12 Questions
What are the four body parts mentioned in the text that give away our inner emotions?
Face, hands, upper torso, and legs
Which body part is controlled by the subconscious mind according to the text?
Legs
What does it indicate when a person raises their hands against gravity according to the text?
Feeling energetic
What does it suggest when a person has restricted hand movements according to the text?
Shyness and lack of confidence
In which situation would a person most likely use a 'shield' according to the text?
When feeling defensive or uncomfortable
What does the direction of a person's feet reveal according to the text?
Their interest in the conversation
What does holding both knees with hands while sitting indicate?
Wishing to move out of the conversation
What does holding hands behind the neck with elbows out imply?
Indicating nervousness
What does looking askance or rolling your eyes upwards typically convey?
Inability to trust or believe
What does a weak handshake, where the shoulder is raised close to the ear, signify?
Nervousness and discomfort
What is the significance of happy feet combined with deep breaths according to body language cues?
Signifying nervousness
Which body language gesture indicates struggle in speaking or accepting what has been heard?
Eye blinking
Study Notes
Body Language and Nonverbal Cues
- Our body language is controlled by our subconscious limbic brain, making it possible to read people's minds by recognizing nuances in body language.
- Four body parts that are most revealing of our inner emotions are the face, hands, upper torso, and legs.
Facial Expressions and Eye Movements
- Facial expressions can be controlled, but pupillary constriction, squinting, and direction of gaze can still give away our true emotions.
- Dilation of pupils can indicate attraction or interest.
Hand Signals and Gestures
- Nonverbal hand gestures, such as raising hands against gravity, can signify confidence and energy.
- Restricted hand movements can indicate shyness, underconfidence, or feelings of inferiority.
- Showing hands can be a sign of openness and disarming.
Torso and Leg Movements
- The direction of our torso and legs can indicate our level of interest or disinterest in a conversation.
- A shield-like movement of the torso can signify discomfort or defensiveness.
- Feet pointed away from the speaker can indicate disinterest.
Posture and Territorial Displays
- Keeping hands on waist or behind the neck can signify dominance and authority.
- Legs spread with hands on waist can indicate confidence.
- Knee displays, where someone holds their knees with both hands, can signify a desire to exit the conversation.
Eye Contact and Avoidance
- Eye blocking, or avoiding eye contact, can indicate discomfort or distrust.
- Looking askance, or sideways, can signify distrust or disbelief.
Other Nonverbal Cues
- Unironed dress and messy hair can indicate laziness or stress.
- Shoulder shrugs can signify doubt or confusion.
- Bouncy feet with deep breathing can indicate nervousness.
- Nose flaring can indicate a fight-or-flight response.
- A weak shoulder, raised close to the ear, can signify nervousness and discomfort.
- A fake or forced smile can be distinguished from a genuine one.
Important Reminders
- Corroborate multiple nonverbal cues before drawing conclusions.
- Avoid hiding hands while talking to someone, as it can create a negative impression.
- A strong, equal handshake is important for making a good impression.
Test your knowledge on interpreting body language signals such as eye blocking, dominance, authority, hand gestures, eye blinking, and more. Learn how different gestures and postures convey messages without the use of words.
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