show-not-tell

Rewrite narrative copy into concrete scenes with sensory details.

Updated May 21, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/jedmamosto/m-and-ms --skill show-not-tell
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: show-not-tell
Source: https://github.com/jedmamosto/m-and-ms/tree/main/.agents/skills/show-not-tell
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/jedmamosto/m-and-ms --skill show-not-tell

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill fixes copy that sounds abstract or declarative by rewriting it so the reader experiences the moment through concrete scenes, sensory detail, and specific actions.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Label-to-scene rewrites: Replaces conclusions, category names, and named emotions with moments that make the conclusion inevitable.
  • Hook upgrade (skim hooks): Converts front-loaded summaries into emotional-weight lines drawn from the sharpest moment.
  • Whole-piece compliance: Enforces the show-don’t-tell constraint across every section, not just a flagged sentence.
  • Truth-first safety guard: Avoids fabricating specifics; uses placeholders like [SCENE NEEDED: ...] when the real moment isn’t provided.

Quick Start

Rewrite the following copy using scenes and sensory details instead of labels, and ensure the result stays faithful to only the information I provide.

Frequently Asked Questions about show-not-tell

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I rewrite marketing copy using the show don't tell technique?

To rewrite marketing copy using show don't tell, replace abstract labels, conclusions, and named emotions with concrete scenes, specific moments, and sensory details so readers experience the message directly.

What does show don't tell mean in copywriting?

In copywriting, show don't tell means replacing declarative category statements and emotional labels with specific actions and sensory details that make the conclusion inevitable for the reader.

How do I turn a flat hook into a skim hook with sensory details?

To turn a flat hook into a skim hook, convert front-loaded summaries into emotional-weight lines drawn from the sharpest moment, using sensory details to capture attention immediately.

Can I rewrite sales pages and social captions without inventing new details?

Yes, you can rewrite sales pages and social captions without inventing details by using placeholders like [SCENE NEEDED] when a specific moment is missing, ensuring the rewrite stays faithful to provided information.

Does whole-piece compliance matter when rewriting narrative text?

Whole-piece compliance matters when rewriting narrative text because the show don't tell constraint must be enforced across every section, not just a single flagged sentence, to maintain consistent impact.

What is the best way to fix abstract narrative copy in emails and bios?

The best way to fix abstract narrative copy in emails and bios is to replace telling labels with concrete scenes and specific moments, applying the show don't tell rule across the entire piece.