CERTAINTY DEFINITION:A state of absolute belief; to be without doubt PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: A strong decisive nod or rapid nodding Unwavering eye contact A lack of hesitation to commit or volunteer Speaking in absolutes:The vote will go through,orThere’s no way to recover from this. Thrusting the chest out Touching others to get their attention (grabbing an arm, etc.) Having good posture (shoulders back, drawing up to full height, etc.) Head lifted high, exposing the neck Being decisive (making decisions quickly, not needing to ask for advice or input) Even breathing, exuding calm A wide, open stance Quietly observing; not needing to prove oneself Inviting questions and being willing to answer them Moving closer to others or showing a willingness to let others in one’s personal space Responding to questions quickly and firmly Citing facts and past experiences to back up one’s belief in conversation Speaking confidently and positively, without any need for subterfuge or insults Waving a hand dismissively when others show doubt Smiling at concerns or worries to display their groundlessness Having an answer for every question Becoming more verbal or emphatic (if conveying one’s conviction is needed) A firm handshake Disengaging in a judgmental tone if others don’t fall into line:Well,good luck, then. Being the first to act or react A willingness to approach or engage A voice that is firm Speaking one’s mind; not beating around the bush A noticeable lack of fidgeting, touching the face, or fiddling with things Stating opinions rather than making suggestions Making grandiose statements on where one stands:I’m right about this. I’d bet my house on it. Moving with confidence (no hesitation, a direct stride, etc.) Becoming smug and dismissive INTERNAL SENSATIONS: An expanding feeling in the chest A vibration in the mouth, throat, and chest that accompanies humming (if one’s certainty allows one to let go of all worries) MENTAL RESPONSES: Feeling kinship with those who share the same certainty or conviction Being willing to commit without knowing all the details Focusing on information that supports one’s belief and dismissing the rest Forming a mental case (examples to use, information to cite) to convince others to align with one’s viewpoint A mind-over-body mindset, allowing for increased endurance, fortitude, and stamina Having a strong mental focus A sensation of being untouchable, as if one is invincible ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Increased self-confidence Choosing a leadership role so one can have influence (if this is important) A need to warn any who will be negatively impacted if they don’t agree Becoming closed to new information that’s contrary (ignoring facts, refusing to converse) Taking risks without thought Being comfortable making far-reaching plans and going out on a limb Increased impatience with those who constantly try to interfere or sway one’s convictions Pushing one’s view and even becoming argumentative if the stakes are high SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Asking others for their input or advice Asking questions that one knows the answers to:It’s a good sign he agreed, right? A smile that one quickly masks Avoiding eye contact, or breaking eye contact by looking down Backpedaling to make people think that one’s mind isn’t set:But you never know, right? MAY ESCALATE TO:Confidence,Fearlessness,Smugness,Pride MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Surprise,Conflicted,Confusion,Unease,Doubt,Worry ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Affirm, agree, assert, assure avow, charge, claim, commit convert, convince, credit, engage entrust, express, fixate, forecast foresee, give, influence, know lead, magnify, motivate, obey plan, praise, preach, predict proclaim, push, reassure, reinforce rely, secure, serve, sign state, support, trust, voice volunteer WRITER’S TIP:How a character views their world should always be filtered through their emotions. What they are concerned about, desire, fear, and what impacts their self-identity will steer emotions and change how they perceive each setting.