Reading People
July 2, 2006 – 17:35 pm
I was recently doing a little research into body language and its possible uses during an interview situation. I thought I would compile a short list of the meanings behind some of the more commonly observed and unconsciously sent messages. Here are just a few of the ones I found:
- Crossing arms across chest
Defensive feelings- Lowering head
Not interested – doesn’t want to be bothered- Leaning head or body forward
Willingness to listen; interested; or wants to leave- Steepling fingers
Extreme confidence; superiority- Rubbing or touching nose with finger
Disapproval- Shifting posture away from person talking
No longer listening- Blinking or clearing the throat repeatedly
Nervous or feeling guilty- Putting hand over mouth
Hesitant to speak- Rubbing back of neck
Frustrated- Holding head in the palm of hand
Boredom- Tugging ear
Wants to interrupt- Sitting with locked ankles and clenched hands
Holding back- Taking off and cleaning eyeglasses
Procrastination; evaluating what is being said- Chin in palm with index finger along side of cheek
Willingness to learn; contemplative
By the way, studies show that none of this stuff works with wives but it is apparently very accurate for husbands. Now you know how they always know. Please feel free to add some of your own to this list by clicking on the Comments link below.
2 Responses to “Reading People”
I seem to recall some of these during basic jail school (rubbing the back of the neck during the Monday morning test, holding head in palm of hand-after lunch!) It brings back the memories.
By Richard Bates on Jul 14, 2006
I thought it sounded pretty accurate too!
By Rich on Jul 14, 2006