This may be controversial, but I think challenge rating has been missold. I might even go so far as to call it a dangerous myth.
Is challenge rating a lost cause?
How to roleplay every NPC (almost!)
I recently came across the idea of a psychological gesture from Justin Alexander of the Alexandrian. This is a technique created by Michael Chekhov where actors use a physical action to capture and express their character's main emotional or psychological state. I've been trying it out a bit, and it's fun and really helps me get in character quickly.
So You Want to Be a Game Master: Review
If you're serious about DMing, you will know who Justin Alexander is. So what is his new book all about, and what did I make of it?