Displaying Information Versus Providing Details: Timing Matters in Communication
In the realm of narrative writing, the art of storytelling often revolves around the delicate balance between showing and telling. This balance is crucial in creating engaging and impactful literature.
Kyle Massa, a prolific writer of speculative fiction, blogs, and non-fiction, among other genres, sheds light on this essential aspect in a recent guest post published in "Writing Articles".
According to Massa, showing is an invaluable tool when authors aim to immerse readers in significant moments, emotions, and actions that carry profound impact or contribute to character and plot development. Showing involves the use of vivid descriptions, action, dialogue, and sensory details, enabling readers to experience the story alongside the characters. For instance, evocative descriptions of key moments can make them memorable and captivating, encouraging readers to pause and fully appreciate the scene.
On the other hand, telling is a useful technique for conveying less critical information or for expediting the narrative flow. Telling can concisely provide exposition or summary without slowing down the pace. For example, routine actions like getting out of bed do not require intricate details but can be briefly told to avoid a monotonous feel.
In certain situations, telling can help avoid confusion. An example given by Massa is the description of a magical substance that allows people to fly. Showing the character drinking the drink and then flying away might be confusing, so it's more effective to simply state that the substance enables flight. Similarly, describing a character's red hair as being the same shade as fresh autumn leaves is an instance of telling through the authorial voice.
Massa emphasises that while showing is often considered more valuable than telling, both techniques have their places. The phrase "Show, don't tell" is frequently used in writing courses to encourage authors to use examples and specific situations instead of directly stating information. However, it's essential to remember that showing everything and telling nothing can slow a narrative.
In conclusion, showing should be reserved for moments where emotional impact, character insight, or plot development is paramount, while telling is useful for summarising less important details or speeding up the narrative between key scenes. By carefully balancing these techniques, writers can maintain reader engagement and clarity without overwhelming or losing momentum.
In the realm of personal growth and education-and-self-development, understanding the harmony between 'showing' and 'telling' can significantly enhance narrative writing skills. As Kyle Massa, a prolific writer, points out in a recent guest post, 'showing' immerses readers in profound moments, emotions, and actions, while 'telling' expedites the narrative and provides necessary information without slowing the pace.
