Surprisingly, only 7% of communication is attributed to spoken words. The tone of voice speaks for 38% of communication, while nonverbal cues, such as body language, account for the remaining 55%. Attention to unspoken cues is crucial to fully understanding what someone is communicating. Here are the clues to look for. Reciprocating is advisable if someone nearby begins imitating your behaviour, such as crossing your legs. They may touch their nose and mirror your actions. Remain composed, and don’t worry about it. It’s a positive sign that the conversation is going well and that the other person is interested in what you say. People unconsciously adopt the body language of those they strongly connect with.
One effective technique in building rapport with others is the ability to mirror their behaviour. It is well-established that people are drawn towards those who resemble them. By reflecting on a person’s body language and gestures, you can subconsciously inspire them to feel a sense of familiarity and comfort towards you. If you aim to connect with someone, try sitting in the same position as them and mirroring their actions. They may become more open and receptive towards you.
Shake a leg, shake the mind
According to recent studies conducted by experts, leg tremors may suggest feelings of anxiety and irritability. Since our legs are the most significant body part, it’s easy to overlook such movements. Many people assume that shaking their legs can help them avoid conscious awareness and, in turn, avoid scrutiny. Therefore, if you notice someone experiencing leg tremors, it could be a sign that they’re feeling anxious or stressed.
Crossed legs and arms mean discord
Paying attention to the nonverbal cues the other person may be exhibiting during a conversation is essential. For instance, crossed legs or arms may indicate a lack of agreement with your thoughts or ideas, even if the conversation appears cordial. This body language gesture may suggest that the person is partially on board with your perspective.
Crossing one’s arms can sometimes be a more challenging pose to interpret. It may imply feelings of being threatened or bullied. If you notice someone folding their arms during a discussion, encourage them to relax, which will allow you to gauge their comfort level and willingness to negotiate better.
Another cue to consider is the direction in which a person’s body is pointed. If someone is sitting across from you with their legs filed in your order, it often suggests that they are interested in both you and what you say. Conversely, turning their body away from you may indicate disinterest and a subconscious desire to leave the conversation. By paying attention to these nonverbal cues, you can better understand the other person’s thoughts and feelings.
Excessive nodding? Yes means No
When delegating tasks to others, one must be aware of cues that suggest they may not fully understand the expectations. For example, if an individual nods in agreement without demonstrating comprehension, it may indicate a lack of confidence in their ability to complete the task. Additionally, when questioned about their capability, excessive understanding may suggest a similar lack of confidence. Should the person continue to nod when presented with challenging instructions, it may signify that they needed to grasp the task fully but were hesitant to ask for clarification. In these instances, it is recommended to take a patient approach and provide a detailed explanation of the job without causing the individual to feel inadequate. It is essential to avoid implying that you possess supernatural abilities or that the person cannot complete the task.
Defensive raised eyebrows
The act of raising one’s eyebrows is typically indicative of surprise, worry, or fright. In everyday conversations, the use of this gesture is not commonly observed. As such, if an individual you are speaking with raises their eyebrows, it may suggest they feel uneasy or uncomfortable in the conversation. This could lead to a sense of intimidation on your part as the conversation partner. It is worth noting that raising one’s eyebrows has been known to serve as a means of asserting control over the conversation.
Nail-biting, racing thoughts
If an individual is observed biting their nails while engaged in conversation, it may indicate heightened stress levels or a preoccupied mindset. To assist with reducing their stress levels, it is recommended to change the topic of discussion altogether. This approach can have a therapeutic effect on their mental state and promote a sense of tranquillity. One can test this method by initiating a subject change and observing the individual subsequently discontinue their nail-biting behaviour.
There are other potential symptoms of stress that one may experience, including a sensation of tightness in the jaw or neck and the appearance of a furrowed brow. You can learn these effective techniques while schooling at ATAFOM University International. We teach you how to gain an edge in the workplace, in negotiations, or even when trying to make a first impression. At ATAFOM University, with practice, you’ll become skilled at reading people, and they’ll be amazed at how you relate so well with them.