Slaggis Posted August 22, 2008 Posted August 22, 2008 Over the past few months, I've become really interested in the idea of being able to get clues about what a person is thinking by looking at their Body Language whilst talking to them. I've read a couple of books that really interested me and think I've started to learn a little but I'm hardly an expert. I just find it so interesting when you're sat there talking to someone and suddenly you see them do something and you realise "Oh hang on, they're lying". Anyone else have an interest in the whole Body Language thing, or is it just me?
Ashley Posted August 22, 2008 Posted August 22, 2008 Body language is bull. They say crossed arms are a sign of clossed off-ness. I just find it more comfortable. Likewise they'd say that having one arm (for the sake of clarity say left) down and the other across your chest holding the other (ie left hand holding right) upper arm would be a sign of nervousness or whatever. Again, I just find it comfy.
Kirkatronics Posted August 22, 2008 Posted August 22, 2008 Every one is different, body language experts can usually tell how you feel. Thatts from years of experience, and the minute things we do.
Ninty 182 Posted August 22, 2008 Posted August 22, 2008 Body language is bull. They say crossed arms are a sign of clossed off-ness. I just find it more comfortable. Likewise they'd say that having one arm (for the sake of clarity say left) down and the other across your chest holding the other (ie left hand holding right) upper arm would be a sign of nervousness or whatever. Again, I just find it comfy. maybe you're just a nervous, closed-off person in general or yea it could be bull. I'm sure there is something in but it really annoys me when people start drawing conclusions about other people just cus they read some article in a magazie. The same thing happens with psychology. Some people read some pop-trivia psychology article and then think they're experts etc.
Slaggis Posted August 22, 2008 Author Posted August 22, 2008 Obviously some people just find those positions comfortable, and that would be more obvious body language anyway. I mean things like when someone talking to you, and suddenly their whole body language changes, say they then start touching their face - thats apparently a sign of lying. When I think about it, when I lie I do seem to tend to itch my neck, or rub unde rmy mouth. I have no idea why.
jayseven Posted August 22, 2008 Posted August 22, 2008 Being aware of body language just turned me into a paranoid self-obsessed wreck. Peoplewatching by Desmond Morris is a massive book that I read on holiday once, along with another book on gesticulation. Never been the same since.
Dannyboy-the-Dane Posted August 22, 2008 Posted August 22, 2008 I only think sub-/unconscious body movements count. Those are the movements that happen as a reaction to your mental state, for example while you're lying. 'Tis just a theory, though.
jayseven Posted August 22, 2008 Posted August 22, 2008 Well if you highlight lying then I think you'll be talking about conscious movement just as much. I like body language as a means to try and see how the person is feeling in a situation - not necessarily what they're thinking. Sure the subconscious is where you'll find the feeling, but the conscious movements are the thinking brain's way of trying to cover-up/protect/exaggerate their feelings. Unless this is what you're saying anyway. Semantics really isn't my strong point.
Daft Posted August 22, 2008 Posted August 22, 2008 I have pretty consistently casual body language. I'm pretty conscious of it. Normally I just wonder what it would be like if I punch someone in the face or slit their throat.
Dannyboy-the-Dane Posted August 23, 2008 Posted August 23, 2008 Well if you highlight lying then I think you'll be talking about conscious movement just as much. I like body language as a means to try and see how the person is feeling in a situation - not necessarily what they're thinking. Sure the subconscious is where you'll find the feeling, but the conscious movements are the thinking brain's way of trying to cover-up/protect/exaggerate their feelings. Unless this is what you're saying anyway. Semantics really isn't my strong point. Hm, I think we're talking about the same, but not completely. Movements as reaction to lying can be holding your hand over your mouth or something like that. But I think there's a fluid line between if those moves are conscious or subconscious. It's not your intention to move you hand in front of your mouth, you just do it. When people are nervous, they often do more body gestures, often the same small things like running their hand through their hair.
Wesley Posted August 23, 2008 Posted August 23, 2008 That craps fine as long as someone doesn't try to point it out to me. Or when someone can tell you what type of personality thing blah blah by questions blagh blagh blllaaaagggghhh! Where was I?
Dannyboy-the-Dane Posted August 24, 2008 Posted August 24, 2008 That craps fine as long as someone doesn't try to point it out to me. Or when someone can tell you what type of personality thing blah blah by questions blagh blagh blllaaaagggghhh! Where was I? At a mental hospital, taking your pills.
Recommended Posts