8 Secrets To Reading Body Language

You will learn to recognize gestures and body language, and be able to discern what your interlocutor really thinks.

If you pay attention, body language can reveal a lot about how others think. Who hasn’t wanted to be able to read other people’s minds?

It is possible to already understand more body language signals than what you might think. According to a University of California study, only 7% of communication can be attributed to the words we use. The tone of voice is responsible for 38% and body language for 55%. This 55% is what can make you stand out from the rest.

If you are determined to work hard and put in the effort to reach your goals, any asset that can be used is an asset and will help you succeed.

TalentSmart studied more than a million people to find that successful people possess high levels of emotional intelligence (90%). These people recognize the importance of body language and pay attention to unspoken messages in communication.

These signs will help you pay more attention next time you are in a meeting, or even out on a date with your children.

1. Crossed legs and arms are an indication of resistance to your ideas

Crossed arms or legs signify that someone disagrees with you. Even if they smile or engage in friendly conversation, their body language is a sign of what they think.

Henry H. Calero and Gerard I. Nierenberg recorded over 2,000 negotiations to create a book about how to read body languages. Of all the negotiations where one party had their legs crossed it was only one that ended in agreement. Crossed arms and legs can be interpreted psychologically as a sign of someone’s mental, emotional, or physical blockage. This is not an intentional act, but it can be very revealing.

2. Real smiles can make your eyes crinkle

The eyes can see the truth, even though the mouth may smile. The true smiles reach the eyes and wrinkle the skin. People smile to conceal what they really think. If you want to see if someone’s true smile, check for wrinkles around their eyes. A smile that isn’t wrinkled means there’s nothing underneath it.

3. It’s a good idea to copy your body language

Ever noticed that everyone in a group is doing the same thing as you when you cross your legs? Oder may they bow their heads while they speak, just like you do?

This is actually a positive sign. When we feel a connection with another person, we mimic their body language. This is a sign that the conversation has been going well and the other person is open to your message. This can be a great indicator that you are communicating well and is useful in negotiations.

4. All it takes is posture

Ever seen someone walk into a room only to realize that they are the boss? This is due to body language. It often involves a standing posture, palm-down gestures and an open attitude.

The brain is wired to associate power with how much space you take up. Standing straight up with your shoulders back and back indicates power. This seems to maximize how much space you can take up. Your shoulders should be slanted, as this will make you appear smaller and more energetic. Good posture is a sign of respect and commitment.

5. Eyes that lie

Most of us grew up hearing the expression, “Look me in my eye when you talk to me!” It was a belief that it was difficult to hold someone’s eye when they lie.

This is a fact that everyone knows. Therefore, people who lie attempt to keep eye contact with their interlocutor to convince them they aren’t lying. Problem is, they keep eye contact too long and make their interlocutor uncomfortable. Americans average eye contact of seven to ten seconds when they are listening more than when speaking. You should be suspicious if someone stares at you and doesn’t blink, because they might be hiding something.

6. Uncomfortable is indicated by raised eyebrows

Three main emotions can make you raise your eyebrows, fear, worry and surprise. When you are having casual conversations with friends, raise your eyebrows. It is not easy, but it is possible. Talking to someone about something that doesn’t involve these emotions and they still raise their eyebrows?

7. Exaggerated nodding reveals anxiety

If you say something to someone and they nod too much, it means they are worried about you or doubt your ability to do so.

8. Stress is indicated by a clenched jaw.

Stress can be manifested by a clenched jaw, tight neck or frown. These signs are a sign that you’re not feeling well, regardless of what they say. You may notice that the conversation drifts towards something you are worried about or your mind is focused on what you are stressing out about. It is important to notice the differences between what someone says and how they act.

Conclusion

It is impossible to know the thoughts of an individual, but it is possible to learn a lot about their body language. This is especially true if the body language and words are not compatible.