DOUBT DEFINITION:To lack confidence in or consider unlikely PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: One’s brows drawing closer, the face tightening Looking down or away Avoiding eye contact Pressing the lips together Shuffling one’s feet Shoving one’s hands into pockets Throat-clearing Thumbing the ear Asking questions without clear answers to imply that more thought is needed Checking and rechecking one’s appearance (self-doubt) Delaying tactics (suggesting time to review options, etc.) Pauses,ums, or other conversation fillers Taking a slight step back Lingering at the edge of a group or event Biting one’s cheek Declining an offer of support Running hands through the hair (and other signs of restlessness) Pulling or tugging at one’s clothes A smile that appears tight A hesitating nod Rocking on one’s heels and pretending to study the floor Cocking the head while raising an eyebrow Swallowing more than usual Tipping one’s head side to side, weighing an idea or choice Tapping the fingers together while steepled Slightly clenched fists A deep, weighted sigh Pursing the lips Shrugging Shaking the head Asking for assurances or clarification Arguing or questioning Citing possible repercussions Rubbing the back of the neck Fiddling with a ring or button to avoid eye contact Putting a hand over the face and closing the eyes Drawing in breath and holding it for a time before releasing it Tactfully offering alternative suggestions Hesitation (accepting a leaflet with reluctance, etc.) Crossing the arms or legs Asking a third party to weigh in, hoping to sway someone’s decision INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Ribs that tighten slightly A light quiver in the stomach MENTAL RESPONSES: Worrying over the current path Looking ahead to possible collateral damage Second-guessing a prior decision (in choosing someone for the job, supporting an idea, etc.) Searching for ideas on how to circumvent the situation Dredging up evidence to sway opinions Hoping or praying it will work out ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Avoiding speaking or agreeing openly Looking for ways to distance oneself from the situation Sharing a look with an ally; raising the eyebrows to convey a message Wincing as others rally behind a weak solution Fearmongering:This could really blow up if you’re wrong. Remember how George got fired last year? SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Coughing as one agrees or supports a doubtful decision or stance Mimicking confidence (straightening, speaking in a booming voice, etc.) Lying or misleading others Making excuses for not agreeing immediately Reassuring others of loyalty, commitment, etc. Offering to handle the problem MAY ESCALATE TO:Worry,Disbelief,Unease,Suspicion,Insecurity MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Skepticism,Conflicted,Curiosity ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Backpedal, challenge, counter, delay discredit, dismiss, dispute, dwindle exit, fade, falter, fidget flounder, hang back, hesitate, procrastinate question, regret, reject, research scoff, stumble, stutter, tank vanish, waffle, waver WRITER’S TIP:When steering your character through scenes that allow for emotional growth, don’t forget to also provide setbacks. The path to enlightenment isn’t smooth for anyone, including our characters.