The Importance of Body Language in Writing

One thing I find difficult to show when I’m writing is the power of body language. A written scene full of description generally isn’t one of action, yet sometimes there’s a lot of action, or a lot of information passed on, without a single word being spoken. I went to a marriage equality rally a while ago and observed this silent exchange. The words are mine, deduced solely from the body language. I think it shows how important body language is in communication, and also how important it is to try to show it in writing.

Scene: in a park amongst a building crowd, getting ready for the rally.

A:   Pulls out two rainbow t-shirts from small bag, hands bag to B. “Hold this while I change?”

B:   Takes bag and one of the t-shirts. Lifts collar to check size. “Are you sure you have yours?”

A:   Raises eyebrows at B. “Of course this is mine. I checked.” A pulls shirt off over head and hands it to B. “Here, hold this while I put the other one on.”

B:   Takes shirt and looks at A. “Are you sure you need to change?” Rubs hand down his own chest. “Do I need to as well or can I put my shirt over this one?”

A:   Shakes his head. “You know they fit too well to look good over another shirt.” Tugs new t-shirt into place then reaches out for his original one. “I’ll just fold this then you can change too.” Folds t-shirt, places it in bag. Takes bag back from B.

B:   Takes shirt off and hands to A. Puts new shirt on then reaches for original t-shirt. A hands him the bag instead.

A:   “I’ll just fold this to go in the bag.”

B:   Reaches for shirt. “I can do it.”

A:   Holds shirt out of reach as he folds it. “You know you can’t fold worth a damn. I’m nearly done.” Takes bag and puts folded shirt into it.

B:   Rubs A on shoulder blade. “Thanks, babe.”

A:   Smiles up at B then slides gaze down his chest. “Damn you look hot in that shirt.”

They grin at each other then turn to the friends waiting nearby and begin a verbal conversation with them.