Show, Don’t Tell: Elevate Your Writing—and Your LinkedIn Profile
One of the most enduring lessons I learned in a creative writing class in college was the power of “show, don’t tell.” It’s a simple concept, but once you understand it, you start noticing how often people fail to apply it—not just in writing but in everyday communication.
Think about this classic opening line:
“It was a dark and stormy night…”
It’s familiar, even iconic, but it doesn’t make you feel anything. Now compare that to:
“She noticed her breath fogging up the windowpane as the rain pelted it with a steady thump, thump, thump. And she jumped when the lightning flashed and clapped into a thunderous roar.”
One version simply tells you the scene is dark and stormy. The other makes you feel the cold, hear the rain and thunder, and see the lightning. That’s the difference between stating something and immersing someone in an experience.
Why This Matters for LinkedIn
It’s easy to assume this principle applies only to fiction writing, but the reality is: good writing is good writing—no matter the format. And, storytelling is the foundation around the adage: Facts tell; stories sell.
So in the world of professional branding, especially on LinkedIn, the ability to “show, don’t tell” is what separates compelling profiles from forgettable ones.
Most LinkedIn summaries and job descriptions are filled with tired and cliched phrases like:
• “I’m a passionate and results-driven leader.”
• “An innovative problem solver with a track record of success.”
• “A strategic thinker who delivers impactful solutions.”
Do these sound familiar? Probably. They’re overused because they sound like something a professional might say. But the problem is—they don’t mean anything. They do not make you sound interesting. They do not convey and differentiation for you. They do not position you as an expert on anything and they certainly do not make you stand out in an already crowded room.
In fact, they make you more invisible. When your goal is to be more visible.
Think about it. Have you ever met someone who doesn’t claim to be results-driven or passionate? These words are so common they lose their impact. Worse, they don’t provide any proof. They tell the reader what you want them to believe about you without actually demonstrating it.
One of your goals for LinkedIn is to help establish the social proof (or digital validation™) that you need to accelerate your career and job opportunities.
How to Show Instead of Tell
The key to making your LinkedIn profile stand out is to replace generic buzzwords with tangible examples. Rather than saying you’re a strategic thinker, tell a brief story that shows how you applied strategy to solve a real problem.
Example 1: Leadership
🚫 Telling: “I’m a proven leader who thrives in fast-paced environments.”
✅ Showing: “When my company underwent a major restructuring, I led a cross-functional team through the transition, retaining 95% of our top talent and increasing productivity by 20% within six months.”
Example 2: Problem-Solving
🚫 Telling: “I’m an innovative problem solver with a track record of success.”
✅ Showing: “Faced with a supply chain disruption that threatened to delay product launches, I worked with vendors to develop an alternative logistics strategy, cutting lead times by 40% and ensuring on-time delivery.”
Example 3: Passion and Drive
🚫 Telling: “I’m passionate about digital marketing.”
✅ Showing: “I started my career in sales but became fascinated by digital marketing’s potential to drive growth. I taught myself SEO and PPC strategies, then ran a pilot campaign that generated a 300% ROI—securing my transition into a full-time marketing role.”
Why This Works
When you “show, don’t tell,” you’re not just making claims—you’re backing them up with evidence. This approach is powerful because:
- It Creates a Visual – The reader can picture your actions and outcomes, making your profile more engaging.
- It Builds Credibility – Anyone can say they’re a great leader. But giving an example proves it.
- It Differentiates You – Most profiles blend together because they rely on the same buzzwords. Showing instead of telling makes yours memorable.
Applying This to Your LinkedIn Profile
- Rewrite Your Summary with Stories
Your summary is prime real estate for showcasing who you are and what you bring to the table. Instead of filling it with adjectives, use it to tell a brief story about how you solve problems, lead teams, or drive results.
For example:
🚫 Telling: “I help businesses scale through innovative growth strategies.”
✅ Showing: “In my last role, I helped a SaaS startup grow from $1M to $5M ARR in two years by identifying untapped market segments and launching a demand generation strategy that increased inbound leads by 150%.”
- Use Achievements in Your Experience Section
Instead of just listing job responsibilities, highlight key accomplishments with specific numbers and outcomes.
🚫 Telling: “Responsible for managing a sales team.”
✅ Showing: “Led a 10-person sales team that exceeded quota by 25% for three consecutive quarters, securing $3M in new business.”
- Ditch the Buzzwords in Your Headline
Your headline should quickly communicate your expertise in a way that sparks interest. Instead of saying:
🚫 “Experienced Marketing Professional | Growth-Focused Leader”
Try something more specific and results-oriented:
✅ “Helping B2B Startups Scale | 3X Revenue Growth Through Digital & Demand Gen”
Final Thought: Be Memorable
At the end of the day, LinkedIn is about standing out in a sea of professionals who, on paper, may look just like you. The difference comes down to how you tell your story.
If your profile reads like a generic resume, people will skim past it. But if it paints a picture of your skills, impact, and experience, it will capture attention—and more importantly, opportunities.
Most people do not think that they have described themselves with cliches and trite terms. So go take a look at your LinkedIn profile and perhaps your resume. And if you discover some, top and ask yourself: How can I show this instead of just saying it?
Your profile—and your career—will be better for it.
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