FLUSTERED DEFINITION:Feeling overwrought and self-conscious due to confusion, uncertainty, or frustration PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Breaking eye contact with someone Blinking rapidly A sharp intake of breath A flush appearing in the face and neck Using speech disfluencies (ums, ahs) to stall while trying to salvage a conversation Stumbling over one’s sentences Sputtering and struggling to find the right words A nervous smile Scraping a hand through one’s hair or tucking it behind an ear The mouth opening and closing without speaking Touching the face repeatedly Making excuses that sound scattered or hastily put together Lying to cover up perceived weaknesses or goof-ups Clumsiness and jerky movements Giving a quick shake of the head Tapping or rubbing the forehead with one’s fingertips Self-deprecation:Well, that was a stupid thing to say, wasn’t it? Shielding or turning the body to the side rather than facing someone directly Changing direction multiple times An inability to stay still Second-guessing oneself Retreating from the conversation Being unable to move on until a mistake is corrected (when giving a speech, teaching, etc.) A strangled-sounding laugh Throat-clearing Making a joke to alleviate the situation or save face Apologizing or talking rapidly Pressing a fist against one’s thigh Squeezing or pinching oneself (an arm, wrist, the skin between the thumb and forefinger, etc.) to try and regain focus Turning to a physical task to busy one’s hands (clearing a table, straightening pillows, etc.) Briefly cupping the back of the neck with one’s hand Heat entering one’s tone Deflecting (blaming another, arguing, changing the focus to something else, etc.) Becoming emphatic to regain control:No, I’m fine. I’ve got it. I’ll have it to you Monday, really. Glancing around for a rescue Refusing help that is offered Diverting attention:It’s too warm in here, don’t you think? Let’s open a window. Allowing someone to enter one’s personal space if the cause is positive (such as a signal of romantic interest) Stepping back to increase personal space if the cause is negative (being criticized in the presence of one’s peers, for example) INTERNAL SENSATIONS: An increase in internal temperature Heat in the face (blushing) Tingling or tightness in the chest from not getting enough oxygen (holding one’s breath, not taking enough breaths, etc.) A prickling along the back of the neck MENTAL RESPONSES: Feeling insecure or vulnerable A loud, critical inner voice (for reacting this way) Heightened awareness of being in the spotlight Feeling as though time has stopped or slowed A desire to flee that one must fight to overcome Racing thoughts bent on regaining control of the situation ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Clamping the mouth shut to avoid exacerbating the situation Uncontrolled blushing and visible sweating Allowing someone else to take over Making an exit regardless of the consequences SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Feigning disinterest to minimize the importance of the current moment Asking a question that will cause a reaction and put the spotlight elsewhere Denying being flustered:No, you just caught me off guard, that’s all. Manipulating the situation:You twointroduce yourselves while I get us drinks. MAY ESCALATE TO:Frustration,Agitation,Embarrassment MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Annoyance,Uncertainty,Self-Loathing ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Addle, agitate, annoy, babble blurt, blush, dart, dazzle drop, fidget, flush, frustrate gape, hamper, hesitate, hinder joke, panic, rattle, squeeze stare, struggle, stumble, torment twitch, unbalance, undermine, upset waffle, wobble WRITER’S TIP:Sometimes a character will fight the emotion they are feeling. If this is the case, think about how their body language and dialogue may be at odds, and show that struggle.