What might be a behavioral sign of a person experiencing fear?

A person experiencing fear often displays physical symptoms that reflect their emotional state. Grinding teeth and a tight jaw are both common involuntary responses to stress and anxiety. These behaviors can occur as a result of the body's fight-or-flight response, where muscles tense up in preparation to confront a threat or flee from it. This tension can manifest in the jaw and teeth, indicating that the individual is in a heightened state of alertness or fear. Recognizing such signs is critical in understanding human behavior in potentially threatening situations, particularly for those in law enforcement or public safety roles.

The other options reflect different emotional states: a calm voice and steady gaze suggest confidence or composure; clear articulation of thoughts implies a thoughtful approach or rational thinking; open body language typically signifies comfort or non-threatening intentions. Thus, they do not align with the typical behavioral signs associated with fear.