Show don't tell - Developing your Writing Skills

When it comes to crafting a powerful sentence in a cover letter or email, or putting together a poignant sales presentation - good command of the written word is essential. But having good writing skills isn't about harking back to Elizabethan literature or piecing together Shakespearian sonnets; in the professional world, it's all about strong communication.


Show, Don't Tell


Professional writers are given a few key tips when developing their craft, and first and foremost is the mantra of "Show, don't tell". What this means, from a story telling perspective, is that a sentence is much more powerful when the readers are able to draw the desired conclusion on their own.


"She became very afraid when the lion approached her."


"She could feel her knees beginning to tremble as the lion stalked towards her."


By describing and showing what was happening in the situation, a writer can create much more powerful and vivid imagery instead of telling the reader that someone "felt" afraid.


Professional Writing - how to show and not tell


When it comes to developing your professional writing skills, the same mantra rings true. For example, a job application, CV or cover letter is much more convincing when concrete examples are used to demonstrate the required skills, rather than just drawing the conclusion in your sentence:


"After 2 years' experience as an administrative assistant, I am efficient, organised and can work well in a team."


"After spending 2 years as an administrative assistant in a busy advertising firm, where my role required me to be efficient when coordinating meetings between multiple staff members, as well as being organised when keeping careful records of internal communications and ensuring project deadlines were kept on track, I have developed the skills needed to work well in a team environment."


That could likely be refined to be more natural and fluid in its presentation, but it presents a point for comparison.


In this age of email being one of the most preferred methods of communication, having strong written communications could be difference between a successful or unsuccessful pitch. Meanwhile, the ability to "show and not tell" in your visual decks can also help hone your presentation skills. Professional writing courses are available to teach you the fundamentals behind the power of the written word.



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