Latest news with #nonverbalcommunication
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Science
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The secret eye signal that will instantly get you what you want, according to scientists
Sometimes, we just wish our partner knew what we were thinking. For example, when you're bored at a party and want to leave, or when you wish they'd subtly top up your glass of wine. In fact, there are many scenarios where you might not want to verbalise what you really need. Now, experts have pinpointed the most effective way to signal a request – without uttering a word. A team from Flinders University in Adelaide, South Australia, examined the role of eye contact in how we understand and respond to others. They discovered the best way to indicate what you want is to look at an object, make eye contact with a person, and then look back at the same object. This gaze sequence and timing made people most likely to interpret the gaze as a call for help, they found. And it could help you make a swift exit from that next tedious dinner party. Researchers asked 137 people to complete a block-building task with a virtual partner, during which they had to decide if someone was inspecting or requesting one of three objects. Pictured: One of the avatars used in the study 'We found that it's not just how often someone looks at you, or if they look at you last in a sequence of eye movements, but the context of their eye movements that makes that behaviour appear communicative and relevant,' lead author Dr Nathan Caruana said. His team asked 137 people to complete a block-building task with a virtual partner, during which they had to decide if someone was inspecting or requesting one of three objects. Writing in the journal Royal Society Open Science, they said: 'Participants were most likely, and fastest, to perceive a request when eye contact occurred between two averted gaze shifts towards the same object.' The team said their findings could be useful for those who want to effectively communicate with others in social contexts that rely on non-verbal communication. This could include in competitive sports, during military operations or in a loud environment, they said. They discovered that people also responded the same way to the gaze behaviour when it was carried out by a robot. 'Our findings have helped to decode one of our most instinctive behaviours and how it can be used to build better connections whether you're talking to a teammate, a robot or someone who communicates differently,' Dr Caruana said. 'Understanding how eye contact works could improve non-verbal communication training in high-pressure settings like sports, defence, and noisy workplaces. 'It could also support people who rely heavily on visual cues, such as those who are hearing-impaired or autistic.' Another way that eye contact can prove useful, according to a previous study, is when defending your chips from pesky seagulls. Dr Neeltje Boogert, a research fellow in behavioural ecology at the University of Exeter, said keeping your gaze trained on the birds can act as a deterrent. 'Gulls find the human gaze aversive and are less likely to approach your food when you're staring them down,' she explained. What different eye signals can mean 1. Eye Contact: Normal Eye Contact: A balanced amount of eye contact (looking at someone for about 50-70 per cent of the time while speaking and listening) generally indicates attentiveness and engagement. Prolonged Eye Contact: Can signal interest, attraction, or even aggression, depending on the context. Limited Eye Contact: May indicate discomfort, disinterest, or attempts to deceive. 2. Pupil Dilation: Dilated Pupils: Often associated with positive emotions, arousal, interest, and attraction. When someone is interested in something or someone, their pupils may dilate. Constricted Pupils: Can be linked to anger, negative moods, or even feelings of fear. 3. Gaze Direction: Looking to the Left: May indicate remembering or recalling something from the past. Looking to the Right: Can suggest creative thinking or constructing a narrative, potentially indicating deception. Looking Up and Around: Can be a sign of thinking or processing information. 4. Eye Movements: Darting Eyes: May indicate nervousness, anxiety, or attempts to avoid eye contact. Lateral Eye Movements: May suggest shiftiness or attempts to assess surroundings. Blinking: Can be a natural response to visual input, but excessive blinking may indicate stress or deception.
Forbes
09-07-2025
- General
- Forbes
How Do I Know You're Listening?
When your words say one thing ('Keep talking, I'm listening') but your body language indicates the opposite, people are forced make a choice. And when choosing between what you say and how you look and sound while saying it, they will intuitively discount your words in favor of the nonverbal messages you're sending. Here are 3 nonverbal cues that signal listening, engagement, and interest. 1) Eye contact Eye contact If people are looking at us, we believe we have their interest. If they meet our gaze more than two-thirds of the time, we sense that they find our ideas appealing or valuable. That's why greater eye contact, especially in intervals lasting four to five seconds, almost always leads to greater liking. The impact of eye contact is so powerful because it is instinctive and connected with humans' early survival patterns. Children who could attract and maintain eye contact, and therefore increase attention, had the best chance of being fed and cared for. And eye contact retains its power with adults, as over the course of a conversation, eye contact is made through a series of glances – to gauge reactions or indicate attention. It is also used as a synchronizing signal. People tend to look up at the end of utterances, which gives their listeners warning that the speaker is about to stop talking. When you decrease eye contact by checking texts messages or looking around the room, people don't feel heard -- even if you tell them you're listening and can repeat every word they said. 2) Tone of voice Speaking in a warm tone of voice When I coach business leaders, I remind them that whenever they are active listening (summarizing, asking questions to clarify, acknowledging emotions, etc.) people won't only be evaluating their words, they will be 'reading' voices, searching for clues to possible hidden agendas, concealed meanings, disguised emotions, undue stress. The voice conveys subtle but powerful clues into feelings and meanings. Think, for example, how tone of voice can indicate sarcasm, concern, or confidence. Or how an increase in volume and intensity grabs attention because of the heightened emotion (passion, anger, assertiveness, certainty) it signals. Researchers from the University of Geneva in Switzerland discovered that they could tell whether a subject had just heard words spoken in anger, joy, relief, or sadness by observing the pattern of activity in the listener's brain. As a listener, responding with a warm tone of voice is more powerful than you might know. 3) Limbic synchrony Mirroring Babies do it even before birth; their heartbeats and body functions take on a rhythm that matches that of their mothers. As adults, we do it automatically when we are listening to someone we like, are interested in, or agree with. It's called limbic synchrony, and it's hardwired into the human brain. It's the process by which we switch our facial expressions and body posture to match that of the other person – mirroring that person's nonverbal behavior and signaling that we are connected and engaged. The neuroscience behind limbic synchrony begins with the discovery of mirror neurons and research into how empathy develops in the brain. In the late 1980s, researchers at the University of Parma in Italy found that the brain cells of macaque monkey fired in the same way whether they were making a particular motion (like reaching for a peanut) or watching another monkey or human make that movement. In terms of motor cell activity, the monkey's brain could not tell the difference between doing something and seeing it done. The scientists named those brain cells "mirror neurons.' In human beings, it was found that mirror neurons not only simulate actions, they also reflect intentions and feelings. It's your mirror neurons that give you the capacity to empathize with the joys and sorrows of others by connecting with them on an emotional level. This explains why mirroring is such a powerful part of listening.
Sustainability Times
26-06-2025
- General
- Sustainability Times
'This One Sentence Changed Everything': Emotionally Intelligent People Swear by This Powerful Phrase to Command Respect and Build Deep Connections
IN A NUTSHELL 🔍 Non-verbal communication makes up 93% of our interactions, highlighting the power of tone and body language over words. makes up 93% of our interactions, highlighting the power of tone and body language over words. 💡 Mastering emotional intelligence helps align body language, voice, and emotions to demonstrate relational maturity. helps align body language, voice, and emotions to demonstrate relational maturity. 🗣️ People with high emotional intelligence focus on harmony between words and actions rather than perfect content. rather than perfect content. 📊 Research shows that 80% of relationship information is conveyed through non-verbal signals, emphasizing their importance. In a world where effective communication can make or break relationships, understanding the nuances of how we convey our messages is crucial. A simple phrase, 'It's not what you say, but how you say it,' underscores this idea. These nine words carry immense power, backed by psychology, communication science, and emotional intelligence research. This phrase serves as a guiding principle for those seeking to improve their relationships, enhance their credibility, and inspire respect. The Power of Non-Verbal Communication As early as the 1970s, psychologist Albert Mehrabian discovered that communication relies only 7% on the words themselves. The rest is composed of tone of voice, which accounts for 38%, and body language, which makes up 55%. This is known as the 55-38-7 rule. Numerous studies have confirmed that the way we say things, more than their content, profoundly influences how others perceive us. For instance, when someone verbally expresses an emotion such as anger or joy, but their tone or gestures do not match, the listener will instinctively trust the non-verbal signals more. This phenomenon highlights the vital role of non-verbal cues in effective communication. 'Whales Are Talking to Us': These Majestic Giants Are Creating New Communication Methods That Could Transform Human-Animal Interaction Emotional Intelligence and Aligned Communication This is where emotional intelligence comes into play. Mastering what we express through our body, voice, and emotions demonstrates relational maturity. The phrase becomes a mantra for better interaction. Consider two scenarios: In a couple's discussion: Expressing personal boundaries is legitimate. However, if one shouts, trembles, or speaks anxiously, the message may be poorly received. A calm and firm posture strengthens the communication. Requesting a raise at work: Even with strong arguments, an anxious or hesitant speech can undermine the impact. Conversely, a confident attitude and a steady tone can convince more effectively than a plethora of statistics. A Powerful Tool for All Relationships Repeating the phrase 'it's not what you say, but how you say it' can help us refocus on the intention, posture, and emotional impact of our communication. People with high emotional intelligence understand this well: they focus less on perfect content and more on the harmony between their words and actions. 'Your Breath Is a Signature': Scientists Reveal Human Breath Is as Unique and Traceable as a Fingerprint Scientific research supports this idea. According to a study conducted at the University of Oxford by Professor Robin Dunbar, 80% of relationship information is transmitted through non-verbal signals. Conversations are not merely exchanges of ideas but also exchanges of emotions. In an era where authenticity and clarity are more valuable than ever, this phrase deserves to be etched in our minds. It reminds us that effective communication is about being understood with coherence, respect, and humanity. 'Hidden for 80 Million Years': Rare Dinosaur Egg Reveals Stunning Secrets Through Groundbreaking CT Scan Analysis The Science Behind the Phrase The phrase 'it's not what you say, but how you say it' finds its roots in both scientific and practical domains. The research by Mehrabian and others has established a strong foundation for understanding the importance of non-verbal cues. But beyond research, everyday interactions reveal the truth behind this statement. Whether in personal relationships or professional settings, the alignment of words with non-verbal signals can either reinforce or undermine the intended message. For example, during a presentation, the speaker's gestures and tone can either engage the audience or create a disconnect. Similarly, in a personal conversation, maintaining eye contact and using a warm tone can make the difference between a supportive interaction and a misunderstood intention. Reflecting on the impact of our communication style leads us to ponder: How can we consistently align our verbal and non-verbal signals to foster stronger, more meaningful connections in our lives? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (22)
The Independent
14-05-2025
- The Independent
How feet can reveal if someone is lying to you
FBI -trained non-verbal communication expert Juan Manuel García López claims feet are the most revealing body part when it comes to detecting lies. López suggests that when a person's words and body language don't align, it indicates a potential deception. For example, a tense posture while claiming to be relaxed can be a tell. He emphasises that feet are often overlooked when people try to control their body language, making them a reliable indicator of true intentions. Feet pointing towards the door might signal a desire to leave, regardless of the stated reason. López acknowledges that individuals can manipulate body language to deceive others, using tactics like mirroring to create a false sense of connection. This insight comes after retired FBI agent Steve Lazarus warned against home DNA tests due to privacy concerns, citing potential misuse by law enforcement, health insurance companies, and the risk of data breaches.
