WRITING HELP: How To Show, Not Tell

1. Gestures and Body Language

- she gave him the thumbs up

Hips:

- she put her hands on her hips

- she shoved her hands in her pockets

- he jammed his hands in his front pockets

- she rested a hand on her hip

-she jutted out her hip

Arms in:

- she folded her arms

- he crossed his arms over his chest

- she hugged herself

- he wrapped his arms around himself

- she rocked back and forth

Arms out:

- she spread her arms wide

- he held out his arms

- she held out her hand

- he extended a hand

Head Nods:

- he shook his head

- she nodded

- he bobbed his head

- she tilted her head

- he cocked his head

- she inclined her head

- he jerked her head in the direction of...

- she turned her face away

- he looked away

Breaths:

- his breaths quickened

- she panted

- she was breathing hard

- his chest rose and fell with rapid breaths

- she took in a deep breath

- he drew in a long breath

- she took in a sharp breath

- he gasped

- she held her breath

- he let out a harsh breath

- she exhaled

- he blew out his cheeks

- she huffed

- he sighed

- she snorted

Laughs:

- she laughed

- he giggled

- she guffawed

- he chuckled

- she gave a bitter laugh

- he gave mirthless laugh

- she tittered

- he cackled

Rubbing:

- she rubbed her shoulder