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Education
ChapterTitle
StreetSmarts SM

Body language: Non-verbal cues

By Nick Cucci confidence; when someone tilts their head, it can convey
Fluid Pay LLC confusion or a lack of confidence.

ave you ever been involved in a conversation There is a time and place for both, but consider what
that took a turn that you didn't quite expect? these actions share in different circumstances. A head tilt
The clues might have been there all along. might be an indication to keep explaining what you are
H Humans—and many other animals—commu- saying, but it might also mean you are accidentally tell-
nicate regularly through body language. ing someone that you are not qualified to be in a meeting.
Context really matters here.
A person's body language can tell you a lot. In this ar- The eyes have it
ticle, I'll discuss common non-verbal cues that can give
you insight into what the person in front of you is think- Eyes are often said to betray our true feelings, but the
ing, feeling and saying. reality is that the way we use our eyes is what tells on us.
What non-verbal cues tell us When you maintain eye contact with someone, it shows
that you are interested and engaged. If you let your eyes
Non-verbal cues can tell us everything that a person isn't drift to a corner of the room and never leave, you are tell-
saying, which is why so many professionals—athletes, ing the person you aren't interested and are completely
game players, and CEOs alike—spend time learning how checking out of the situation.
to read body language and control their own. You can see
when someone is upset, when someone is being dishon- Someone who maintains fleeting eye contact might ap-
est and when someone in the room is just plain uncom- pear nervous or show that they are being dishonest about
fortable. something. Once again, context matters. Indeed, too
much eye contact might come off as too intense or inap-
Understanding these cues will give you powerful in- propriate (see https://tinyurl.com/2p9ksefc).
sights into the dynamics in every room you walk into. Hand in hand

Speaking, and the words that we share, are one form of Some people speak with their hands intentionally, but
communication, but we say a lot more with our bodies most of us speak with our hands whether we realize it or
than we ever say out loud. If you know what to look for, not. Hand motions can be used to emphasize what we are
you can understand communication and better accom- saying or demonstrate a passionate interest. Those are the
modate the person you are speaking with. In many ways, obvious messages.
looking for these signs can help you to be a more active
listener (see https://tinyurl.com/ytdy5e65). Hands also can be a great insight into a person's comfort
Heads up level. Someone who wrings their hands or keeps their
hands coupled together in their lap is likely conveying
Most of us do not think about how we move our heads that they are uncomfortable in a situation. People com-
when we interact, but the way someone holds their head monly press their hands together to ground themselves,
can play a major role in what they are saying. When so it is a good behavior tell.
someone holds their head straight and tall, it can convey
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