Body Language Guide

Body Language Guide

As a writer, I am always aware of the importance of using body language to enhance the depth of the character. Using body language is a great way to show the state of mind of the character, but how and when to use it can be quite confusing. Here are my tips to make the process easier. Remember that a character can exhibit more than one of these behaviours at the same time. They can be happy and shocked or angry and shocked.   

Body language has many benefits. You can use it to reveal how your characters' emotions affect what action they take, thus delving into their psychology and belief system. It is useful to add realism to your dialogue and a perfect way to help you show not tell your reader what is happening. Remember half of all communication is non-verbal in reality and characters in novels are no different. But beware of overusing it, as it can really slow the progression of your storyline down.  

Anticipation – Unable to remain still, nervous grin, dry mouth, licking lips, or playing with hands. 

Amusement – throwing head back, clapping hands together, or shaking with laughter. 

Anger - Slam fist onto a surface, point with one finger, throbbing veins in the neck, narrow/squint eyes, clench fists/jaw, flushed face, roll eyes, bare teeth, exasperated sighs, tight lips, or lower eyebrows. 

Anxiety – Fidget, darting eyes, clammy palms, high-pitched laughter, swallow repeatedly, quickened breathing/speech, pacing, play with hair/hand, or hunched posture. 

Boredom – Avoid eye contact, fidgets, taps hands on a surface/themselves, tap feet, slouched posture, play with a pen, or doodles. 

Confidence - Push chest out, steeple fingers, hands clasped behind back, definite and firm movements.  

Contempt – Sneer, dismissive handwaving away, or pursed lips. 

Deception- Avoid eye contact, shrug shoulders, nod head yes while saying no, hesitation in speech, change in demeanour, unwarranted laughter/smile, or continuous blinking, cross arms/legs, or place something in front of themselves as a barrier.  

Disgust – Gagging, flinch, cover the nose, turn away, squint eyes, or protect the body with hands. 

Fear – Rock from side to side, hunch shoulders, shrunken body posture, wrap arms around themselves, tremble, or widened eyes. 

Honesty – Maintain eye contact, smile with eyes, open body posture. 

Overwhelmed – Hands grip onto an object/person, palms placed on the forehead, fingers cover one eye or staring into space. 

Passion/Eager - Raised eyebrows, hand on heart, double-handed handshake. Wide eyes with a steady eye contact or body posture, lean towards the other person.  

Dominance – Steepled fingers, hands behind head, feet up, fixed stare, tight-lipped smile, chest out, or hard, aggressive handshake.  

Jealousy - Sour expression, crossed arms, or narrowed eyes. 

Possessiveness – Place hands on the person's neck, hands or shoulders, or on a wall nearby, step into their personal space, turn body towards the person, or stare angrily toward anyone that comes close to that person. 

Suspicion – Narrow eyes, sideways glance, hands in pockets, rub eyes, heavy sigh, blow out cheeks, avoid eye contact, or tight lips. 

There are many more body language expressions, I am sure, but this is a good guide to get you started.



by Lesley Jones Best Selling Author of the Addictive Laugh Out Loud Comedy The Diary Of Poppy Parker