From Aims Community College:
Focus on detail – The writer’s job is to show, not tell, what happened. Be sure to use plenty of detail to make this happen and avoid over relying on adjectives; strong verbs are often better. In other words, don’t tell the reader that the sunset was breathtaking, describe it.
Incorporate sensory detail - When describing a particular event, most writers focus on how a place or situation appeared. This is because most of us tend to be sight-dominant when using our senses. However, the reader can be brought further into the essay by incorporating a variety of senses: sound, smell, touch, taste, in addition to sight.
Connect the event/person/place to a larger idea - As you are describing this event, person, place, etc., don’t lose focus on the main idea: how the event changed you. This is the thesis of your personal essay, and it is important that you demonstrate how the details come together to create this thesis. Don’t get so caught up in narrating the actual event that you forget to also go into detail on the importance of it.
Be careful with verb tense – As you are shifting from the event itself, which occurred in the past, and how it has continued to impact your life, be sure to use the appropriate verb tense and keep it consistent. Some writers will describe a past event in present tense, hoping to make the reader feel more involved; this can be done, but doing it well involves great writing skill; no matter what, be sure to keep the verb tense consistent. When in doubt, stick with past tense for the actual event (s) and present tense to discuss the change (s).
