POWERLESSNESS DEFINITION:Feeling that that one lacks the authority, skills, or resources to act PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Making oneself small (legs close together, slouching, a caved-in chest, etc.) Dressing in a way that doesn’t attract attention Maintaining a vacant look while staring off into space Hiding one’s hands in pockets or behind the back A lack of coordination (bumping into things, fumbling or dropping objects, etc.) Movements that lack energy Poor posture A bent neck Avoiding eye contact Starting sentences but not finishing them Giving one-word answers Speaking in a monotone voice that lacks emotion or interest Verbalizing self-blame:I should have stopped her, orI deserve this. Giving a single nod rather than speaking an affirmation Sagging back in a chair as if needing support Arms that hang at one’s sides Asking for instructions or seeking approval before acting A weak handshake or grasp Avoiding people or bodily contact Slack facial features Shaking one’s head while looking at the floor Shrugging weakly Pressing one’s fist to the lips and closing the eyes Rubbing one’s legs or squeezing the knees while sitting Placing one’s hand against the forehead to support the head Feet that point away from the person one is talking to (and toward an exit or source of safety) Looking down at one’s hands Not asking for what one needs or wants Difficulty making independent choices Avoiding conflict and risk; choosing what is safe or known Self-deprecation:I’m useless,orYou need someone better to do this job. Not asking questions Following instructions blindly Erratic pacing (when frustrated) Twisting one’s hands A voice that cracks with emotion when one is pressured INTERNAL SENSATIONS: A heavy stomach Ribs that seem too tight Body fatigue Feeling hollowed out MENTAL RESPONSES: Time seeming to slow down A desire to be alone Escaping into one’s thoughts rather than engaging with the real world Frustration with oneself Thoughts of self-loathing and inadequacy ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Desiring guidance even with the smallest things Blindly doing what one is told Increased self-loathing, which may progress to self-harming Being taken advantage of by those who notice one’s weakness Not attending to personal needs or pursuing meaningful personal goals SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Putting on a happy face Referencing times when one was strong or victorious Making empty threats:He’d never say that to my face! Fighting back in small, though unsuccessful, ways Fantasizing about sabotage or giving someone their comeuppance MAY ESCALATE TO:Defeat,Resignation,Shame,Self-Loathing,Inadequate MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Uncertainty,Hopefulness,Determination,Satisfaction,Peacefulness ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Avoid, bend, bow, break cave, cower, cringe, defer deflate, drain, drift, droop drop, fetch, follow, grovel hide, mumble, obey, paralyze report, resign, sag, scuff serve, shrink, shrug, shuffle slump, submit, surrender, weaken yield WRITER’S TIP:If you want readers to connect with a point-of-view character’s emotions, make him or her likeable, relatable, or vulnerable. This allows for empathy bonds to form.