How to Write a Good Story

Body Langauge (IIII)

These are my final cheat sheet shares for body language you can use to show specific emotions in characters. I hope they're useful or at least give you some ideas for your own story.

Awe: slack-jawed, unable to move, fixed gaze.

Amusement: throw head back, slap thighs, clap hands, shake with laughter.

Annoyance: press lips together, narrow eyes, roll eyes ,exasperated sighs.

Anxiety: fidget, twist a ring, chew on a pencil, bite lip, swallow constantly, quickened breathing, hold breath, darting eyes, sweat, clammy palms, high-pitched laughter, hunched posture, pace, stutter, play with hair.

Attentiveness:  furrowed brow, lean forward, sit up, take notes, mimic body language.

Confidence: clasp arms behind body, lift head, push chest out, stand tall, make firm and precise movements.

Contempt: lift chin, purse lips, sneer, stretch or turn away, dismissive hand-waving.

Cynical: twist lips, half-smile, shake head, press lips with a slight frown, roll eyes.

Deception: one sided shoulder shrug, look down, scratch nose/ear/ neck, feet kick out or shuffle involuntarily, sudden change in demeanour, hesitation in speech, shifty eye contact, long blinks, shrug, unwarranted smiles or laughter, shake head 'no' while saying 'yes/, lick lips, cover/touch mouth.

Defensive: cross arms or legs, arms out with palms forward, hands up, place anything in front of body, hands in pockets.

Desire: flirtatious behaviour, wink, look up through the lashes, glance over the shoulder, make eye contact, touch hair or clothing, straighten spine, strike a 'cowboy' pose with thumbs in belt, dilated pupils, arch, stretch, women cross and uncross legs.

Disbelief: wide-eyed (shock), narrow-eyed (sceptical), twist mouth, crinkle nose, crease brow.

Displeasure: fake smile, pout, frown, cross arms.

Distress: Stroke/rub nape of neck, wide eyes, shallow rapid breathing, beat walls, huddle in a corner, clasp hands over head, rock, wring hands, run hands through hair, adjust cuffs, men hold hands together in front of crotch

Fear: hunch shoulders, shrink back, mouth open, widen eyes, shake, tremble, freeze, rock from side to side, wrap arms around self, shaking hands

Frustration: shake head, massage temples, clasp wrist in opposite hand or behind back, aggressively run hands through hair, show white knuckles

Grief: curl into foetal position, face contorts, slump, cover face or head with hands or arms or pillow, stare, shake with sobs, tremble, turn away, difficulty swallowing.

Happiness: smile, laugh, hum a tune, crinkle eyes and nose, swing arms, spin loosely, dance, jump, hug, giggle.

Honesty: maintain eye contact, smile with eyes and mouth, look up, palms up, open arms.

Impatience: nod quickly, tap fingers, sigh, check the clock, tap feet, increase pitch in voice, look away.

Jealousy: tight lips, sour expression, narrow eyes, crossed arms.

Overwhelmed: palms to forehead, splayed fingers, cover eyes with one hand, eyes wide and staring into space, hands grip onto something.

Passion or Eagerness: lean forward, nod, wide eyes, steady eye contact and raised eyebrows, hand on heart, double-handed handshake, feet pointed inwards.

Pleasure: tilt head back, part lips slightly, eyes wide or closed, languorous movements, stretch, arch neck or back, flush, quick breath and pulse.

Possessiveness: handshake with arm clasp, place hands on or around someone's shoulders or neck or waist, place hands on wall near them, stand in personal space with body positioned toward person, run a knuckle down someone's cheek, stare others down if they get too close.

Pride or Dominance: chin up, chest out, shoulders back, hard handshake, lean back with hands behind head and feet up, unblinking focused eye contact, hands on hips, straddle chair.

Sadness: droopy body, bowed, wrap arms around self, hesitating movements, bottom lip jutting out, lip quivers, cry, sob, shake, drag feet.

Secretiveness: tight-lipped smile, hands in pockets, look away, cover face, look down.

Shame: slump shoulders, look down and away, bury face in hands, bow head, straight mouth.

Shock: hands over mouth, mouth open, gasp, freeze and stare with wide eyes and raised eyebrows, smack palm against  forehead, step back

Shyness: blush, avoid eye contact, keep distance from others, back away if others come too close, fold arms, bend head, 'hug' walls

Smugness: slight close-lipped smile, one raised eyebrow, slightly tucked chin, enigmatic smile, raise eyebrows, steeple fingers.

Suspicion: narrow eyes, glance sideways, raise eyebrow, rub eyes, shake head, blow out cheeks, frown, tighten lips

Thoughtfulness: steeple fingers, pinch nose, close eyes, ear, stroke a real or imaginary beard, furrow brow, narrow eyes, tilt head and press lips together, rest chin on hand, lean back and look up.

Triumph: clench hands above head, tilt head back and yell, pump fist in air, jump, roar, whoop.

P.S.

Thanks for reading, and to the voters and commentors, thank you times a thousand! If you like this, consider reading one of my other books. They might just be to your liking (and if they aren't you can tell me)