If you’ve ever taken a writing course, read a craft book, or gotten feedback from an editor, you’ve probably heard the phrase: “Show, don’t tell.”

But what does that actually mean?

It’s one of the most important (and misunderstood) rules in fiction writing. And today, we’re going to unpack it—clearly, thoroughly, and with real examples—so you can start using this technique to make your stories come alive.

Let’s be honest—writing dialogue seems easy until you actually sit down to do it. Then suddenly every conversation sounds either painfully stiff or like a confusing jumble. Great dialogue does more than fill space—it reveals character, builds tension, and moves the plot forward.

So how do you write dialogue that feels real while still serving a purpose? Let's break it down together.