7 habits of people who are exceptionally good at picking up on body language cues, according to psychology

Being able to read body language is an invaluable skill. It’s like having a secret superpower that helps you understand what people are really thinking, even when they’re not saying a word.

Now, this isn’t about manipulating others or playing mind games. It’s about understanding and empathizing, and most importantly, communicating more effectively.

According to psychology, there are certain habits that can dramatically enhance your ability to pick up on these non-verbal cues. I’ve noticed that people who are exceptionally good at reading body language all share these seven habits.

If you’re curious to know what these habits are and how to incorporate them into your own interactions, stick around. You might just end up becoming a body language pro yourself.

1) They’re observant

People who are good at reading body language are highly observant. They don’t just hear, they listen. They don’t just see, they observe.

Observation is key in picking up on body language cues. It involves paying attention to the subtlest of gestures and expressions. A twitch of an eyebrow, a slight shift in posture, a fleeting glance – these seemingly insignificant actions can speak volumes about what a person is truly feeling.

But being observant isn’t just about focusing on the other person. It’s also about being aware of your own reactions. Recognizing how you instinctively respond to certain signals can give you valuable insights into how others might be feeling.

So, if you want to improve your ability to read body language, start by becoming more observant. It’s a habit that requires practice, but once acquired, it can greatly enhance your communication skills.

Just remember, this isn’t about judging or making assumptions. It’s about understanding and empathizing with others.

2) They pick up on microexpressions

I remember a particular incident at a friend’s party a few years ago. I was talking to a friend who was smiling and laughing along with the conversation. But I noticed his eyes–they didn’t match his smile. His eyes looked tense, anxious even.

That subtle inconsistency was a microexpression, a fleeting, involuntary facial expression that often contradicts the overall expression. They happen in a fraction of a second and are usually a result of suppressed or repressed emotions.

While my friend’s words and overall demeanor suggested that he was having a great time, his microexpression told me that something was off. I later found out that he was going through some personal issues at the time.

People who are good at reading body language cues are adept at picking up on these microexpressions. They understand that these fleeting expressions often reveal more about a person’s emotional state than their words or their overall facial expression.

But it’s important to remember that while microexpressions can provide valuable insights, they’re not always definitive. It’s not about making assumptions but about gaining a deeper understanding of others’ feelings and emotions.

3) They understand the importance of context

Did you know that crossing your arms, a common gesture that we often interpret as a sign of defensiveness or discomfort, is considered a respect gesture in Finland? This highlights the importance of context in interpreting body language.

People who are skilled at reading body language cues take into account the situation, cultural background, and personal habits of the person they’re interacting with. They understand that body language isn’t universal and that gestures can have different meanings depending on the context.

So, if someone is crossing their arms during a conversation, it may not necessarily mean they’re closed off or defensive. They might just be cold, or it could be a habit.

Understanding context helps avoid misinterpretations and promotes effective communication. It’s not just about what the body language cue is, but also where and when it’s being used.

4) They maintain eye contact

Eye contact is one of the most powerful forms of non-verbal communication. It can convey interest, attention, and even empathy.

People who are adept at reading body language understand the power of eye contact. They don’t shy away from it, but rather, they use it as a tool to connect with others on a deeper level.

Maintaining eye contact doesn’t mean staring someone down. That can be off-putting and make the other person uncomfortable. It’s about creating a balance, a connection that communicates understanding and respect.

It’s also about noticing when the other person breaks eye contact or avoids it altogether. This can often suggest discomfort or a lack of interest.

So remember, when it comes to reading body language, the eyes truly are windows to the soul.

5) They pay attention to personal space

I’ve always been someone who values my personal space. I tend to feel uncomfortable when people stand too close to me during conversations, even in casual settings. It took me a while to realize that it’s not just about my own comfort, but it’s also an important aspect of understanding body language.

Those who are skilled at deciphering body language cues are highly aware of the concept of personal space. They respect it, understand its boundaries, and notice when someone else is uncomfortable with the proximity.

Personal space can vary greatly between individuals and cultures. Being aware of how close you stand to someone, how you position yourself, and how they react, can give you a lot of information about their comfort level and feelings towards the interaction.

So, whether you’re like me and need a bit more space, or you’re comfortable with closer contact, being mindful of personal space is an important habit in reading body language cues effectively.

6) They listen with their body

Listening isn’t only about hearing the words that are being said. It’s also about paying attention to the speaker’s body language and responding with your own.

People who are good at reading body language cues are active listeners. They show their engagement not just through verbal responses, but also through their own body language. They nod to show understanding, maintain eye contact to show interest, and lean in to show they’re engaged.

These non-verbal cues can encourage the other person to open up more and express themselves freely. It creates a safe space for communication, where both parties feel heard and understood.

So, remember, effective communication is a two-way street. It’s not just about picking up on body language cues from others, but also about how your own body language can influence the conversation.

7) They’re empathetic

At the heart of interpreting body language effectively lies empathy. It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s what allows us to connect with people on a deeper, more meaningful level.

Those who are skilled at reading body language cues are often highly empathetic. They not only pick up on the unspoken signals, but they also feel what the other person is feeling.

Empathy allows us to interpret body language cues accurately and respond appropriately. It’s not about making assumptions or judgments, but about understanding others’ perspectives and emotions.

So, if you want to improve your ability to read body language cues, cultivate empathy. It’s the most powerful tool you can possess in understanding others beyond their words.

Final thoughts: It’s all about connection

When you strip away all the technicalities and nuances, reading body language essentially boils down to one fundamental human need – connection.

We are social creatures biologically wired for interaction and connection. Understanding body language is a tool that helps us to connect better, to empathize, and to communicate more effectively.

Albert Mehrabian, a pioneer in the field of nonverbal communication, found that only 7% of any message is conveyed through words, 38% through vocal elements, and 55% through nonverbal elements (facial expressions, gestures, posture, etc).

This underscores the importance of being able to read and understand body language cues. It’s more than just a skill – it’s a way to deepen our understanding of others and enhance our connections with them.

So whether it’s observing microexpressions, understanding the context, or being empathetic, remember that each step brings you closer to others. It allows you to see beyond words and truly understand what others are feeling.

After all, connection is what makes us human.

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Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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