Show Don't Tell = nervous?

Question

How would you use "Show Don't Tell" [imagery](http://www.newsu.org/course_files/nwsu_headlinesThatWork10a/pdf/specificity-imagery.pdf) to portray a person who is watching something (an encounter) that makes him nervous? All I can think of is: I could feel my body begin to sweat.

Answer 1

When trying to employ a 'show-don't-tell' technique it's helpful to think about how you feel. Think of something that makes you very (very!) nervous; waiting to get on a roller-coaster or preparing to give a presentation, etc. How do you feel in that moment? You might be sweating, but that also happens when you're hot, so be more specific; what part of you is sweating? The palms of your hands is a common one for nerves. You might also feel nauseous or a little dizzy.

The really important thing is to not lay it all out there in one sentence. For example:

Weak: I could feel my palms getting sweaty as my stomach churned and I felt a little dizzy.

Stronger: Sweat pricked at my palms. I wiped them on my jeans. I should have worn something nicer, they were all going to laugh at me in these. I squinted into the sun, trying to see if my name was next. I felt a little dizzy and wished I was at home and this was all over.