Show, not Tell Phrases for Compositions

Jasmine was ecstatic when she read the letter.

This sentence tells you how Jasmine felt, but does it let you feel her excitement? Rather than just replacing basic emotion words with fancier ones like “ecstatic”, good writing involves making the reader experience the emotions alongside the characters.

You’ve probably seen the margin note “Show, not tell!” from teachers on your marked compositions, urging you to make your writing more vivid. What does it really mean to “show” emotions in writing? In this article we’ll tell—no, we’ll show—you concrete examples for ALL the major emotions. Let’s bring your characters to life by mastering the art of showing, not telling, their feelings!

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1. Show, not Tell—What’s the Difference?

First, let’s revisit that example from the beginning.

Jasmine was ecstatic when she read the letter.

Can you picture Jasmine in your mind? Is she smiling? Is she dancing? We have no clue. That’s because “telling” simply states the character’s emotion. It lacks depth and fails to spark the imagination.

Now, watch what happens when we “show” instead:

Jasmine’s eyes lit up like those of a child on Christmas morning while scanning the letter. A wide smile stretched across her face and the corners of her eyes crinkled as the words registered.

“I did it,” she murmured, letting out a breathless giggle and hugging the letter tightly to her chest.

After a little celebratory shimmy, Jasmine shot off, bursting with the news.

Can you now vividly picture an overjoyed Jasmine? Aren’t you curious about what the news is? Notice we didn’t directly mention Jasmine’s emotions using generic adjectives. Instead, you inferred her excitement from the detailed description of her actions and expressions.

1. Facial Expressions

It’s said that the eyes are the windows to the soul—but so too are the mouth, nose, and forehead…you get the gist. Do your character’s eyebrows furrow when they are confused? Do their lips purse when they’re scowling? Do they gnaw on their lower lip when they’re nervous and widen their eyes when terrified?  

2. Body Language and Actions

No less important are your character’s body movements and gestures. Do their hands ball into threatening fists when enraged? Do their shoulders slump? Pay attention to the subtlest details like trembling hands, shifting weight, or foot-tapping to really paint an evocative image.

3. Speech Delivery and Vocalisations

So far we’ve only relied on our sense of sight to show our character’s emotions. Don’t forget that the way your character speaks offers a rich wellspring of information. Beyond simply shouting, whispering, or stuttering, pay attention to the full range of their vocalisations. Is your character sighing mournfully, giggling uncontrollably or scoffing derisively?

Now that you know the formula, let’s analyse that example of Jasmine again and see how these three tips have been applied:

Jasmine’s eyes lit up like those of a child on Christmas morning as she scanned the letter. A wide smile stretched her face and the corners of her eyes crinkled as the words registered.

“I did it,” she murmured, letting out a breathless giggle and hugging the letter tightly to her chest.

After a little celebratory shimmy, Jasmine shot off, bursting with the news.

By harnessing these three prongs—facial expressions, body language, and speech delivery—you can craft a rich portrayal of any emotion. When done well, readers will be able to intimately feel your character’s triumphs and struggles without you blatantly telling them anything.

In the next section, we’ll put this formula into practice by creating “show, not tell” descriptions of the major emotions.

4. Show, not Tell Phrases for Sadness

A loved one passes away far too soon. A friendship dissolves, leaving you with a void that threatens to never be filled. In times like these, even getting out of bed can seem like a monumental task. Sadness is the emotion of defeat, of loss, of emptiness.

Here are some example phrases to convey this feeling:

Facial Expressions

• Eyes glistening with unshed tears
• Vacant, hollow stare
• Eyes puffy from crying
• Face crumpling
• Cheeks streaked with dried tears
• Forced, tremulous smile

 Body Language and Actions

• Throat bobbing as you swallow a lump
• Shoulders slumped in defeat
• Curling into a ball
• Burying your head in the crook of your arm
• Feet dragging along the ground

 Vocalisations

• Occasionally sniffling back tears
• Muttering in a defeated tone
• Letting out heart-wrenching sobs
• Hoarse, cracking, or raspy voice
• Letting out a long, weary sigh
• Mumbling listless, barely audible responses
• Choking on words, struggling to speak through tears

5. Show, not Tell Phrases for Anger

Have you ever felt that flash of blinding rage when someone belittles you? Anger is the lava that courses through your veins. It’s the heat that rises from your chest to your face, turning your skin crimson. You are an explosion just waiting to happen! Anger is a powerful emotion that demands to be expressed, often bubbling over in explosive actions or simmering silently, waiting to be unleashed.

Here are some example phrases to convey this feeling:

 Facial Expressions

• Eyes narrowed into slits
• Nostrils flaring
• Gritted teeth
• Jaw clenched rigidly
• Face turning crimson
• A sneer curling one corner of the mouth
• Purple veins throbbing at the temples

 Body Language and Actions

• Hands balled into white-knuckled fists
• Pounding a fist on the table
• Jabbing a finger accusingly at someone
• Storming away in a huff
• Slamming a door and stomping away

Vocalisations

• Snarling or growling with teeth bared
• Muttering insults under the breath
• Letting out a derisive snort
• Flecks of spittle flying whilst spewing out expletives
• Hissing venomously

7. Show, not Tell Phrases for Surprise/Shock

You’ve just won the lottery. An old friend you haven’t seen in years shows up sat your doorstep. You’re left momentarily speechless as you try to comprehend the situation. Surprise is generally an instantaneous, gut reaction to something unexpected.

Here are some example phrases to convey this feeling: 

Facial expressions

• Eyebrows shooting up in astonishment
• Eyes grew as wide as saucers
• Blinking rapidly in disbelief
• Lips parted in a near-perfect ‘o’
• Jaw-dropping nearly to the floor
• A momentary flash of confusion

 Body Language and Actions

• Jolting upright
• Stepping back reflexively
• Did a double-take
• Arms dropping to sides, limp with shock
• Clapping hands over an open mouth
• Grabbing onto the nearest object for support
• Shaking their head in disbelief

 Vocalisations

• Squeaking out a breathless gasp
• Stunned into silence
• Letting out a long, slow “Wow…”
• Voice rising an octave in exclamation

8. Show, not Tell Phrases for Disgust

You’re digging into your favourite Char Kway Teow, savouring each bite when suddenly, a maggot wriggles out from within. Eww! Instantly, your stomach churns and your face contorts in revulsion. Disgust often manifests in aversion and distance from the offending item.

Here are some example phrases to convey this feeling:

 Facial expressions

• Nose scrunching up in disdain
• Grimacing as though smelling a foul odour
• Forehead creasing with lines of distaste
• Casting a glare of disapproval
• One eyebrow cocked in a sceptical arch
• Eyes darting away from the offending item
• Lips settling into a scornful pout

 Body Language and Actions

• Recoiling in horror
• Shuddering involuntarily
• Pinching one’s nose
• Pushing something away

 Vocalisations

• Clicking one’s tongue in disapproval
• Swallowed back a wave of nausea
• Making a gagging sound, on the verge of retching
• A disdainful “ugh”
• A loud, clear snort of contempt

Mastering Show, not Tell

Remember: this is not an exhaustive list of phrases to mindlessly memorise. Be creative, keep practising, and come up with your unique “show, not tell” descriptions to suit your story.

• Facial expressions
• Body language and actions
• Speech delivery and vocalisations

With these tips, you’re well-quipped to start weaving vivid descriptions. And perhaps, when you’re able to craft paragraphs that can transport your readers into your character’s reality, you’ll understand how Jasmine felt, and do a little, celebratory shimmy of your own when you see your dream grade winking at you from atop the page.  🙂 

If you’re eager to dive deeper and expand your repertoire of emotive expressions, don’t miss our eBook, “500 Awesome Phrases to Wow Your Teacher“. This resource is packed with creative Show, Not Tell phrases to help you vividly convey emotions like jealousy, relief, gratitude, and anxiety, among others.

Download your copy today!

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