UNCERTAINTY DEFINITION:The state of being unsure; unable to commit to a course of action PHYSICAL SIGNALS AND BEHAVIORS: Biting the lip or inside of the cheek Frowning Glancing at others to see what they think Looking down Asking others for advice or opinions Hands that fidget (twisting together, rubbing down the front of one’s pants, etc.) A downcast expression The forehead wrinkling Squinting as one looks inward Pinching or tugging on the bottom lip Tilting the head from side to side, weighing one’s choices Rubbing the jaw or back of the neck Pushing the hair out of the face An impatient huff Shuffling one’s feet Hesitating mid-action (while reaching for something or pulling out a wallet, etc.) Starting a sentence withWell…; beating around the bush Pulling back slightly A grimace and a slight shake of the head Asking questions to elicit more information Making aHmmmnoise Clearing one’s throat Swallowing Stalling gestures, such as cracking the knuckles or sitting back in one’s seat Doodling on paper Swaying or rocking on one’s feet Rubbing the lips or chin Biting the inside of the cheek or bottom lip Sighing Rolling the neck Tapping a pencil against a notepad or table Jotting down notes to delay answering A slumped posture—rounded shoulders, the head bowed, etc. Staring at nothing for an overlong moment Talking through the options aloud Asking for reassurance INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Breaths that catch in the chest Tenseness in one’s stomach Increased thirst MENTAL RESPONSES: Feeling trapped Unease at one’s options or choices The mind racing through possibilities A desperate need to find answers Feeling flustered by a less-than-ideal situation Making decisions, then second-guessing oneself Shutting down; refusing to make a decision ACUTE OR LONG-TERM RESPONSES FOR THIS EMOTION: Self-doubt Uncertainty that bleeds into other decisions and situations Anger and frustration Dismissing the situation without making a decision Inability to make any decision on one’s own Researching (searching the web, speaking with professionals, etc.) to find answers Going for a walk or leaving the situation in hopes of gaining a clear head Repeatedly postponing or rescheduling events An increased sense of desperation as time goes by and the situation is unresolved SIGNS THAT THIS EMOTION IS BEING SUPPRESSED: A delayed response A noncommittal answer:Maybe,orWe’ll see. Changing the topic to avoid hurt feelings or an argument Diversion rather than open support A hesitant nod Stalling for time (e.g., pouring a glass of water and drinking it) Refusing to answer; letting the silence do the talking Opening one’s mouth to argue, then stopping Acting noncommittal:Let’s put that in our back pocket for now, okay? Suggesting a vote of majority Offering weak agreement or half-hearted support Requesting more time before committing Passive-aggressiveness MAY ESCALATE TO:Denial,Doubt,Frustration,Unease,Wariness MAY DE-ESCALATE TO:Relief,Acceptance ASSOCIATED POWER VERBS: Deflect, dither, drag, fiddle fidget, frown, pause, procrastinate reflect, research, second-guess, shuffle stall, suspend, vacillate, waver WRITER’S TIP:Maintain an overall perspective of emotional range as the story progresses from scene to scene. A strong manuscript will always expose the reader to contrasting emotional experiences that fit within the context of the POV character’s growth.