EAGERNESS DEFINITION:Enthusiasm for what is to come PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Leaning forward Eyes that glow Rushing one’s words Speaking in a bubbly or loud tone Rapt attention Rapidly nodding the head Using excitable language Agreeability to whatever is suggested Fiddling with an object to keep the hands busy Squeezing the hands at one’s sides Strong eye contact Talking over others or interjecting to add to the conversation Offering suggestions to ensure the event is successful or runs more smoothly Raising a hand immediately to be called on Asking questions to get information Rubbing the hands together Leaning forward with a hand on the knee Sitting at the edge of a chair Allowing others into one’s personal space Licking one’s lips and smiling Feet pointing forward Shoulders straight and back Using animated gestures Bouncing on one’s toes Moving, fidgeting, or pacing Blowing out a long breath and smiling Eyes that are wide and rounded, with very few blinks Hands clutched together Head up, alert A fast walk, jog, or run Sharing a look or wink with another Clambering closer to a group or event Whispering in hushed, excitable tones Scuffing a chair closer to the table Arriving early Volunteering one’s time to help make the event better Quirking an eyebrow and smiling Friendliness, even with those not in one’s social circle Pulling or prodding others to hurry up Moving toward others who share one’s mindset (and away from those who don’t) Paying close attention to instructions INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A fluttery stomach Increased heartbeat An expanding feeling in the chest Breathlessness Adrenaline that causes hyper-alertness MENTAL RESPONSES: Focused listening Strong organization and preparedness An inability to concentrate on anything else Desiring to share and include others Losing all inhibitions A positive outlook and thinking pattern A willingness to take on responsibility, help, or lead Making quick decisions due to being completely committed to one’s path ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Preparing early, often hours or days before needed Planning or obsessing over every detail Seeking perfection Hurrying or rushing to make things happen quicker Daydreaming and imagining what the future experience will be like SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Clamping the hands in the lap, forcing oneself to sit still Tight muscles Slowing one’s speech; concentrating on being articulate A series of deep breaths Taking up a task or chore to pass the time Feigning disinterest by adopting a loose and relaxed posture Making a slight detour as a ruse MAY ESCALATE TO:Excitement,Schadenfreude,Impatience MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Satisfaction,Disappointment ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Advance, agree, animate, approach babble, flock, hasten, help join, jump, lean, pounce pursue, run, rush, snatch urge, volunteer, wish WRITER’S TIP:To generate friction in dialogue, give the participants opposing goals. A heightened emotional response is the natural result of not getting what one wants.