Hands-On Writing: Crafting Authentic Feelings Through Nonverbal Cues

Let's dive into the exciting part—the writing process!

Crafting authentic feelings in writing involves more than just words on a page. It requires a deep understanding of human behaviour and the ability to translate that understanding into nonverbal cues that resonate with readers.

Here's a guide on how to accomplish this:

Observe Real-life Behaviour

Observing real-life interactions is an essential step in understanding how to craft authentic feelings through nonverbal cues in writing. Pay attention to how people express emotions through their body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice. Notice the subtleties and nuances in how different emotions are expressed.

In earlier chapters, I covered these topics in detail, but here's a concise explanation of each nonverbal cue:

Body Language: Observe how people stand, move, and use their bodies to express emotions. Note the differences in posture, gestures, and facial expressions between various emotional states. For instance, someone who is happy might stand up straight, with their shoulders back and a smile on their face. In contrast, someone who is angry might cross their arms, furrow their brows, and avoid eye contact.

Facial Expressions: Pay attention to how people's expressions change in response to different situations, and consider how you can use these cues to add depth to your characters.

Gestures: Notice the gestures people use to emphasize or convey their emotions. These can include hand movements, arm gestures, and other body movements that add meaning to their words. For example, someone who is excited might use expansive gestures to emphasize their point, while someone who is nervous might fidget or wring their hands.

Tone of Voice: Listen to how people's tone of voice changes based on their emotions. Note the differences in pitch, volume, and intonation for different feelings such as excitement, anger, or sadness.

How To Read Anyone Instantly - 18 Psychological Tips \ BRAINY DOSE

Use Specific and Evocative Language

When depicting nonverbal cues in your screenplay, it's essential to use descriptive and vivid language that creates a clear image in the reader's mind. Rather than settling for generic descriptions like "Sally looks sad," delve deeper into the specifics of her body language and demeanor. For instance, you might describe how the character's shoulders slump, how they avoid eye contact, and how their voice becomes barely audible, all of which paint a more evocative picture of sadness. Thus, the sentence can be rewritten as follows: "Sally's shoulders slump as if carrying a heavy burden, her gaze fixed on the ground as she avoids eye contact, and her voice trembles, barely above a whisper."

How to write descriptively - Nalo Hopkinson \ TED-Ed

Consider Context

As I've discussed in previous chapters, it's essential to consider the context and the character's individual traits. Nonverbal cues are not one-size-fits-all; they can vary greatly depending on the character's personality, background, and the specific situation they are in. For instance, a character who is usually confident and outgoing might exhibit different nonverbal cues when feeling vulnerable or insecure. They might avoid eye contact, fidget nervously, or have a more closed-off posture. On the other hand, a character who is naturally more reserved might show subtle cues of discomfort, such as a slight tensing of the shoulders or a hesitant tone of voice, even in everyday situations.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of explicitly stating a character's emotions, it's often more effective to show them through their actions and expressions. For instance, rather than saying "Sarah is nervous," instead, you could write "Sarah's fingers drum impatiently on her knees as she sits on the edge of the couch, her eyes darting to the clock on the wall every few seconds. She adjusts her blouse, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles. The tension in the room is palpable as she waits for the interview to begin, her anticipation almost tangible." This not only provides a more vivid and engaging image for the reader but also allows them to infer Sarah's emotional state through her behaviour, creating a more immersive experience. However, it's important not to overdo it; use nonverbal cues sparingly and effectively to avoid overwhelming the reader.

How To SHOW and Not TELL Internal Conflict \ Abbie Emmons

How to Show, Not Tell: The Complete Writing Guide \ Diane Callahan - Quotidian Writer

Use Subtext

When a character's words and body language are in conflict, it creates a dynamic tension that draws the audience in, sparking intrigue and deepening their engagement with the scene. For instance, imagine a scene where a character tells a friend they're happy about a promotion, but their eyes are downcast, and they're nervously biting their lip. The mismatch between their verbal and nonverbal cues suggests there's more to the story, leaving the audience curious about the character's true feelings and motivations.

Writing Subtext - The Secret to Writing What's Under the Surface \ StudioBinder

Avoid Stereotypes

When incorporating nonverbal cues to convey emotions authentically, it's crucial to avoid relying on stereotypes. People express emotions in diverse ways, influenced by various factors such as personality, background, and culture. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that your portrayal feels genuine and true to the character you've created. Instead of resorting to clichéd gestures or expressions, consider how your character, with their unique traits and experiences, would realistically convey their emotions in a given situation.

Balance Nonverbal and Verbal Cues

As we discussed in the previous chapter, effective use of nonverbal cues should complement and enhance the dialogue, rather than overpowering it. To achieve this balance, consider the context of the scene and the character's personality and motivations. Nonverbal cues should align with the character's emotional state and intentions, providing subtle cues that add depth to their words.

Refer back to the chapter "Mastering Character Dialogue: Balancing Verbal and Nonverbal Communication" for a more comprehensive explanation and guide on mastering this aspect of writing.

Revise and Edit

Once you've incorporated nonverbal cues into your story, it's crucial to revise and edit your work meticulously. Ensure that your descriptions are clear, evocative, and authentic, enhancing the reader's understanding of the characters and their emotions. Consider whether the nonverbal cues you've included effectively convey the intended emotions and whether they align with the character's personality and the context of the scene.

Feedback from others can be invaluable during this stage. Share your story with trusted peers, fellow writers, or industry professionals to gather their perspectives. They can provide valuable insights on how well your nonverbal cues are working and offer suggestions for improvement. Remember, the goal is to create a story that not only reads well but also resonates emotionally with the audience.