“Do You Want to Stop Being Manipulated – Help Yourself – 8 Body Language Secrets” – Negotiation Tip of the Week

“When manipulation lurks in the darkness of silence, body language secrets illuminate its hidden chatter.” -Greg Williams, The Master Negotiator & Body Language Expert

Between the graphic and title of the article, you have been manipulated four times. Did you catch them?

“Do You Want to Stop Being Manipulated – Help Yourself – 8 Body Language Secrets”  

Do you know how to prevent being manipulated by reading body language? Manipulation is an art form that some have perfected. They use it to cast doubt into situations, misdirect attention, and sometimes encourage others to turn against their self-interest. Most people are unaware of when someone is manipulating them or when they have been manipulated.

The following are eight body language secrets that will allow you to raise awareness about when someone attempts to manipulate you and how you can thwart them and their efforts.

Secret #1 – The Eyes Have It

• “The eyes shout what lips may fear to speak.”

Eyes are the windows to the soul. Have you ever noticed how someone’s eyes blink excessively like a flashing stop sign when they lie? That’s a signal. Eye contact, or lack thereof, speaks volumes about someone’s hidden thoughts.

Depending on the culture, someone who does not look you in the eye is signaling something – possibly their lack of confidence or untruthfulness. Next time you are conversing with someone, watch where their eyes wander. If theirs avoids yours, your internal alarm should sound louder than a train horn at a crossing.

Secret #2 – Hands Speak Louder Than Words

• “Hidden hands often reveal the hidden truth.”

Hand movements and gestures communicate significant information, sometimes more than spoken words. Open and relaxed hand movements typically indicate openness and honesty. When someone hides their hands in their pockets, fidgets excessively, or frequently touches their face, it can signify nervousness or deceit. Confident gestures correlate with honest intentions, while guarded or erratic hand movements might suggest caution.

Secret #3 – The Feet Don’t Lie

• “Feet lead the way to one’s true desire.”

Foot positioning and movement can be very telling. People usually position their feet toward what they are most interested in. If someone’s feet point away from you, it might indicate a lack of interest or a desire to leave the conversation.

Likewise, restless legs or feet can signal nervousness or unease. This subconscious foot behavior can be a reliable indicator of someone’s inner sentiments, regardless of what their words or facial expressions might suggest.

Secret #4 – Facial Expressions Are Mini-Billboards

• “A fleeting frown is honesty’s whisper.”

Facial expressions are perhaps the most immediate form of non-verbal communication. Subtle changes in someone’s face—like a fleeting frown or a brief look of surprise—known as micro-expressions, reveal someone’s hidden thoughts. These micro-expressions happen quickly, often in less than a second, and are powerful indicators of underlying emotions.

Secret #5 – The Art of the Smile

• “A genuine smile is a gateway to the soul; a fake one reveals its  wall.”

Not all smiles are equal. A Duchenne smile is a genuine smile. It engages the entire face, including the eyes, resulting in those tell-tale “crow’s feet.” On the other hand, a fake smile usually only involves the mouth.

Understanding the difference between smiles and what they convey can help gauge whether someone is genuinely pleased or just trying to appear pleasant. Recognizing these nuances can provide deeper insight into someone’s emotions and intentions.

Secret #6 – The Power of the Brow

• “Raised eyebrows often lead to raised questions.”

Eyebrow movements convey a wealth of information. Raised eyebrows indicate surprise or disbelief, while furrowed brows might indicate confusion or concentration. Constantly furrowing brows during a conversation could also indicate skepticism. If you pay attention to these subtle cues, you can better understand the other person’s emotional state and reactions, enabling a more strategic approach.

Secret #7 – The Warning Signals

• “Subtle signs of discomfort set off warning lights of deception.”

Specific body language cues can signal discomfort or deceit. People often have “tells” like rubbing their head, crossing their arms, or touching their nose/neck when they feel nervous or unsure. These actions can serve as warning signals indicating something is wrong. You can better assess the situation and decide whether to probe further by recognizing these signs (e.g., rubbing their head, touching nose/neck, crossing arms).

Secret #8 – The Nose Knows

• “A tingling nose is a subtle signal seeking to ring the bell of truth.”

The nose can also be a significant indicator of deceit. A person may touch or rub their nose more frequently when they lie. Lying can cause a slight increase in blood flow to the tissue inside the nose, leading to a tingling or itching sensation. A quick inhale through the nose or a slight nostril flare can indicate discomfort or readiness to deceive. Monitoring these subtle changes can give you valuable insight into the truthfulness of the person you’re dealing with.

Reflection

Understanding and reading body language is crucial for navigating interactions and avoiding manipulation. These insights will allow you to enhance your communication skills, stay alert, and protect yourself from being underestimated or manipulated. When you implement them, you will maintain greater control in any conversation or negotiation by being more observant and aware. And everything will be right with the world.

Remember, “You’re always negotiating!”

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After reading this article, what are you thinking? I’d like to know. Reach me at Greg@TheMasterNegotiator.com

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