SKEPTICISM DEFINITION:Feeling doubtful or incredulous PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Pursing the lips in thought Tilting the head and pausing Shaking the head Pressing the lips into a fine line Raising the eyebrows Clearing the throat Fiddling with jewelry or other items Shrugging Nodding, but with a tight expression to show one is not fully committed A confrontational stance A smirk or eye roll A hand flap that dismisses the person or their idea Demanding proof or evidence Listing the possible consequences Polite verbal opposition A condescending smile Muttering negatives:I don’t thinkso,orNo way that would work. Restlessness (pacing, tapping fingers, clock-watching, etc.) A tightness in the face Rigid body posture Rubbing the back of the neck without making eye contact Narrowed eyes Biting or chewing on one’s lip Gossiping with others; running a person down for their choices or ideas Sniping remarks Licking one’s lips Hemming and hawing Referencing similar events from the past that did not pan out Bringing up everything that could go wrong A purposeful shiver or shudder Biting the fingernails A heavy sigh Walking away Tapping a finger against the tabletop to drive a point home AskingAre you sure?orWhat if?questions A jutting chin A silent look while crossing the arms Wrinkling the nose like there’s a bad smell A quick exhale through the nose (a snort) INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Tightness in the chest Increased heartbeat and pulse Tense muscles A flare of adrenaline, firing the brain to act MENTAL RESPONSES: Negative thoughts Uncertainty Homing in on flaws, either of logic or of a personal nature A desire to change the speaker’s mind or standpoint Wanting to be around people with the same opinions ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Anger Frustration and a loss of patience Passive skepticism becoming more overt:You’re making a mistake. Looking for ways to discredit the speaker A desire to shut the speaker up The mind racing through possible arguments Disbelief (that others can’t see the truth) Actively seeking to bring people over to one’s way of thinking Becoming argumentative SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: Attempting to keep a neutral facial expression Footsteps that drag A quick widening of the eyes before schooling one’s expression Apologizing for not showing immediate support Sitting still, hands clasped, mimicking interest and attention Acting noncommittal:Interesting idea, orThat’s something to think about. Asking for a person to review the pros and cons again for clarity Suggesting a trial basis as a solution Requesting more time to reflect Suggesting that perhaps more thought or study is needed MAY ESCALATE TO:Suspicion,Resignation,Fear,Scorn,Paranoia MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Uncertainty,Confusion ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Argue, attack, challenge, deny discredit, disprove, dispute, distrust doubt, oppose, question, refute smirk, sneer, snort, suspect wrestle WRITER’S TIP:Don’t make it easy for your heroes. Pile on the difficulties. Overwhelm them. Make it seemingly impossible for them to succeed so that when they do overcome, the reader will be properly impressed.