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What can you tell about someone observing their body language ?

Neoerectus · M
It can be misleading sometimes. Student's head low, not making eye contact can mean aversion, dishonesty, etc.

However, in some cultures that is a sign of respect by a student for the instructor. This is but one example.

One has to be very careful in cross-cultural interactions.

Also, a recent study I read about (looking for original source) on facial expression concluded that expressions are often NOT indicative of the emotion one would think due to a number of psychological or social influences. This was surprising to me.
Neoerectus · M
@ABCDEF7 Unfortunately, the whole pop psychology techniques interviewers use is silly and damaging. They are hardly qualified to make any determination from such supercillious techniques. People abused by others also might avoid eye contact. Favorite colors, animals, etc. are more of this silliness.
@Neoerectus there's also personal things that can make this stuff vague or misinterpreted .

A student with their head down and avoiding eye contact could also be focusing very hard on listening .
I myself sometimes close my eyes to listen harder. Sometimes in meetings I will bow my head or look into my lap to focus my attention wholly on the speaker.
I can look away when I'm trying to recall something from memory when I'm speaking.

So personal traits can matter 🤷
Justice4All · 36-40, M
@Neoerectus Of course, those who hold that belief will be deceived. A salesperson can maintain sincere eye contact while deceiving you. Some individuals avoid eye contact altogether.
Convivial · 26-30, F
As Freud said, sometimes a cigar is just a cigar...i think it can be indicative of how a person is feeling... But taken with a dose of caution...
Slade · 56-60, M
@Convivial the other times it's a big, throbbing dick 🍆
AuRevoir · 36-40, M
Justice4All · 36-40, M
@AuRevoir You're absolutely correct.
PerfectionOfTheHeart · 46-50, F
Their level of being uncomfortable is way up there in the tell-tales because that usually happens when we’re a bit vulnerable and unable to wear the mask we need to push through. Sometimes being highly engaged can be in that list as well because the mask has been lowered for other reasons. Some other hidden feelings can rise to the surface, but those traditional identifiers you often hear about aren’t always accurate and shouldn’t be used to come to your own conclusions about anything. And this is coming from someone who used to strongly believe you could read a person based solely on their body language. You can’t though. Way too many factors can influence a lean or a turn of the toes.
Montanaman · M
If you're a people watcher, body language, eye contact, facial features, ect...
Are just as important as spoken language. An empath can read like a book. Just have to be in touch with that kind of vocabulary is all. 💫🙌🤗
AlchemyFox · 36-40, F
I notice obvious signs but subtle body language I don't judge because I've known a lot of people, myself included, who have awkward body language.
Justice4All · 36-40, M
@AlchemyFox Occasionally, I cross my arms because it's comfortable. Some interpret it as defensive body language. Honestly, people have come up with all sorts of nonsensical interpretations. Pseudoscience is the word for it. This is just one more example.
Fairydust · F
I can tell a lot, I read people constantly, I see their emotions even if they hide it, I can see when people lie etc.
I notice everything, my eldest daughters the same.
Diotrephes · 70-79, M
@Alababy Watch the Steve Wilkos Show and the Jerry Springer Show for a couple of months. After a while you will be able to spot the liars very easily.

https://stevewilkos.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fe9kSaelGsE
Gangstress · 41-45, F
you can actually tell quite a lot
if theyre nervous
if theyre being honest etc
JonUK31 · 36-40, M
@Gangstress But somebody who is being dishonest would know the body language that gives dishonesty away and would be careful to avoid that.

Body language might help you tell if a random person is being dishonest - but it wouldn't help you tell if a practiced/experienced liar is being dishonest.

Of course it's the practiced liars you need to watch for!
Gangstress · 41-45, F
@JonUK31 you're talking like people are clever. Most havent a clue what body language they're giving off.
Yes im quite susceptible to liars even from speech..practice as much as they like.
Empaths know
Livingwell · 61-69, M
If they are friendly, nervous, sad, mad, happy, want to be left alone.
dancingtongue · 80-89, M
It's like everything -- requires context: culture they come from, situation they are in, amount of experience or training they have in projecting the image they want to project. The con men, the marketing people, the politicians, the poker players all know the "tells" not to send, and the ones to send. It is another form of communication that requires active listening, and looking for context and nuance.
WillaKissing · 56-60
Everything. Whether they like you, dislike you, everything.
Body language is culture specific. The same body postures and gestures can have different meanings in different cultures. For instance, holding your hand out, fingers together, and palm facing outward is a symbol for stop in North America. In Greece, the same gesture is highly insulting.
I’d be careful 😌. lol
JimboSaturn · 51-55, M
A lot. I read this book recently.
Patriot96 · 56-60, C
Whether they are truthful
Lilymoon · F
If I like them or not 🤷‍♀️
DeWayfarer · 61-69, M
Their own body language?

Vanity and deceitfulness.

Only actors have a excuse to observe their own body language. And that's to fit into a role.

It's notable that "some" politicians as well observe their own body language. That's to cover their own lies.
wudifu · 46-50, M
Body language happens at a few evels .
Some are universal standards, some are personal behavioral traits specific to that person or condition.

But general things like defensive or protective stances, where there hands are and how they move while speaking, facial basics like chin tensioning, cheek apples rising , even posture and breathing can all indicate peoples suppressed limbic responses .

It's incredibly fascinating how a trained professional can pick up so much about a person.

Personally , I can see defensiveness, sometimes deception, sometimes bullshit, openness, and sometimes dislike . Aggressive Dominance is always easy, I think anyone can pick up on that .

The trick is not to subconsciously respond to it myself , as your own body language can feed the other person and they can sunconsoisly pick up on it ....it's really tricky stuff .

I wish I understood it better.
Slade · 56-60, M
Alot. Confidence and aggression for one. I've always been good at sizing people up.

Good for assessing approachability. Open arms and leaning back in a chair are good signs
Benjago · 41-45, M
Quite a bit...it's nonverbal communication. Of course like other forms it can be easy to misread. Is she that excited to see me or is she epileptic, who knows?
CrazyMusicLover · 31-35
I guess normally I'm the one to be watched because I'm too occupied with my own nervousness/anxiety and ways how to stop making them obvious to others.
Swoop62 · M
As a coach, I watched it a lot during practice and more so in games as you get a lot of feeling as to motivational level at the time.
Subsumedpat · 36-40, M
Much more than you realize. With many people who don't realize it, an few don't, you can tell an incredible amount by eye movements.
MrGoodbar · 51-55, M
body language is a huge non verbal social cue and I think you can tell a lot from a person's body language if you pay attention
Camelia · F
A person's hands can reveal a lot, as Blanca Cobb says. "I call them your emotional barometer." She's a body language pro.
JustNik · 51-55, F
I think you can tell a fair bit of what but not a lot of why. It should be taken into account but understood as incomplete.
DearAmbellina2113 · 41-45, F
If they're timid or confident, if they're unhinged, if they're reserved or relaxed, etc.
WaryWitchWandering · 36-40, F
If they are confident or nervous
If they are sincere or shady
If they are in pain or relaxed
Blondily · F
I can tell right off if someone is kind, sweet natured or a self centered snob.
SW-User
The state of their posture is a telling sign, slouching = poor self image etc
RenFur · 70-79, M
I can tell this woman doesn't realize she forgot to remove her sleep mask -

[image]
RenFur · 70-79, M
Nothing at all. I cannot read any "signals". Never could.
Convivial · 26-30, F
That your imagination often wins out
Justmeraeagain · 56-60, F
I don't pay attention really
BLP11520 · 61-69, M
Anger/ nervousness horny maybe
Self confidence, poise, ambition,
Rolexeo · 26-30, M
How assertive they are
Houdini · 56-60, M
Quite a lot

 
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