How Reading Body Language Can Give You an Advantage
Have you ever wanted to read the mind of a boss, coworker, or client – find out the real truth? Lillian Glass offers the next best thing: understanding their body language. Learn the basic signals and get an edge by knowing what is really happening.
The Face
- During a genuine smile, the eyes crinkle, the cheeks are raised, and the teeth are shown. “Fake smiles” may express discomfort, deception, insecurity, or stress. When the lips are pursed into a slight smile, it may mean this individual knows information but is not sharing it with you.
- If someone does not like what you said, you may see her lightly crinkle the bridge of her nose, similar to the expression she would make if something smelled bad.
- If an employee shuts his eyes when confronted with a crucial question or shifts his gaze, it may signal extreme stress or possible deception. On the other hand, someone who agrees with what you’re saying will look at you steadily without breaking the gaze.
- When someone lies or is caught off guard by a sensitive question, the body temperature increases and may result in above-the-lip or forehead sweat. If the room is cool and the individual was not sweating prior to your conversation, be on alert.
The Body
- When two people are mutually interested in a conversation, they will lean in toward each other. If someone leans away from you during a business meeting, chances are she doesn’t agree with what you’re saying.
- If a colleague mimics your body behavior – stance, head tilt, arm placement – he probably looks up to and admires you. This technique – “mirroring” – is often employed by savvy business leaders who want to align with potential clients.
- A person who constantly touches you when she speaks may display insecurity, as she seems unable to communicate unless she has your full and undivided attention.
- Fidgeting – scratching, wringing hands, playing with jewelry – shows that an individual is anxious about something and may be a sign of deception.
- Foot jiggling and foot tapping indicates that the individual is impatient and not giving you their full attention.
The Voice
- A high-pitched voice is often associated with immaturity. You can lower the pitch of your voice by engaging your abdominal muscles when you exhale.
- When the pitch goes up at the end of a statement, making every response sound as though the person is asking a question, it projects tentativeness, insecurity and a lack of confidence.
- Someone who speaks too quietly, forcing others to constantly ask them to speak up, probably enjoys the attention. They may be passive-aggressive. They manipulate others to focus on them, engaging in a type of power play.
- People who speak at an extremely rapid rate may be nervous, anxious, angry, or insecure. Subconsciously, they may want to get it all out and get it over with because they believe that others aren’t interested in what they have to say.
Assess Your Potential
As soon as someone sits down to interview you, you will have an inkling as to whether she likes you. Here are some signs to look for.
How to know it went well…
- She looks at you and smiles during most of the interview.
- She leans in when speaking to you, is attentive, and nods when you speak.
- She doesn’t allow others to interrupt your meeting, and she speaks to you respectfully.
- She tells you a lot about the company or organization, and discusses how you may fit in.
- She introduces you to other key people in the company or organization.
- When you leave, she assures you she will be in touch.
…or if it has gone south
- She takes calls or continually allows others in and out of her office during your interview.
- She does other work as you sit there, and she speaks to you in an annoyed tone.
- She speaks to you in curt tones.
- She backs away from you when you speak.
- The interview ends abruptly without any reference to future meetings.