Writing tips & tricks

Body Lanuage Cheat Sheet

Body language is everything. Here's some body language that will help with writing and art.

Anger

• balling the fist

• crossing the arms tightly

• clenching the fist once arms are crossed

• tight-lipped smile

• clenched teeth

Attraction

• pupils dilate

• women will cross and uncross legs

• mimicking the other person's body language (usually unconsciously)

Closed to Conversation

• keeping hands in pockets (especially men)

• arms and legs crossed

• sitting back

• folding the hands together on a table

Distress

• men in particular will often stroke or rub the nape of their neck when they're upset

• crossed arms

• self hugging

• One arm draped across the body

• clutching a purse, or handbag with both hands

• folding the hands together in front of the crotch (men)

Lying

• covering the mouth (some will often try to cover up the gesture with a cough)

• quickly touching or rubbing the nose

• rubbing the eyes

• scratching the neck with the index finger

Openness and Honesty

• exposure of the palms

• arms and legs unfolded

• leaning forward

Submissive signals

• smiling (this is why some people smile when they're afraid or upset)

• slumping of the shoulders

• doing anything to appear smaller

Superiority, confidence, power, dominance

• setting the tips of the fingers together

• folding the hands behind the back of the neck

• hands on hips

• straddling a chair