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Can You Tell What Someone is Really Saying Without Words?
10 Silent Body Language Signals to Keep an Eye Out
You are talking to someone, may it be a colleague, an acquaintance or someone you’re meeting for the first time. The conversation is going alright, but you just feel… off… You can’t really put a finger on it, but you feel like their words don’t match their actions. That’s because body language often tells a considerable percentage of the actual story.
While these subtle, nonverbal cues play only one part in the equation, it’s a powerful tool if you want to navigate relationships with a whole new level of awareness.
So, here are 10 body language signs to watch out for.
Reading these cues in your everyday conversations will be a process of trial and error, but it will definitely make things interesting and you will train yourself to pay more attention to your environment!
1. Crossed Arms — Defensive or Uncomfortable
Crossing arms is a common sign that someone may be feeling defensive, uncomfortable, or just closed off.
HOWEVER, sometimes it could also mean that it’s just another comfortable resting position or that the temperature is a little too low!
You need to relate to it with the context of what’s going on. If the emotions are running high, this gesture likely signals discomfort.
2. Mirroring — Connection and Agreement
Mirroring someone’s gestures and body posture is a subconscious way people show they’re in sync with you. If you feel like the other person is copying your movements, chances are that the conversation is going good and they are in agreement.
And given the context, this could mean that they like you too! However, tread carefully if you make assumptions along those lines!
3. Touching the Face — Anxiety or Uncertainty
Fidgeting with the nose, ears, or chin could indicate nervousness or uncertainty. If you’re having a confrontational conversation, and the other person does this during a critical moment in conversation, for an example; after you…
