Language can be deceptive. A person might try to say one thing and mean something completely different or deliberately deceive another person through falsehoods. But deceiving someone using their body language is quite complex since it happens subconsciously and on a large scale. You can see a lot through someone’s facial expressions, gestures, and posture, and you know how to interpret a person’s feelings by simply understanding the subtle signs.
Many books on how to read body language explain that if you can understand the body signals properly, you’ll gain a massive advantage when communicating with others. It signifies that you can interpret someone’s emotional phase and create a more convincible atmosphere of trust. This applies to both professional and private life. Simultaneously, understanding others’ nonverbal signals is merely the initial step to regulating your body language consequently. It’s not about deliberately deceiving others, but about coming across genuinely and confidently.
Reading body language books can also help understand subtle nonverbal signs. Sergeant Mike Ruggiero has presented two booklets that can help in motivational interviewing steps Uncover the Truth Unlocking the Skills of Body Language and Statement Analysis and Uncover the Truth Class Discussion Booklet.
Following are the 6 subtle body language signals that can be extremely beneficial for uncovering the truth or a deceitful act of an individual:
Flashing Eyebrows
This delicate movement, where the eyes promptly open wide, with eyebrows raised, is common and observed in many people. It is often done when we are familiar with another person and can be a very elusive movement and nearly insentient greeting, just like saying “hi” but with your eyes. If you give eyebrows flash to someone, that person might think they must know you from somewhere.
Pupil Enlargement
When someone is interested in the person (in an intimate way) or any object they are viewing, there intends to be a minor enlargement of the pupil of the eye. This nonverbal ocular sign is so delicate that it often goes unnoticed. Still, researchers have depicted that if you show someone a photograph of a charming, smiling individual with a widened pupil, they most probably rate that person as quite appealing. It often elicits a positive interest reaction.
Persuasive Gestures
Numerous hand gestures can have some particular meaning. For instance, many studies have shown that lecturers who use fluid, outward-focused hand cues (toward the audience) were assessed more clearly. It can also be if gestures were fluid and looked “natural” rather than obligated. For example, pointing a reproachful finger at the spectators to “punctuate” language is not assessed as positively as the “pointer gesture,” which is a bolted fist with the thumb focused toward the spectators.
Nearness Signals
These nonverbal cues help to offer a sense of intimacy and connection. They comprise making direct eye contact (30-60% of the time in U.S. culture), positioning your body towards an individual instead of standing askew, inclining toward a particular person, and signaling toward them when speaking. Decades of studies explicitly show that these imminence signs develop positive feelings and are pivotal for good, intimate relationships.
Delicate Touch
We pat someone on their back, shake their hands and subtly touch their arm–all are intended to make a deep connection. These types of elusive touches are typically used in greetings. But touch, specifically if done delicately, can also be hailed as a seductive move. When sitting together, a subtle touching of hands or scrubbing of knees could be a flirtation sign. Of course, as with all body language behavior, it must be executed gently. Being excessively “touchy” is a clear turnoff.
Facial Vibrancy
Despite many studies on attraction and deception, clusters of nonverbal signs can lead to someone appearing deceitful, trustworthy, friendly, or likable. These comprise gentle head movements while talking, free and prompt speech without making too many talking errors, and outward-centered gestures interrupting the words. The most significant among these is passing positive facial expressions, which suggest honesty and a gesture of friendliness.
Unfortunately, few receive proper training in nonverbal cues and how to use our body language behavior to persuade, attract, and amuse other people. The key to achievement is learning some of these valuable cues that can help you in both your personal life and your professional life!
