’t tell.” Years later in my early twenties, I did professional improv comedy. The director repeatedly yelled at me, “Show, don’t tell.” Today, I’m yelling at you, “Show, don’t tell.”
What does that mean? Let’s take two potential first sentences to a story:
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John walked down the street. John was sad.
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John shuffled aimlessly down the street, his eyes clouded in tears, thinking of Lisa, his lost love.
Both convey the same meaning, but one tells you what is going on, and one shows you. Which one is more likely to grab you? Which conveys more story?
Although not exactly ...
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