SURPRISE DEFINITION:Unexpectedly struck with a feeling of wonder, joy, or fear NOTES:Surprise can be negative or positive. PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: The mouth falling open Fingers touching parted lips An incredulous stare or dazed look Jerking the head back Slapping the hands against the cheeks A playful swat at a friend for causing the surprise Shuffling back a step or two A yelp, gasp, or squeal Flinching and clutching one’s fists to the chest A sudden stiffening posture; rigid muscles Stopping mid-stride or stumbling Giddiness Widening or bulging eyes Doing a double take A rise in vocal pitch Grabbing a friend’s arm Hiding the face Gripping the sides of the head as if to cover the ears Spreading the fingers out in a fan against the breastbone Touching the throat A flush of red in the cheeks and neck Turning away (negative surprise) Pulling books or packages tightly against one’s chest Raising a hand to ward off others from approaching or speaking A shaky, soft, halting, or disbelieving voice A tentative smile that builds as surprise sinks in A bark of laughter Breaths that catch or hitch Tipping or turning the head to the side INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Tingling skin A racing heartbeat A sudden coldness that hits at the core (if the surprise is negative) Disorientation, dizziness, or euphoria A fluttery feeling in the belly A flush of adrenaline tingling through the body MENTAL RESPONSES: Wanting to hide Fuzzy thoughts; an inability to think Embarrassment; feeling exposed and on display ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Ducking; covering one’s head with the arms Collapsing from a perceived fright Tears or shakiness Ducking the chin to hide the neck Jerkiness in the legs Leaping back Hands rushing toward the mouth to cover it Letting out a sharp scream Muscles tightening Flight reactions (running away, hiding, etc.) Fight reactions (shoving the initiator, delivering a punch to release anxiety, etc.) Arms drawing back to the body core in a protective flinch Stuttering or speechlessness Swearing or shouting SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: One’s smile going stiff in an effort not to lose it (negative) Rapid blinking Widening eyes Lifting the eyebrows A closed-lipped smile Nodding the head, as if one is not surprised at all A quick tensing of the body A split second where breathing is suspended Tightening the grip on whatever is being held Shaking out the hands once the initial shock has passed MAY ESCALATE TO:Amazement,Happiness,Fear,Anger,Relief,Disappointment MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Acceptance,Satisfaction,Confusion,Resentment ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Beam, catch, exclaim, flinch flounder, gape, gasp, gawp grab, grasp, jerk, jump laugh, retreat, smile, squeal startle, stumble, swear, yelp WRITER’S TIP:With emotion, never be afraid to try something new. Individual expressions should be genuine but unique.