(Without Going Overboard on Sighs and Eyebrow Raises 👀)
You’ve probably been there. You’re writing a scene, your characters are talking, and suddenly…
She sighed.
He raised an eyebrow.
She crossed her arms.
He sighed again.
Before you know it, your characters are stuck in a cycle of repeated gestures—and your reader’s attention starts to drift.
But body language is important! When used well, it adds nuance, tension, and emotion. It shows what characters aren’t saying out loud. The key is balance—and a little creativity.
Here’s how to use body language in dialogue that actually works:
✅ DO: Use Body Language to Reveal Emotion
The best body language doesn’t just fill space—it deepens the emotional undercurrent of the scene.
Instead of this:
“I’m fine,” she said, crossing her arms.
Try this:
“I’m fine,” she said, but her shoulders had curled inward like she was bracing for a hit.
That shift in body language gives us more than a tired “crossed arms” cliché—it hints at vulnerability, fear, and what she isn’t saying.
❌ DON’T: Repeat the Same Gestures
If every chapter has someone sighing, clenching fists, or raising a brow, your readers will start to notice. And not in a good way.
Fix it: Keep a running list of body language you tend to overuse. Challenge yourself to replace it with something more specific to your character’s personality or situation.
✅ DO: Anchor Dialogue with Purposeful Movement
Body language can ground a scene and keep it dynamic. Characters don’t just float and talk—they move, interact, fidget, avoid, engage.
Example:
He rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding her eyes.
She picked at the label on her water bottle, waiting for him to answer.
These gestures do double duty: they show mood and keep the scene visually active.
❌ DON’T: Describe Every Little Movement
Readers don’t need a play-by-play. Trust them to fill in the blanks.
Too much:
He walked into the room, sat on the couch, stretched his legs out, and folded his hands on his stomach.
“So,” he said, “what now?”
Better:
He dropped onto the couch, expression unreadable. “So. What now?”
Streamlining lets the emotional beat shine through.
✅ DO: Match Movement to Mood and Personality
A confident character doesn’t fidget nervously (unless they’re pretending to be nervous). An anxious character might avoid eye contact or tap their foot.
Let your character’s unique way of being shape how they move.
Example:
A flirtatious character might lean in closer, toy with a necklace, or glance at someone through their lashes.
A reserved character might keep their posture tight, their hands tucked into pockets, avoiding touch.
❌ DON’T: Use Body Language as a Crutch for Weak Dialogue
If your scene only works because of all the gestures propping it up, the dialogue itself might need a revision.
Body language should enhance, not save, a scene.
Quick Fixes:
Here’s a little cheat sheet of fresh alternatives to “the usual” gestures:
| Overused | Try Instead |
|---|---|
| Sighing | Jaw tightening, eyes unfocused, rubbing forehead |
| Eyebrow raise | Tilting head, one corner of mouth quirking up |
| Arm crossing | Folding a napkin, shifting weight from foot to foot |
| Fist clenching | Knuckles going white, nails digging into palm |
Final Thoughts
Body language is a powerful tool—but like all good things, it works best in moderation. Think of it as seasoning: the right amount enhances your scene, too much overpowers it.
So next time you catch yourself writing another sigh or eyebrow raise, pause. Ask yourself:
✨ What is this character really feeling—and how would they show it? ✨
You’ve got this.
Happy Writing ^_^
Sara's Writing Sanctuary 