Commandments for Success in Analyzing Nonverbal Communication

Have you ever wondered why, in the age of computers, text messages, and email, people still gather for business meetings? It’s because they need to send and receive nonverbal messages in person. Body language, or nonverbal communication, is a way of conveying information through nonverbal means: facial expressions, gestures, touch, body movements, posture, tone, pitch, and volume of voice. Nonverbal behavior typically conveys about 60 to 65 percent of all information in interpersonal communication.

Joe Navarro, a former FBI agent and expert in nonverbal communication, describes several commandments for success in observing and decoding nonverbal signals in his book “What Every Body Is Saying.”

Pay Close Attention to What’s Happening Around You

Many people look but don’t actually see, or as Sherlock Holmes said, “You see, but you do not observe.” To learn to read body language, it’s essential (and very important!) to always dedicate part of your attention to consciously observing nonverbal signals. Over time, this will become a built-in skill, but at first, you need to focus on it deliberately.

Observation in Context Is Key to Understanding Nonverbal Behavior

When trying to interpret nonverbal behavior in real-life situations, remember: the better you understand the context, the better you’ll understand what the behavior means.

Learn to Recognize Universal Nonverbal Signals

Some body movements are the same for most people. For example, pressed lips are a typical sign that someone is worried about something.

Learn to Recognize Individual Nonverbal Signals

There are elements of nonverbal behavior that are somewhat unique to each person. The best way to learn these signals is by observing people you interact with regularly. For example, if your child scratches their head and bites their lip before an exam, this may be a reliable sign of nervousness. This behavior will become part of their repertoire, and you’ll likely see it again. If you notice this sign in a different context, without an obvious reason, it may be worth considering what’s going on with them at that moment.

Learn to Identify a Person’s Baseline Behavior

Knowing what is normal for a person is often crucial, as it allows you to spot deviations from the norm. When establishing a baseline, pay attention to how the person usually looks, sits, places their hands, positions their feet, and tilts their head.

Pay Attention to Consistency

Watch for consistency between verbal and nonverbal behavior. A classic example is when someone says, “I didn’t do it,” while nodding their head affirmatively. Also, notice whether what a person does and says matches the current situation. For instance, if someone gives a gift at a celebration but shows a clear sign of contempt—a slight lift of one corner of the mouth—this is worth noting.

Notice Expressiveness

When we speak, we naturally use different parts of our body to emphasize points that evoke strong feelings. Volume, pitch, word repetition, leaning forward, and expressive gestures are all used as accents. When liars try to fabricate answers, their expressive movements often look unnatural or delayed, and they rarely place emphasis where it belongs.

Learn to Identify Signs of Comfort and Discomfort

Those who lie or feel guilty are aware of their deception, and this knowledge prevents them from feeling comfortable. Signs of discomfort and tension are clearly visible in nonverbal behavior, such as a stiff posture or lack of gestures. To spot these signs, it’s important to help the person relax and feel safe in your presence. Creating a comfortable environment at the start of any interaction helps you establish a baseline for the person’s behavior, making it easier to notice signs of discomfort later on.