4. Listing Your Series In Order of Length -- From Short to Long. Arranging words of your series from short to long and from simple compound/ complex make process easier to understand. And if you can list them in alphabetical order it expands flow. There has also been research done on how people try to memorize and slow down when they read this type of series.

In first example, parallel construction, listing was an exception. The complex part was in middle because of chronological series of events.

In first paragraph, "verbs, objects, modifiers and multiple subjects" is listed in short to long and create an easier reading flow. If you read sentence this way: "The connectors are performing same work as modifiers, multiple subjects, verbs, and objects" your mind stops and goes. Many times this causes reader to be confused or even for them to exit.

Web writing differs from paper-printed writing because of way it is read. People scan what they read. This is people don't blink and they approach Net with a mind set of information overload. Additionally, this is why there are different structural rules. Using connectors is just one such change you need to make in your writing for World Wide Web.

(c) Copyright 2004, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.

Word count: 500

~*~*~ PUBLISHING GUIDELINES ~*~*~*

Publishing Guidelines: Permission is granted to publish this article electronically in free-only publications, like a web site or ezine (print requires individual permission) as long as resource box is included without any modifications). All links must be active. A courtesy copy is requested upon publication.

3. Posture - The way people hold themselves gives important information. Body posture can be closed or open. Interested people always pay attention and lean forward. Leaning backwards demonstrates aloofness or rejection. A firm handshake will give impression of assertiveness or honesty, too firm can seem arrogant or challenging. Folding arms across your chest or body is protective and will give impression of a character who’s closed, guarded and defensive. People with arms folded, legs crossed and bodies turned away are signaling that they are rejecting messages. People showing open hands, both feet planted on ground are accepting. A head held straight up signals a neutral attitude. A head tilted to side indicates interest. A head down is negative and judgmental.

4. Space - Dr. Edward T Hall, a professor of anthropology at Northwestern University, coined phrase “Proxemics” to describe his theories about zones and territory and how we use them. There are four distinct zones in which most people operate, including: intimate distance, personal distance, social distance and public distance. The cultural influence on spatial relationships is significant. “How we guard our zones and how we aggress to other zones is an integral part of how we relate to other people.” (1)

“The orientation of speakers and listeners: face-to-face, side to side, or back-to-back, can send powerful non-verbal messages. In a group situation, when leader faces group and turns toward one who is speaking, this conveys strong attention. When two people are communicating, competitors are more likely to sit facing each other while collaborators are more likely to sit side-by-side. If one stands while other is sitting, standing person may be sending dominance signals, which can stifle free exchange of ideas.” (2)

You now understand different types of body language and you may be able to incorporate body language into your writing to make your characters come alive on page.

Resources (1)Dick Mooney, Often, actions really do speak louder than words. Knoxville, TN: ACA Communicator, 2002 (2)Debbie O'Halloran, How to use Body Language in an Interview. The Irish Jobs Column, 2002