Since we're in a constant bath of loud stimuli, body language goes unnoticed most of the time. But there's a secret switch deep inside your limbic system that you can consciously turn open, this way: Think of body language as if it were a communication channel. Let's imagine that words are a bright blue channel that originates in the mouth of people. Body language is a bright red that originates from the chest. Every time someone speaks, you can 'see' the blue channel oscillating like a frequency analyzer. Of course, if the person goes silent, the blue line goes dormant too. ... [keep reading...]

No doubt about it: Lie detection is the topic that has generated the most interest in my website since its origins. The process of uncovering falsehoods at a glance has connected me with many people who want to know how to tell fact from fiction. Unfortunately, this popularity has also generated enough "Lie Detection Gurus", who claim to have almost psychic powers over human behavior; they claim to detect when someone is lying from mere gestures. Just by making such a claim, they raise suspicions. Lie detection 'sells', there is no doubt about it. I remember a live broadcast in Mexico; ... [keep reading...]

Maybe you've never tried to 'fake it till you make it' with your body language. But if you wonder why it sometimes your body does the exact opposite of what you are truly feeling, here's the reason: Yes, your body language sparks from your limbic system, but its final expression is also filtered through your reasoning. You're aware of your own feelings and maybe you either want desperately to communicate them, or on the contrary hide them so nobody notices. In either scenario, your rational mind garbles your body expression. That's why innocent people can send guilt signals during an interrogation. ... [keep reading...]

When someone asks me about how long they should keep eye contact, I often mention the 5 second rule. Not that locking your eyes for longer is wrong, but you should be aware of what happens inside you: We already know through scientific research that long stares release oxytocin, which in turn makes us feel good. But that's just half of the story, because you and I perfectly know how uncomfortable can it be if someone just keeps staring at us for no reason! That's because eye contact is an intimate communication. Our "windows to the soul" speak at all times, ... [keep reading...]

We usually think that body language is the only way that we can send a message without using words. But it's just one aspect of nonverbal communication, and these 12 examples will boost your people analysis skills: In this article, you will find out: - The three types of hand gestures, - A secret that eyes reveal, and - How communication goes way beyond your body. You can see the original video here: https://youtu.be/uqV2vtI-o00 #1: Your general posture No matter if you're standing or seated, your body posture is the first clue to reveal your current mood. That's one of the ... [keep reading...]

There was this urban legend about Anthony Hopkins never blinking when playing the iconic character from Silence of the Lambs. https://youtu.be/HPFzn8T_cgY While it's not true and he does blink, the myth persisted due to a very useful quirk: Hannibal Lecter needs no introduction, but Hopkins' take on the character offers some insights for tough negotiations. This man knew how to make quite an impression. We are talking about just over 16 minutes of acting in the whole movie that awarded him an Oscar for Best Actor. The subject of 'never blinking' first came up because Hopkins deliberately trained himself not to ... [keep reading...]