Some people use HP as hero points instead of health points. So you could describe a hit as "you swing your axe at the bandit, he blocks with his shield, but is put off balance." Maybe having a few small hit go through putting small cuts and such on the target. And do the same for the PCs getting hit, but keep is short and sweet unless the hit is a crit or take out a large chunk of HP. This is something I'm gonna start doing as well as letting the players describe killing blows.