What Every Body is Saying Summary

Written by a former FBI counterintelligence officer who first became an expert in nonverbal
communication as a non-English speaking child immigrant from Cuba to the U.S. before using it to catch
countless criminals, What Every Body Is Saying is one of the books you’ll hear most often recommended
for learning how to decode body language. Expanding your ability to decode body language is an
incredibly important factor in your capacity to deduce motivations in others or establish trust with them
– and perhaps more importantly, it is an invaluable skill to use certain body language yourself to do
things such as communicate authority or feel more confident.

As you read through this summary, it is often helpful to act out the body language yourself, both to
understand exactly what it is and recognize it in others, and to give yourself a mental note so you can
identify when you unconsciously exhibit it yourself.

1. & 2. Mastering the Secrets of Nonverbal Communication & Living Our Own Limbic Legacy

The author repeats the often-quoted statistic that nonverbal behavior is 60 to 65% of all
communication. He explains why this is through a concept known as triune brain theory, which classifies
our mind into the three areas of the reptilian brain (stem), mammalian brain (limbic), and human brain
(neocortex). While the classification is not technically accurate, it is useful in conceptualizing how our
minds control our actions. This book is primarily concerned with the mammalian brain, which controls
most expression of our nonverbal behavior. The key here is to understand that everything we do, even
the most seemingly insignificant scratch or lean, is directed by some portion of the brain. By observing
these behaviors, we can learn to interpret what the mammalian brain is communicating.

The communications of the limbic system are extremely reliable because they operate outside of our
conscious thought, showing our true response to our environment. In fact, there are only three
responses to distress or threats that humans have: freeze, flight, and fight. We express these responses
differently than our hunter-gatherer ancestors, but the way our brains react has not changed.

Examples of the freeze response:

 Someone being chastised will become very still

 Someone being interviewed will often exhibit shallow breathing

 Shoplifters will subconsciously try to hide their physical presence by keeping their arms close by
their side and hunching slightly
Examples of the flight response (distancing nonverbal behaviors):

 Leaning away from the table

 Placing an object on your lap

 Turning your feet toward the nearest exit

 Closing or rubbing your eyes

 Putting your hand on your face

Examples of the fight response:

 Puffing out your chest

 Violating personal space

 Aggressive posture

These three types of limbic responses are often followed by pacifying behaviors, which are
representative of the brain directing the body to provide comforting actions in order to calm down and
restore normal conditions. By observing these pacifying behaviors, you can detect when someone has
reacted negatively to some situation – perhaps something you have said or done.

Examples of pacifying behaviors:

 Covering the neck, such as playing with a necklace or adjusting a tie

 Rubbing your forehead

 Touching or rubbing your neck

 Touching or rubbing your cheek

 Exhaling with your cheeks puffed out

 The “leg cleanser” – when sitting, pushing your hands from the top of your legs toward your
knees

 The “ventilator” – pulling on your shirt collar (for men) or tossing the back of your hair up (for
women)

There are many more examples, often involving touching your face, neck, or hair, and sometimes things
like whistling or excessive yawning. These behaviors indicate that someone is uneasy or stressed about
something, and while the cause is not always straightforward (e.g., these aren’t guaranteed indicators of
lying), they are helpful because people generally think nothing of them and make no conscious effort to
hide them.

3. Getting a Leg Up on Body Language: Nonverbals of the Feet and Legs

The author then begins to go into detail about various nonverbal communication, starting with the feet
because they are actually the most “honest” part of the body, and the easiest to read. He attributes this
to the fact that the feet are usually the first body part to be engaged by the freeze, flight, or fight limbic
response. This is in direct contrast to how we are used to reading people, which is from the face down.
By learning to reverse the process, you will find it to be much easier to read people.

Another reason that the feet are the most honest part of the body is that since childhood, most people’s
efforts to disguise their emotions or intentions have always focused on the face. Think about some
common parental reprimands: “Fix your face,” or “At least look happy when your cousins stop by.” Most
people have given comparatively little attention from their neocortexes to their feet.

1. “Happy feet”. Bouncing or wiggling your feet often indicates excitement or satisfaction. Be careful,
though; this behavior can also communicate impatience. Like most nonverbal signals, you must
understand the behavior in its context. While you can’t always see someone’s feet, this movement will
show in their torso or shoulders even when they are sitting.

2. Feet shifting direction. You will often find yourself turning your feet away from things you don’t want
or like. People will generally control the direction of their head and torso, but their feet will point away
from you if they don’t want to be talking to you. This is useful when you approach someone and aren’t
sure if they really want to be speaking to you. If you are already talking to someone and their foot turns
away, it might indicate that they dislike something you said, or that they simply need to leave in order to
make their next appointment. Again, calibrate based on context.

3. The knee clasp. When a person who is sitting places both hands on his knees (often also shifting his
weight forward), he is ready to leave.

4. Gravity-defying behaviors. These behaviors indicate happiness or excitement, and include pointing
one foot up when standing, or simply sitting or standing a little taller. The “starter’s position,” where
someone lifts his heel, may indicate interest, increased engagement, or a readiness to go.
5. The leg splay. This is a territorial display, in which you spread your feet in an effort to establish
control of a situation. If you want to diffuse a situation and notice you are standing in this manner, bring
your feet a little closer together.

6. Standing leg cross. The direct contrast to the leg splay is crossing your ankles when standing. This
indicates that you are very comfortable, anticipating no need to freeze or run, which would require the
balance of two feet on the ground. Crossing your legs when standing is a great way to put someone else
at ease. Interestingly, people will usually cross their legs so they tilt in the direction of the person who
they like the most, or who makes them the most comfortable.

7. Seated foot movement. This is the opposite of the flight response, and basically communicates,
“notice me.” The example the author uses is of a woman dangling or otherwise playing with her shoe.

8. Seated leg cross. The direction of the leg cross often indicates if a person likes you or what you’re
saying. If the inside of the knee is facing you, it’s probable they like you or what you’re saying; if the
inside of the knee is facing away, they might not.

9. Proximity. Also falling under the category of nonverbal foot and leg communication is the distance
that people keep between each other. Everyone has his or her own comfortable level of personal space,
but when someone steps closer or further away, it gives you a clue about their feelings.

10. Walking style. According to the author, there are about 40 different styles of walking. Again, it is a
change in this behavior that gives you a clue as to what someone is feeling.

11. The foot freeze. If a person has been constantly wiggling or moving their foot or leg and then stops
(or vice versa), they may be experiencing stress or another emotional change.

12. The foot lock. When a person suddenly interlocks his feet when sitting, it is an indicator of
discomfort. The extreme case of this behavior is when someone interlocks both feet with the legs of the
chair.

4. Torso Tips: Nonverbals of the Torso, Hips, Chest, and Shoulders

Because the torso contains many of the body’s vital organs, the limbic system of your brain will seek to
protect the area when threatened. The result may be abrupt or subtle, but will communicate volumes.
1. Ventral denial and ventral fronting. The front (ventral) side of your body is the most sensitive side, so
the limbic brain will instruct your torso to shift or turn away from a situation, relationship, or topic you
don’t like, and turn toward those things you find favorable. This principle is particularly helpful in
reading the room and observing who is in agreement with whom. In individual interactions, a powerful
tool to let someone know you are interested or supportive is to simply face them directly and/or lean
forward.

2. The torso shield. This indicator of discomfort includes behavior such as crossing your arms, buttoning
your jacket, reaching across to play with your watch, or putting a notebook, purse, etc. up to your chest.
Again, a change in baseline is key here; many people are simply comfortable crossing their arms.

3. The torso bow. More often seen in Eastern cultures, the torso bow is an indicator of respect or
deference.

4. Torso embellishments. While it can be dangerous to judge a person based on their clothing, the
reality is that you will be judged in like manner. The action point here is to be conscious that whatever
you wear, you are wearing it to communicate something.

5. Preening. An overall lack of personal hygiene or good grooming often indicates sadness, illness, or
other negative states of mind.

6. Torso splays. Leaning back and to the side while sitting is a territorial/power display, and often
indicates a disrespect for authority.

7. Puffing up the chest. This aggressive pose is a clear sign of anger.

8. Baring the torso. The common manifestation of this signal is removal of a hat, jacket, etc, indicating
that someone is getting ready for a fight (which in today’s world is usually verbal or intellectual in
nature).

9. Breathing behavior and the torso. When the body is stressed, it tries to take in as much oxygen as
possible, resulting in a noticeable expansion and contraction of the chest.
10. Shoulder shrugs. Watch how people combine this motion with a declaration of ignorance (“I don’t
know”), a full shoulder shrug is consistent with the statement, while a partial shrug may indicate doubt
or lack of commitment to the assertion.

11. Weak shoulder displays. This display of bringing your shoulders closer to your ears results from the
limbic system trying to protect the neck as a result of an uncomfortable situation.

5. Knowledge Within Reach: Nonverbals of the Arms

1. Gravity-related arm movements. When you are energized, happy, or excited, your arms go up (e.g.,
“high fives”); when you are feeling confident, your arms will often swing by your side. It’s only when you
experience negative emotions that your arms will droop.

2. Arm withdrawal. When someone is upset or threatened, their arms will often move to their sides or
across their chest. You’ll sometimes see this when two people are arguing – they are protecting their
bodies in a non-provocative way.

3. Restriction of arm movement. This is your body’s attempt to make you less detectable, or a smaller
target, in response to a situation that your limbic brain perceives as a threat.

4. Arm cues that isolate. When someone clasps their arms behind their back, they are communicating
higher status and a desire for distance. Another example of an isolating arm cue is how people in a
crowded area position their arms to create space.

5. Arms akimbo. Placing your hands on your hips is a classic example of behavior intended to
communicate dominance or authority. The author notes that this can be a particularly useful tool for
women to communicate that they are standing their ground or insisting that an issue be addressed.

6. Hooding effect. Another territory-claiming display of dominance is putting your hands behind your
neck with your elbows out when seated.

7. Dominant pose. Any general spreading of your arms – planting your fingers on a desk or spreading
your arm out over the chair next to you – is an effort to claim territory in order to communicate
authority or dominance.
8. Adornments and artifacts on the arms. Rings, watches, tattoos, and other arm adornments aren’t
blandly decorative – they are often worn to communicate certain things, even if the wearer doesn’t
consciously acknowledge it.

9. Arms as conduits of affection. Hugging, arm touching, and positioning the arms openly are all
mannerisms that communicate affection through the arms.

6. Getting a Grip: Nonverbals of the Hands and Fingers

Because the hands are so expressive and delicate, they can reveal very subtle nuances in behavior
coming from the limbic system.

1. Effective hand movements. Using hand movements effectively can greatly increase your credibility
and persuasiveness.

2. Hiding your hands. Because this creates such a decidedly negative impression, try to avoid keeping
your hands behind your back or under the table.

3. The power of a handshake. This may be the most written-about gesture in the western world. The
author cautions against trying to establish dominance by maneuvering your hand to be on top, or by
placing your second hand on top. Politicians do these things to avoid looking weaker than the other
person, but in most cases, it just makes people uncomfortable.

4. Offensive hand gestures. Unlike many of the other examples of body language we’ve discussed, many
hand gestures are learned rather than innate reactions. For this reason, it’s probably advisable to avoid
all hand gestures when traveling internationally – you never know what any given gesture might mean
in a foreign country. One gesture that seems to be relatively universal is finger pointing, which is often
considered to be blatantly offensive.

5. Learn to manage sweaty hands. Sweaty hands happen because of stress or nervousness, not
deception. If you notice someone has sweaty hands, consider if there is something you can do to help
them calm down.

6. Nervousness in the hands. Quivering hands can be due to stress, nervousness, excitement, caffeine,
neurological disorders, or focus. Due to the wide range of interpretations, use the context and
concentrate more on changes in the behavior than on the occurrence of the behavior itself.
7. Steepling. Touching the spread fingertips of both hands together is an indication of great confidence,
perhaps in yourself, your abilities, your decision, or your position. Use this gesture to your advantage,
and make sure not to hide it under the table or hold your hands too low if you are trying to
communicate confidence.

8. Thumb displays. Because people don’t often gesture with their thumbs, thumb displays tend to be
fairly accurate tells. Thumbs up communicates confidence, while thumbs hidden (either in your hands or
your pockets) indicates the opposite. If you find yourself standing with your thumbs in your pockets,
switch to putting your other four fingers in your pocket and keeping your thumb out.

9. Genital framing. When someone rests their thumbs on top of or inside their belt loop with fingers
hanging down, they are subconsciously communicating dominance or virility.

10. Frozen hands. Similarly to frozen feet, a sudden cessation of hand movement indicates stress.

11. Interlaced hand stroking or rubbing. Similar to neck touching, this is a pacifying behavior that also
indicates stress.

7. The Mind’s Canvas: Nonverbals of the Face

The body language of the face comes last in this book for a reason – it tends to be the least accurate.
However, it can still provide many valuable clues. Because body language is most easily interpreted
when presented in clusters of behaviors, you need to have an understanding of the body language of
the face so you’re not missing part of the picture.

1. Pupillary constricting and squinting. Pupillary responses are often a two-step process: first widening
when we are surprised, aroused, or confronted, then constricting once we process something that we
perceive negatively. Squinting added to pupillary constriction indicates an even greater negative
response.

2. Eye blocking. The limbic system often tries to censor incoming information by preventing the eyes
from seeing negative things. This may manifest as closing of the eyes, or blocking them with the hand
through some mechanism such as rubbing the forehead.
3. Pupillary dilation, eyebrow arching, and flashbulb eyes. Our eyes also reveal positive emotions
through the opposite of pupillary constriction – opening the eyes wider in response to a favorable
person or event.

4. Eye flash. Another indicator of positive reactions is the eye flash, when someone momentarily raises
both eyebrows, usually paired with a smile.

5. Eye-gaze behavior. Looking directly into someone’s eyes can communicate a wide variety of emotions
– love, interest, hate, etc. – so don’t over-interpret this behavior. In fact, when people look away from
you when they’re talking to you, it often indicates comfort, not disrespect – their limbic systems are
telling them that you’re not a threat, so it becomes comfortable for them to look away. This runs in
direct contrast to the “look people in the eye to communicate confidence and trustworthiness” advice
you’ll often hear.

6. Eye-blink / eye-flutter behavior. An increase in blinking may reflect an inner struggle, possibly with
either our delivery or acceptance of information. It can be difficult to tell the two apart.

7. Looking askance. This involves tilting your head sideways while looking to the side or rolling your
eyes. It signals distrust or a lack of belief.

8. False and real smiles. A real smile will lift the corners of the mouth up, resulting in wrinkles around
the eyes. A fake smile brings the corners of the mouth out but not up.

9. Disappearing lips, lip compression, and the upside-down “U”. This is a sure sign of stress. Essentially,
our limbic system is telling us to shut down and not allow anything into our bodies.

10. The lip purse. The lip purse involves puckering the lips, and indicates disagreement with something
that is being said or done.

11. The sneer. A familiar sign of contempt, the sneer is made by the buccinator muscles, which pull the
sides of the lips toward the ears.
12. Tongue displays. Though this is most commonly manifested as lip licking and communicating stress,
people sometimes jut out their tongue slightly between their teeth when they are gleeful, cheating, or
doing something foolish.

13. Furrowed forehead. More commonly known as frowning, this signal is well known as an indicator of
concentration or confrontation with something disagreeable.

14. Nose flare. This is an intention cue, indicating that someone is about to do something – argue, run,
fight, pick up something heavy, etc.

15. Nail-biting. Nail-biting is a common indicator of stress, insecurity, or discomfort.

16. Facial blushing and blanching. Blushing or blanching is the limbic system’s response to deep
emotional states – rushing blood to or away from the face in response to an emotional situation.

17. Disapproval cues. Disapproval cues in the face tend to vary from culture to culture, and can’t
necessarily be universally interpreted.

18. Gravity-defying behaviors of the face. True to the common expressions “head held high,” or “keep
your chin up,” the face will literally rise or fall based on high or low confidence.

8. Detecting Deception: Proceed with Caution

Tests of judges, attorneys, clinicians, police officers, FBI agents, politicians, teachers, mothers, fathers,
and spouses show that most of us have no better chance than a coin toss of detecting deception. Even
the very best are no better than 60% accurate. Body language might be invaluable in deciphering when
someone is saying one thing while feeling another, but when someone is deliberately trying to lie, things
become murkier. Lying is uncomfortable because it causes cognitive stress, but signs of discomfort often
show only that the person is uncomfortable with the situation, not that they are lying.

Since this is the key takeaway, I’m going to skip the author’s advice for detecting deception – it would be
much more likely to give us overconfidence in our abilities than to help us. Additionally, the flip side of
the subject (learning to be a convincing liar) seems to be an ignoble goal for the most part, and is not in
the spirit of this site.
Conclusion

You’re certainly not going to be able to memorize every one of the signs discussed in this book, but
simply being aware of these things will vastly improve your awareness of the emotions, intentions, and
motivations of others. The simple realization that all body positions and movements communicate
something from the limbic brain can transform your ability to interact successfully with people. If you
want to make the effort to consciously improve your ability to decode body language, pick one body
part at a time and practice observing and interpreting the cues. With a little time and practice, you can
quickly become an expert.

Keep in mind that some indicators are subtle, while some stand out clearly. Look for clusters of
behaviors, rather than assuming something based on a single cue. Body language indicating discomfort
may simply mean the thermostat is too low, not that a person doesn’t like you. When you run into
mixed signals, the more negative signal is usually the truthful one; it usually means someone is saying
one thing but believes another, and people usually hide negatives, not positives.

It may sound a little sneaky to use this knowledge to decode people, but like all power, it can be used for
good or ill. You can use this knowledge to enrich your relationships and improve your ability to have
successful interactions with others.

My notes on “What every BODY is saying” by Joe Navarro.

-“Eye-blocking” occurs either when we do not like what we see or when we feel threatened. Squinting
and closing or shielding our eyes as actions that have evolved to protect the brain from “seeing”
undesirable images and to communicate our disdain toward others.

-The ten commandments of body language reading:

1. Be a competent observer of your environment.

2. Observing in context is key to understanding non-verbal behaviour.
3. Learn to recognise and decode nonverbal behaviours that are universal.
4. Learn to recognise and decode idiosyncratic nonverbal behaviours.
5. When you interact with others, try to establish their baseline behaviours.
6. Always try to watch people for multiple tells- behaviours that occur in clusters or in succession.
7. It’s important to look for changes in a person’s behaviour that can signal changes in thoughts,
emotions, interest or intent.
8. Learning to detect false or misleading nonverbal signals is also critical.
9. Knowing how to distinguish between comfort and discomfort will help you focus on the most
important behaviours for decoding nonverbal communication.
10. When observing others, be subtle about it.
-Pursing of the lips means something not to liking.
-Biting lip, rub forehead and stroking back of neck shows discomfort.
-Brain has three parts: 1. Reptilian (stem) brain.
2. Mammalian (LIMBIC) brain.
3. Human (neocortex) brain.
-“It is critical to understand that the brain controls all behaviours, whether concious or subconcious.”
– Reactions caused by limbic system occur without thought, and hence are genuine. Hence, limbic brain
is considered the “honest brain” when considering nonverbals.
-Neocortex is “new brain” and is referred to as the “lying brain”.
-The actual three F’s hardwired in nervous system are: Freeze-Flight-Fight.
-FREEZE- “Freezing your movement can often make you nearly invisible to others, a phenomenon every
soldier and SWAT team operator learns.”
-People “freeze” in their seat when being questioned about something that could get them in trouble.
The person will freeze in his chair as if in an “ejector seat”.
-A similar manifestation of LIMBIC FREEZE occurs during interviews when people hold their breath or
their breathing becomes very shallow. Response to threat.
-Another way the limbic brain uses modification of the freeze response is to attempt to protect us by
diminishing our exposure. This can also be achieved by limiting head exposure (“turtle effect”). Shoulder
rise, head down.
-One purpose of FREEZE response is to avoid detection by dangerous situations.
-Obviously, with FLIGHT, cannot actually RUN nowadays, so use BLOCKING behaviours which may
manifest in the form of closing the eyes, rubbing the eyes, or placing hands in front of the face. Person
can also distance herself from someone by leaning away, placing objects on her lap, or turning her feet
towards the nearest exit. These are not behaviours of deception, but rather actions that signal that a
person feel uncomfortable.
-Hence, these forms of the age-old flight response are distancing nonverbal behaviours.
-Whenever there is a limbic response- especially to a negative or threatening experience- it will be
followed by PACIFYING BEHAVIOURS.
-Behaviours that signal discomfort (leaning away, frown, crossed or tense arms) are usually followed by
pacifiers.
-They (pacifiers) help to identify what specific subjects trouble or distress a person.
-LIMBIC system is also known as the brain that never forgets.
– Neck-touching and/or stroking is one of the most significant and frequent pacifying behaviours we use
in responding to stress.
-when women pacify using the neck, they often do so by covering or touching their suprasternal notch
with their hand. The suprasternal notch is the hollow area between the Adam’s apple and the breast
bone and is sometimes referred to as the neck dimple. When touched/covered typically feels distressed,
threatened, uncomfortable, insecure or fearful.
-Pacifiers: -Covering/touching neck dimple.
-Rubbing forehead.
-Neck touching- discomfort, doubt, insecurity.
-Cheek or face touching.
-Exhaling with puffed-out cheeks is a great way to release stress and to pacify.
-Men prefer to touch face. Women prefer necks, clothes, jewelry, arms and hair.
-With NECK:
-Stroking/touching anywhere around here is a pacifier. This area is rich with nerve endings when
stroked, reduces blood pressure, lowers heart rate and calms individual down.
-Men typically cover their necks more robustly than women as a way of dealing with
discomfort/insecurity.
-Pregnant women move their hand to neck first then to belly as if to protect fetus.
-Watch a couple at the table, conversing. Woman begins to play with her necklace, she is most likely a
little nervous. If then transitions fingers to NECK DIMPLE, chances are there is an issue of concern or that
she feels very insecure. It can appear as if her arm is like a stress meter.
-FACE:
-Rubbing forehead.
-Touching, rubbing or licking lips.
-Pulling earlobe.
-Stroking face/beard.
-Playing with hair.
-are all pacifiers.
-EXCESSIVE YAWNING- Mouth gets dry and yawn puts pressure on salivary glands for moisture.
-The LEG-CLEANSER- gets rid of tension/sweaty hands. Just remember it is a pacifier, for whatever
reason.
-VENTILATION- round neck shows pacifier.
-So how to use these pacifiers:
1. Establish a pacifying BASELINE for someone.
2. Greater stress/discomfort- greater likelihood of PACIFYING BEHAVIOURS.

-Most honest part of body are your feet and legs.

-Good example is when a child is eating but wants to go outside and play, feet will stretch to the ground
from a high chair as wants to leave. This is known as an INTENTION CUE.
-Most people start their search for body language at top of body, (where face is), but this is normally
one part of body used to BLUFF and CONCEAL true sentiments. Should be EXACT OPPOSITE, starting at
legs and feet.
-HAPPY FEET-This refers to feet and legs that wiggle and/or bounce with joy.
-Moving of the feet and legs may simply mean impatience. This shaking is saying we need to SHIFT
THINGS ALONG. And this leg shaking comes to CRESCENDO near the dismissal.
-Imagine you walk up to two people holding a conversation, and you are not sure if you are welcome or
not. Is there a way to tell if you are welcome? Yes. Watch the FEET and TORSO, if they move their feet
along with their torso to admit you then the welcome is genuine and full. If they do not move feet to
welcome you, but, instead, only swivel at the hips to say hello they’d rather be left alone.
-General rule: TURN TOWARD what LIKE. TURN AWAY what DISLIKE.
-When two people talk to each other, normally toe-toe, if one of the individuals turns his feet slightly
away or repeatedly moves one foot in an outward direction, one can be assured he wants to leave or
wishes he were somewhere else. Once again, another INTENTION CUE. Same effect can be seen when
one foot points away.
-The KNEE-CLASP: <– INTENTION MOVEMENT. Associated with individual who wants to leave his current
location. A person who is sitting down places both hands on his knees in a KNEE CLASP. This is a very
clear sign that in his mind, he is ready to conclude the meeting and take leave. Usually, hands-on-knees
gesture is followed by a forward lean of the torso and/or shift of the lower body to the edge of the chair,
both of these are INTENTION MOVEMENTS.
-GRAVITY-DEFYING BEHAVIOURS OF THE FEET:
-When we are happy and excited, we walk as if we are FLOATING-ON-AIR. Gravity seems to hold no
boundaries for those who are excited. These behaviours are QUITE OBVIOUS, and yet every day, all
around us, gravity-defying behaviours seemingly elude our observation.
-Another similar gesture is when the heel remains planted on the ground, but the toe points skyward.
This is gravity-defying. Hence, this foot gesture means in a good mood, hearing something or thinking
something positive.
-Another gravity-defying behaviour is the "starter's position" with the HEEL elevated. This means
someone is ready to do something; go or engage further, hence must rely on CONTEXT for further
information.
-Leg splaying is a territorial claim.
-When people are in confrontation, will never see legs crossed as this gives no balance and hence the
limbic system will not let that occur.
-IF you observe someones legs going from TOGETHER to SPREAD APART, then you can be certain the
individual is becoming increasingly unhappy. This new dominant stance indicates "something is wrong
and I am ready to deal with it."
-Hence, if sometimes we find ourselves in argument in that leg-splayed stance and then bring legs
together, this can work to reduce the tension.
-Leg splay is often used by psychopaths and antisocials.
-By experiment, it was found that each of us is extremely defensive about their personal space. Called
proxemics and different among people. Bigger in high-status individuals.
-Leg crossing is a particularly accurate barometer of how comfortable we feel around another person,
we don't use it if we feel UNCOMFORTABLE.
-We also cross our legs in the presence of others when we are confident.
-Why does the leg cross show confidence?
When standing and we cross one leg over the other, our balance is greatly reduced and we would not be
able to run away easily.
-Hence, if a girl is standing in the elevator with one leg crossed over the other, when a stranger walks in
will uncross her legs as her LIMBIC system is saying "you cannot take any chances with this one".
-Sometimes, one will observe two individuals mirror each other's behaviour. This is known as
ISOPRAXISM.
-This does show that you have good relations with someone saying that you can relax (limbically) around
him.
-For LEG-CROSSING, done in favour of someone we prefer by TILTING towards them.
-During high-comfort social interactions, our feet and legs will mirror those of the other person we are
with and will remain playful.
-In extreme stages of comfort during courtship, the feet will also engage the other person through
subtle foot touches or caresses.
-Female courtship, a woman will play with her shoes and dangle them from the TIPS OF HER TOES, when
she feels comfortable with her COMPANION.
-This behaviour will quickly cease if the woman suddenly feels uncomfortable.
-Shoe-dangle says "notice me".
-Seated leg crosses are also revealing. When people are seated side by side, the direction of their leg
crosses become significant. If they are on good terms the leg will point towards the person. If not, then
the thigh becomes a barrier.
-If feet are close together, then the couple are on good terms. If not close together, then not on good
terms.
-With interpersonal relations, advice provided by Joe Navarro is:
-Lean in, maintain eye contact and give a hearty handshake and then see what happens, will be one of
three options:
1. The person remains in place which means is comfortable at that distance.
2. Individual will take a step back or turn slightly away and hence wants more space or wants to be
elsewhere.
3. The person will take a step closer, which means feels very comfortable.
-Most people have a place to go and a task to accomplish, so when they walk, they do so with purpose.
Predators (muggers, drug dealers, thieves and con men) lurk about waiting for their next victims.
-Mirroring of footwork shows COOPERATION.
-Uncooperative is when feet point away from you.
-When people have their feet facing another direction and only torso facing you, he wants to be
elsewhere.
-LEG TWITCHING and movemet is normal, some do it all the time and some never. Hence, one should be
looking for CHANGES in intensity.
-When people carry out kicking gestures with their leg means “kicking” something unpleasant.
-The FOOT FREEZE, this is when the jiggling stops. This usually signifies that the individual is experiencing
stress, an emotional change or feels threatened in some way.
-The FOOT FREEZE is another example of a limbic-controlled response. (the tendency of an individual to
stop activity when faced with danger.)
-A SUDDEN INTERLOCKING OF THE LEGS may suggest discomfort or insecurity. When people are
COMFORTABLE the tend to UNLOCK THEIR ANKLES.
-Some individuals take the interlocking feet or ankles a step further, they actually lock around the legs of
their chair. This is RESTRAINING (FREEZE) BEHAVIOUR that tells us once more that something is troubling
the person.
-To reduce exposure, legs and feet are HIDDEN.
-Because the torso houses many vital internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver and digestive tract,
we can anticipate that the brain will seek to diligently protect this area when threatened or challenged.
-The TORSO LEAN is when an individual is standing next to someone who is being obnoxious or someone
he does not like, his torso will LEAN AWAY from that individual.
-Torso carries a lot of our weight, hence requires lots of energy to move and hence can be sure it means
something when the TORSO leans.
-This movement can be VERY SUBTLE, a mere shifting of body angle or just a few degrees is ENOUGH to
express a NEGATIVE SENTIMENT.
-Couples who are pulling apart emotionally will also begin to pull apart physically.
-Our VENTRAL (front) side, where our eyes, mouth, chest, breasts, genitals etc. are located is VERY
SENSITIVE to things we like and dislike. When THINGS ARE GOOD, we expose our ventral sides toward
what we favour, including those people who make us feel good.
-We immediately and subconciously begin to turn slightly to the side when someone we dislike
approaches us at a party.
-“turning our back”, we offer our VENTRAL SIDES to those we care for and our backs to those we don’t.
-Hence offering unrestrained exposure of VENTRAL SIDE shows intimacy. Reciprocating this positioning
by mirroring or ISOPRAXISM, demonstrates social harmony by rewarding the intimacy and showing it is
appreciated.
-When it is impractical or socially unacceptable to lean away from someone or something we dislike, we
often subconciously use our arms or objects to act as barriers.
-Presidential candidates open themselves to the people by removing a jacket and rolling up sleeves.
-When witness people protecting their torsoes, it is accurate display of discomfort. It can be subtle,
touching watch, tie, pockets which allow our arm to cover the ventral side.
-When threatened, the limbic system channels blood (warm) away from surface to large muscles, hence
will feel colder (some go cold).
-With crossed arms, if arms are relaxed, then probably comfortable, but if CROSSED ARMS WITH HANDS
TIGHTLY GRIPPING the arms, the DEFINATELY indicates DISCOMFORT.
-TORSO BOW- Bowing at waist is performed almost universally as a sign of SUBSERVIENCE, RESPECT,
HUMILITY.
-Whether done conciously or subconciously, the TORSO BOW is a nonverbal gesture of regard for
others.
-During an argument at the dinner table, a child may not be able to finish the meal as his limbic system
has trumped alimentation and digestion to prepare them for escape and survival.
-A KOWTOW shows that higher-ranked person’s position is clear. It is not a sign of weakness.
-Life is not always fair and one will be judged based on attire, and hence one must consider clothing
choices and messages this sends out.
-When people are mentally ill or depressed preening is one of the first things to go as people in this
situation care less about their appearance.
-TORSO SPLAYS- Splaying out on a couch or chair is normally a sign of comfort. Splaying out when issues
are being discussed, splaying out is a territorial or dominance display. This splay behaviour is
DISRESPECTFUL and shows INDIFFERENCE to those in authority.
-PUFFING UP OF CHESTS-shows aggression.
-SHOULDER SHRUGS- half shrug means speaker is not committed to what has just said. An honest and
true response will cause both shoulders to rise sharply and equally. If gravity-defying (up to ears)
comfortable with answer. If only a partial rise of shoulders or one is not committed, then is limbically
evasive.
-A weak shoulder display is the TURTLE, when hide head.
-As arms are involved in our defence they can provide an honest portrayal of our thoughts.
-GRAVITY-RELATED ARM MOVEMENTS- When we are HAPPY and CONTENT, our arms move freely, even
joyfully. When EXCITED, we don’t restrict our arm movements and natural tendency is to DEFY GRAVITY
and raise arms high above our heads.
-Negative emotions bring us down physically.
-ARM WITHDRAWAL- When we are upset or fearful, we WITHDRAW our ARMS.
-When arguing in conflict, ARMS CROSS is a self-restraining action, as arms outstretching may be seen as
AGGRESSIVE.
-RESTRICTION OF ARM MOVEMENT: ARM FREEZE, particularly in children, can have SINISTER
IMPLICATIONS. E.g. with abused kids, arm movement restricted in presence of abusive parents or other
PREDATORS.
-Makes sense in terms of SURVIVAL, all animals, especially PREDATORS, orient toward movement.
-We PROTECT VALUABLE items or something we don’t want noticed, more.
-Shoplifters-Look around more and use fewer arm movements than regular shoppers.
-CERTAIN ARM BEHAVIOURS relay the message “DON’T COME CLOSE TO ME;DON’T TOUCH!”
-When people PLACE THEIR ARMS BEHIND THEIR BACKS they are saying: 1. “I am of HIGHER STATUS”
2. “please don’t come near me, I AM NOT TO BE TOUCHED”.
-The arms show like (engage) and dislike (at arm’s length).
-TERRITORIAL DISPLAYS OF THE ARMS- Territorial displays are significant to us, and our arms help assert
our DOMINANCE to others with whom we overlap in space.
-Notice how CONFIDENT/HIGH-STATUS individuals will claim more territory with their arms than less
confident, lower-status persons.
-A DOMINANT man, may drape his arm around a chair to let everyone know that this is his domain.
-Person who sits at the conference table with elbows against his waist and arms draped between his
legs sends a message of weakness and low confidence.
-ARMS AKIMBO- a territorial behaviour used to assert DOMINANCE and project an image of authority.
When police officers or military personnel in uniform are talking to each other they almost always
assume arms-akimbo posture.
-Effective way for ANYONE to show that they are standing their ground, confident and unwilling to be
bullied.
-Arms akimbo is a good way of saying that there are “issues”, “things are not good” or “I am standing my
ground” in a territorial display.
-Thumbs can be put forward, which is less authoritarian position, than when thumbs are back in the
“there are issues” position.
-Thumb forward akimbo shows people are inquisitive, yet concerned.
-“hooding” or “figure 4” is like when a cobra hoods to alert other animals of his dominance and power.
Hooding tells others “I am in charge here”.
-When people’s arms spread this is emphasising a point or dominance as is claiming more territory.
When in wide stance, taking up a lot of territory shows comfortable, quickly changes if challenged about
something that makes uncomfortable.
-IN COURTSHIP-Man often is the first to put his arm around his date especially when there is a CHANCE
THAT OTHER MALES might try to encroach on his woman.
-Depends on how wide the arms are planted on a desk, the wider, the greater the chance of
confrontation.
-When meeting someone, relaxed arms at side, palms showing and ventral side open to them is a good
way of saying “Hello, I mean no harm”.
-Friendly touching between shoulder and elbow shows “we are okay”.
-The human brain is programmed to sense the slightest hand and finger movement. Hence, brain easily
focuses on HANDS primarily as can bare weopons etc.
-If you wish to enhance your EFFECTIVENESS as a PERSUASIVE speaker, at home, at work, friends,
attempt to become MORE expressive in your use of HAND MOVEMENTS.
-HIDING YOUR HANDS CREATES A NEGATIVE IMPRESSION: KEEP THEM VISIBLE.
-If you’ve ever held a conversation with someone whose arms are under the table, one will quickly sense
how UNCOMFORTABLE the conversation feels.
-When hands are out of sight or less expressive, it detracts from the PERCEIVED QUALITY and HONESTY
of the information being transmitted.
-Experiment conducted in class, interview, half had their hands hidden and the other visible. The
interviews conducted with hands hidden were perceived as being uncomfortable, withdrawn, sneaky or
even deceptive. The other half with hands visible appeared more open and friendly and NOONE
described them as DECEPTIVE.
-THE POWER OF A HANDSHAKE, is usually the first physical contact we have with another person. How
we do it, including its strength and how long it is maintained, can affect how we are preceived by the
person we are greeting.
-Handshakes are VERY SIGNIFICANT.
-Since handshaking is usually the first time two people actually touch, it can be the defining moment of a
relationship.
-In many countries throughout the world, FINGER POINTING is viewed as one of the most OFFENSIVE
gestures a person can display.
-Pointing is often a precursor to many fights.
-During courtship, humans engage in increased amounts of preening.
-It is RUDE for one person to preen oneself in a self-attentive, dismissive way, when supposed to be
listening to someone else.
-Physical appearance. Standing with hands at the side with fingers curled may indicate prior military
experience.
-Should pay extra attention to hand hygiene as others focus on it so much.
-Hand sweating occurs when someone is nervous or under stress.
-Shaking of hands shows extreme positive or negative feelings. Must observe this behaviour in
CONTEXT. Hence, if followed by pacifying behaviour, then it is negative.
-It is important to look at if there is a CHANGE from the individual’s normal hand movements. E.g. a
person’s hand may always shake if is a heavy coffee drinker/drug or alcohol addicted.
-Hand displays of HIGH CONFIDENCE:
1. STEEPLING-Most powerful high-confidence tell. Fingers are NOT interlocked and palms may not be
touching, apart from this, similar to the praying gesture. It shows comfortable about thoughts and
position. When our position is shaken or doubt enters our mind, steepling turns to hand-wringing which
is universal way of showing STRESSED or CONCERNED- using steepling is a good way of showing
confidence in a point. When females STEEPLE under table they undermine the confidence they actually
have. “steeple” should be recognised as an indicator of self-assurance, competence and confidence.
-Thumb-up in air is a HIGH CONFIDENCE DISPLAY. Thumbs out of pocket shows high status and high
confidence.
-Thumbs up means a fluid conversation. Hand clasp and THUMBS UP.
-Thumbs SUDDENLY disappear, this means less emphasis or that emotions have turned negative.
-Feeling of LOW CONFIDENCE shown when thumbs put in pocket and lets fingers hang out on the side.
In employment settings, this signal says “I am unsure of myself”.
-Disappearing thumbs in pockets shows LOW-CONFIDENCE, INCOMPETENCE.
-GENITAL FRAMING is a powerful dominance display. In essence, it is saying “check me out, I am a virile
male.”
-HAND DISPLAY OF LOW CONFIDENCE OR STRESS:
1. FROZEN HANDS: Liars gesture less, touch less, and move their arms and legs less than honest people.
Consistent with LIMBIC REACTIONS.
2. HAND-WRINGING: When people wring their hands or interlace their fingers, particularly in response
to a significant comment, event, or change in their environment, it is normally indicative of stress or low
confidence. It is a COMMON pacifier. Matters are clearly GETTING WORSE if fingers BLANCH FURTHER.
-When people are truthful they do everything possible to make sure you understand them.
-INTERLACING OF FINGERS is a VERY ACCURATE indicator of HIGH DISTRESS. Rubbing of one hand in
another is PACIFYING.
-People who TOUCH neck when speaking are reflecting lower-than-normal confidence and are relieving
stress.
-As feelings of discomfort and distress surface in people, their hands rise to the occasion, and cover or
touch their neck.
-One hand over neck dimple is one of those behaviours that is so reliable and accurate that it truly
merits our close attention.
-MICROGESTURE is a very brief nonverbal behaviour that occurs when a person is attempting to
suppress a normal response to a negative stimulus.
-When lovers quickly move their hands away from each other quickly at dinner table, it is a SIGN that
something NEGATIVE has occurred.
-GRADUAL WITHDRAWAL of hands is a form of PSYCHOLOGICAL FLIGHT, hands slowly disappearing from
table top. (LIMBIC).
-We are taught to lie with our faces.
-NEGATIVE EMOTIONS-Make us TENSE. Our faces may show a constellation of tension-revealing cues
SIMULTANEOUSLY. –> 1. Tightening of jaw muscles. 2. FLARING OF NOSE WINGS. 3. SQUINTING OF EYES.
4. QUIVERING OF MOUTH. 5. LIP OCCLUSION (lips seem to disappear).
-TENSION can be manifested by STIFF NECK, eye focus fixed, HEAD TILT NON-EXISTENT.
-SQUINT used by CLINT EASTWOOD before a fight says it all. In real world it may be less obvious
however.
-Jaw TIGHTENING is an indication of tension.
-We have been taught to focus on WHAT people say rather than HOW it was said and taught NOT TO
STARE so hard to focus on people’s faces.
-MICROEXPRESSIONS only provide more information for other body language signals.
-POSITIVE EMOTIONS- revealed by loosening of the furrowed lines on the forehead, relaxation of the
muscles around the mouth, emergence of full lips (not compressed or tight-lipped) and widening of the
eye area as surrounding muscles relax.
-Often positive words are uttered and nonverbal signs say something different.
-FEET AND FACE SHOW WHEN LIFE IS SWEET.
-When truly relaxed and comfortable, facial muscles relax and head will tilt to the side exposing our
most vulnerable area, THE NECK. It is nearly impossible to expose the neck when we are uncomfortable,
tense, suspicious, threatened.
-HEAD TILT is a powerful way of saying “I am comfortable, I am receptive, I am friendly”. This gesture is
difficult to do around people we don’t like.
-When er become aroused, surprised or are suddenly confronted our eyes open up, and pupils DILATE to
let in maximum amount of light. We find comfort in dilated pupils.
-Squinting-We squint to block out light or objectionable things. We squint when we are angry or even
when we hear voices, sounds or music we don’t like.
-SQUINTING can be very brief- 1/8 of a second. In real time reflects a negative thought or emotion.
-ARCHED EYEBROWS- Signify high confidence and positive feelings (gravity-defying behaviour) whereas
lowered eyebrows are usually a sign of LOW CONFIDENCE and negative feelings, behaviour that
indicates weakness and insecurity in a person.
-We attempt to censor incoming data through a limbic survival mechanism known as EYE BLOCKING,
which evolved to protect the brain from “seeing” undesirable images.
-Eye-blocking with the hands is an effective way of saying “I don’t like what I just heard, saw or learned.”
-Can be represented by BRIEF TOUCH TO THE EYE.
-DELAY in opening of the eyelids upon hearing information or a lengthy closure is indicative of negative
emotions or displeasure.
-EYE BLOCKING takes many forms and can be observed at any tragic event, whether bad news is being
broadcast or as tragedy is about to befall us.
-Eyes start getting bigger signifies something positive. Will start to see eyes shutting (squinting,
eyebrows dropping, pupils constricting) in danger.
-Important to be careful with pupil dilation as is caused by other factors such as lighting, some medical
conditions and certain drugs.
-Brain employs a single eye behaviour-STRONG GAZE.
-Can communicate love, interest or hate. Hence, one must rely on other facial displays that accompany
eye-gaze behaviour. Either relaxed smile (like) or tightened jaws, compressed lips (dislike).
-Looking into distance while people are talking is actually a COMFORT DISPLAY. When talking to friends,
we routinely look in the distance as we converse.
-Clarity of thought is the reason we do it.
-With looking away, a DOWNWARD GAZE may demonstrate that we are processing a sentiment or
feeling, conducting an internal dialogue or perhaps demonstrating submissiveness.
-In ALL CULTURES in which it has been studied, science validates that those who are dominant have
more freedom in using eye-gaze behaviour. In essence, these individuals are entitled to look wherever
they want.
-Many employers have said that they dislike it during an interview when applicants’ eyes are wandering
all over the room “as though they own the place”.
-Because ROVING EYES makes a person look disinterested or as superior, doing so always leaves a bad
impression.
-Our BLINK RATE increases when we are AROUSED, TROUBLED, NERVOUS or CONCERNED and it returns
to normal when we are relaxed.
-Looking ASKANCE at others is a behaviour that is performed with the head and eyes. It can take the
form of a sideways or tilted head motion accompanied by a side glance or brief roll of the eyes. Its
message is “I am listening to you but I am not buying what you are saying- at least not yet.”
-When lips disappear, there is usually stress or anxiety during this behaviour. When it comes to stress,
nothing is more UNIVERSAL than disappearing lips.
-When we press our lips together, it is as if limbic brain is telling us to shut down and not allow anything
into our bodies.
-It is a clear sign that a person is troubled and that something is WRONG. It means that they are
stressed.
-We PURSE our lips when we are in DISAGREEMENT with something or someone, or we are thinking of a
POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE.
-LIP PURSING is so accurate that it should be given greater attention. It shows up in numerous settings
and circumstances and is very reliable indicator that a person is thinking alternatively or is COMPLETELY
REJECTING what is being said.
-When we SNEER the lip corners are drawn sideward toward the ears and produce a sneering dimple in
the cheeks. Sneer signifies DISRESPECT or DISDAIN and says “I care little for your thoughts”.
-When we are stressed, causes our mouth to be dry, it is normal to LICK THE LIPS to moisten them. Or,
during times of discomfort, we tend to rub our tongues back and forth across our lips to PACIFY and
CALM ourselves.
-We may STICK OUT THE TONGUE to the side as we focus assiduously on a task.
-When observe “tongue-jutting”-Tongue between teeth, no lip contact- This is a time to assess whether
someone is putting one over you.
-FROWNING, by FURROWING the FOREHEAD, usually occurs when a person is ANXIOUS, SAD,
CONCENTRATING, CONCERNED, BEWILDERED or ANGRY.
-Nose-flaring occurs when AROUSED and about TO DO something, oxygenates body. As people prepare
to act physically, they will oxygenate, which causes the nostrils to flare.
-NAIL-BITING is an indicator of STRESS, INSECURITY or DISCOMFORT. It shouts “I am insecure” and it is
not an act to trim nails but to PACIFY oneself.
-GRAVITY-DEFYING BEHAVIOURS OF THE FACE:
-“Keep your chin up” is a remark directed at someone in the doldrums or experiencing misfortune.
-This bit of folk wisdom accurately reflects our LIMBIC RESPONSE to ADVERSITY.
-When CONFIDENCE is LOW we are concerned for ourselves, the chin will tuck in, forcing the nose
DOWN.
-When we feel POSITIVE, the chin comes out and the nose is HIGH. Both of these are signs of COMFORT
AND CONFIDENCE.
-A nose-up gravity-defying gesture is a high-confidence nonverbal tell; while nose-down display of LOW-
CONFIDENCE.
-Tucking the chin is a form of withdrawal or distancing and can be very accurate in discerning true
negative sentiment.
-SOMEONE who is looking repeatedly at his watch or at the nearest exit is letting you know he is either
RUNNING LATE, has an appointment, or would rather be elsewhere. This kind of look is another
INTENTION CUE.
-The rule of MIXED SIGNALS is that one must always go with the NEGATIVE emotion as this is the most
honest one.
-e.g. if someone says “SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU” with JAWS TIGHTENED, the statement is FALSE.
-As can easily be masked, must compare with the rest of the body language to reach a conclusion and if
unsure about what a gesture really means reenact it and then see how it makes YOU feel.
-DECEPTION-Detecting it-Lots of books have been written on this subject and they make it sound easy,
even for amateurs, “I assure you it is not!”.
-Mostly deception tells are actually STRESS tells, and there is no single behaviour that is INDICATIVE OF
DECEPTION.
-If you’re wondering why identifying deception is so difficult, consider the old adage “practice makes
perfect”.
-Navarro’s model for detecting deception basically says, when we are telling the truth we have no
worries, we tend to be more comfortable than when we are lying or concerned about getting caught
because we harbour “guilty knowledge”.
-The CRITICAL ROLE OF THE COMFORT/DISCOMFORT EQUATION IN DETECTING DECEPTION.
-In pursuing the detection of deception, one must realize YOUR impact on the action of the suspected
liar, and recognise that how you behave will affect the other person’s behaviour.
-The asker should remain NEUTRAL, the moment become SUSPICIOUS, you are affecting how a person
will respond to you.
-BEST WAY TO PROCEED is just to ask ever-more clarifying details about the matter, such as a simple “I
don’t understand” or “can you explain how that happened again?”.
-DEFINING SIGNS OF COMFORT: People who are comfortable with each other will move objects aside so
that nothing blocks their view. With time they may draw closer so as not to have to talk so loudly.
-Individuals who are more comfortable are more open to each other, they show each other more of
their torsoes and the insides of their arms and legs.
-The breathing rhythm of two COMFORTABLE people will be similar, as will the tone and pitch of their
speech and their general demeanor.
-Phenomenon of isopraxisms, when one comfortable person leans forward so does the other.
-Mirroring signifies “I am comfortable with you”. ISOPRAXISM.
-Asynchrony is a BARRIER to effective communication and is a serious obstacle to a successful interview
or discussion.
-Should be looking for signs of discomfort for possible deception.
-So ISOPRAXIS is a sign of HIGH COMFORT.
-SIGNS OF DISCOMFORT IN AN INTERACTION:
-When do we show DISCOMFORT:
-We show discomfort when we do not like what is happening or when we do not like what we are seeing
or hearing, or when we are compelled to talk about things we would prefer to keep hidden. So when in
DISCOMFORT:
1. Heart rate quickens.
2. Hairs stand on end.
3. Perspire more.
4. Breathe faster.
-We tend to: -Rearrange ourselves
-Jiggle our feet
-Twist at the hips
-Drum our fingers
-When we are scared, nervous or significantly uncomfortable.
-Keep an eye out for LIARS using obstacles to form a barrier between you and them.
-Generally feel UNCOMFORTABLE around those we lying to.
-Clear signs of DISCOMFORT seen in people during a difficult or troubling conversation include:
1. Rubbing of the forehead.
2. Squeezing the face.
3. Rubbing the neck.
4. Stroking back of head with the hand.

-When making false statements, liars will RARELY touch or engage in other PHYSICAL CONTACT with you.
-Any facial expression that lasts too long or lingers is not normal.
-If person’s head begins to shake either in the affirmative or in the negative as he is speaking; and the
movement occurs simultaneously with what he is saying, then the statement can typically be relied
upon as being TRUTHFUL. If, however, the head shake or head movement is delayed or occurs after the
speech, then most likely the statement is contrived and not truthful.
-In addition, honest head movements should be consistent with verbal denials or affirmatives. If a head
movement is inconsistent with or contrary to a person’s statement, it may indicate deception.
-People always pacify just as they breathe, so expect some pacifying behaviours in everyone.
-A person with guilty knowledge will present two distinct behaviour patterns, in sequence, when asked a
difficult question such as, “did you ever go inside the home of Mr. Jones?”.
-The first behaviour will reflect the stress experienced when hearing the question. The interviewee will
subconciously respond with various distancing behaviours, including:
1. FOOT WITHDRAWAL
2. LEAN AWAY
3. TIGHTENED JAW AND LIPS.
-This will be followed by a second set of related behaviours. Pacifying responses to the stress may
include signals such as:
1. NECK TOUCHING
2. NOSE STROKING
3. NECK MASSAGING
-The above are not indicators of DECEPTION, but stress and stress relief.
-“People who are touching their nose while speaking are lying”, maybe, but could also be under stress,
as is a pacifying behaviour.
-Two principal nonverbal behaviour patterns to consider in detecting deception:

1. SYNCHRONY:
-When being questioned, a person answering in the affirmative should have congruent head movement
that immediately SUPPORTS what is said. IT SHOULD NOT BE DELAYED.
-LACK OF SYNCHRONY is when a person states “I did not do it” while her head is moving in an affirmative
motion.

2. EMPHASIS:
-Observing emphasis is important because emphasis is universal when people are being genuine.
-When liars attempt to fabricate an answer, their emphasis looking unnatural or is delayed; rarely do
they emphasise appropriately, or they choose to do so only on relatively unimportant matters.
-Hand behaviours complement honest speech, thoughts and true sentiments. Raising our eyebrows and
widening our eyes are also ways of emphasising a point.
-Another manifestation of emphasis is seen when someone leans forward with the torso, showing
interest.
-Deceptive people spend time evaluating what they say and how it is being received, which is
inconsistent with HONEST BEHAVIOUR.
-Nonverbal behaviours to consider in detecting deception:
1. LACK OF EMPHASIS IN HAND BEHAVIOURS:

-Lack of arm movement and lack of emphasis are suggestive of deception.

-People who are being deceptive lack committment and confidence in what they are saying.
-Hence, neocortex brain can deceive, whereas limbic brain “honest” cannot be overridden. Hence, there
are less gestures when lying.
2. THE ROGATORY POSITION:

-The palms-up position usually indicates the person wants to be believed or wants to be accepted. It is
not a dominant, confident display.
-When a person is making a passionate and assertive declaration, such as “you have to believe me, I did
not kill her” those hands should be face down.
-“I would question any declarative statement made with the palms up.”

-Statements made palm down are more emphatic and more confident than statements made with
hands palm-up in the rogatory position.

3. TERRITORIAL DISPLAYS AND DECEPTION:

-When we are confident and comfortable, WE SPREAD OUT. When we are less secure, we tend to take
up LESS SPACE.
-Notice people who try to hide in the open as this is a display of insecurity and discomfort.

-I hope I have successfully passed on information I learned from Joe Navarro’s book, I couldn’t include
every detail but only the key points I picked up. I think it is important that we keep in mind that we are
all animals, we just happen to be the most dominant at the minute, if there was another more dominant
species then we would be part of nature, and hence nonverbal communication is as present as when
observed in wildlife in nature, in humans.

All the information was derived from Joe Navarro’s book.

Reference:
Navarro, J.(2008).What Every Body Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent’s Guide To Speed-Reading People.
London.Harper.