Body Language Cheat Sheet For Writers

Show Emotions Without Telling Them!!!

From Literary Gems!

FRUSTRATION

Furrowed brows
Tightened jaw or clenched teeth
Frowning or scowling
Pacing back and forth
Tapping fingers or fidgeting
Crossing and uncrossing arms
Squirming in their seat
Quick and jerky movements
Pointing or jabbing fingers
Hands thrown up in the air
Clenching fists tightly
Heavy sighs and exasperated breaths
Stiff or rigid posture. tense shoulders
Slamming fists on a table or surface
Speaking quickly or in an elevated tone
Interrupting or talking over others
Rolling eyes or sighing dramatically
Rubbing temples or massaging forehead
Shaking the head in frustration

CURIOSITY
Eyes narrowing with interest
Intense and unwavering eye contact
Eyebrows raised in an inquisitive manner
Leaning towards the subject of interest
Head tilted to one side
Forehead wrinkled in concentration
Resting the chin on the hand
Nodding in agreement or understanding
Upright and alert body posture
Shoulders relaxed, not slouched
Legs uncrossed, showing openness
Animated hand movements while expressing interest
Mouth parted, as if ready to ask a question
Picking up and examining objects
Moving to explore different angles
A twinkle in the eyes that conveys enthusiasm

ANGER

Jaw clenched or teeth grinding
Eyes narrowed or glaring
Brows drawn together
Nostrils flaring
Face reddening
Tense, rigid posture
Arms crossed tightly
Fingers curled into fists
Veins may become more prominent
Hands on hips or pointing aggressively
Leaning forward invading personal space
Pacing or unable to stay still
Slamming doors, tables, or objects
Sharp, clipped, or loud speech
Raising voice or shouting
Sarcastic or biting tone
Quick, jerky movements
Heavy, forceful breathing
Turning away in irritation
Eye rolling or scoffing

DISGUST

Nose wrinkling
Upper lip curling/raising, revealing teeth
Lowered eyebrows or a furrowed brow
Squinted or narrowed eyes
Pulling away or leaning back
Crossing arms tightly across the chest
Turning or tilting the head away
Averting gaze or looking down
Covering the nose or mouth with a hand
Pushing away with the hand or making a swatting motion
Cringing or shuddering
Tensing muscles / stiffening body
Gagging or retching
Taking a step back or creating physical distance
Turning the body away or creating a barrier with an object

FEAR

Eyes wide and alert
Brows raised and drawn together
Mouth slightly open or lips pressed tight
Rapid or shallow breathing
Shoulders hunched or raised
Backing away or trying to create distance
Hands clenched or held close to the body
Trembling or shaking
Sweaty palms or face
Looking for an escape route
Heart racing or visible pulse in neck
Swallowing hard
Stiff or frozen in place
Voice trembling or hard to speak
Clinging to someone or something
Feet restless or ready to run
Turning the body away from the threat

EMBARRASSMENT

Flushed color
Blush maybe even extends to neck and ears
Looking down or away
Fidgeting with hands or objects
Tripping or stumbling over words
An unsteady or clumsy demeanor
Playing with hair or clothing nervously
Covering the face with hands
Touching the face
Scratching the back of the neck
Nervous, uneasy, awkward laughter
Forcing a smile to mask embarrassment
Hunching or slouching the shoulders
Stammering or stuttering
Turning the face away or burying it in hands
Voice may become quieter in shame, or louder to overcompensate

HAPPINESS

Smiling genuinely
Eyes crinkling at the corners
Relaxed and open body posture
Upright stance with an easy energy
Animated hand gestures
Leaning in when engaged in conversation
Light, bouncy, or fluid movements
Laughing or chuckling
Bright, expressive eyes
Face lit up with enthusiasm
Nodding or showing agreement
Shoulders relaxed and lowered
Mirroring the body language of others
A warm, welcoming tone of voice
Taking up more space confidently
Radiating comfort and ease in their surroundings
Genuine interest and curiosity
Playful teasing or good-natured banter

SYMPATHY

A gentle and understanding smile
Consistent and empathetic nods as they listen to the speaker
A subtle tilt of the head to show engagement
Placing a hand on the shoulder
Holding someone's hand in a reassuring manner, perhaps rubbing the other person's hand with their thumb
Keeping arms open and uncrossed
Maintaining steady and compassionate eye contact
Hand on the heart
Tucking someone's hair behind their ear
Mirroring the emotions of the person in need, subtly
Speaking in a calm and soothing tone
Brows raised slightly or furrowed

SHAME

Avoiding eye contact, looking down
Slumped or hunched posture, head hung low
Trying to make oneself smaller
Arms crossing over chest
Blushing, flushed cheeks/face
Fidgeting, twisting hands/clothes
Bouncing legs nervously
Shaking or quivering in the voice
Unsteady, cautious movements
Leaning away from others or towards a corner
Nodding or bowing the head in submission
A half-hearted or forced smile that doesn't reach the eyes
Lips pressed together tightly
Hesitant or delayed responses in conversation

DESIRE

Prolonged, intense gaze
Lightly tracing fingers along the skin
Standing or sitting in close proximity
Leaning in slowly or subtly encroaching on personal boundaries
Purposeful and deliberate movements
Biting or running tongue over the lips
Drawing attention to the mouth (e.g. biting a pen)
Smirks or suggestive half-smiles
Raised eyebrows or a suggestive arch
A hint of mischief in the eyes
Speaking in a low and husky tone
Playing with hair or running fingers through it
Adjusting clothing
Eyes lingering on the desired person
Subtle tilting of the head to expose neck
Heavy breathing

RELAXATION

Slouched or comfortably reclined
Leaning back
A gentle and contented smile
Soft, unstrained facial muscles
Relaxed or half-closed eyelids
Slow, languid, unhurried movements
Sinking comfortably into a chair or sofa
Legs crossed or stretched out in a comfortable position
Taking up more space, at ease
Relaxed jaw and forehead
Casual, nonchalant hand movements
Hands resting comfortably on stomach or in pockets.
Unbuttoned shirts or relaxed attire
Loosening tie, or removing restrictive clothes
Light humming or whistling
Sounds of relaxation like soft laughter