1. Carefully observe what is happening around.
Attention is the basis for effective interpretation of non-verbal communication. Constantly watch the gestures, facial expressions, postures of the person. It is the only way to be able to consolidate and improve this skill.
2. Observation in the context is the key to understanding the psychology of non-verbal communication.
You need to remember that the signs of cheating as such do not exist: there is no single gesture, facial expression or involuntary muscle contractions which by itself would mean that the person is lying. Gestures, posture, facial expressions, voice, expressing the fear and anxiety of an innocent person can be observed in a liar. It is the observation in the context that helps distinguish the fear of groundless accusations from the fear of being exposed.
3. Learn to recognize and decode signals of nonverbal behavior.
Some movements are almost impossible to control. Such as pulling down the corners of the mouth, which is very difficult to portray without experiencing negative emotions.
4. Learn to recognize and decode nonverbal signals of idiosyncratic behavior.
These are individual non-verbal signals peculiar to a particular person. To determine these signals, you need to know the person well enough. For example, if your friend bites his lips or strokes his hand before the interview or examination, it is a sign of excitement that reveals a lack of confidence. In any future stressful situation, the same signs will show up again.
5. When you communicate with other people try to define their basic behavior patterns.
The basic behavior pattern includes one’s body movements, posture, facial expressions peculiar to a person in the state of comfort or everyday life. We cannot see the deviations if we do not know what it looks like in the normal state.
6. Always try to notice multiple behavioral signals that are given simultaneously or sequentially.
In other words, consider the characteristic movements in the complex, draw conclusions on the basis of a number of credible and expressive gestures.
7. Pay attention to the behavior changes that show changes in one’s thoughts, emotions and intentions.
These may be gestures of uncertainty, and vice versa gestures of openness (or gestures of confidence) if the situation changes and the person feels comfortable and confident. If they are not sure of their words or actions, it will be expressed in their body language.
8. Learn to recognize false or deceptive nonverbal signals.
The skill of recognition of false or deceptive nonverbal signals comes with experience. We can meet people who know and confidently use non-verbal means of communication, using the necessary gestures to convince us of their honesty. Try to notice the contradictions in the body language and behavior of such people. You need to understand what kind of person is before you.
For example, a person who wants to convince others of his sincerity will use the gesture of open hands, but if at the same time his legs are closed it is likely that he is lying.
9. Develop the ability to distinguish the signs of comfort and discomfort.
It will help you focus on the elements of behavior that can play the most important role in decoding nonverbal messages.
Conventionally, the human condition can be divided into comfort (satisfaction, happiness, relaxation) and discomfort (displeasure, stress, anxiety). The ability to distinguish between these two categories will give you an opportunity to understand the true feelings of a person and the ability to draw conclusions on what are the reasons for this condition.
10. When watching others, do it quietly
Great list on reading body language Anna! Body language is important and often overlooked. Some research shows that 55% of our communication is non-verbal.