It is possible to learn how to read people to better understand how they feel towards us and themselves.
This can have great StressBusting™ benefits by helping avoid misinterpretations.
In this respect, it is useful to remember that choice of words play only a small part in how people communicate.
They also communicate in other potentially readable ways which give clues as to how they feel and what they are thinking, such as:-
● how they posture themselves
● their eye movements
● body movements
● the tone of the language they use.
When dealing with people it is therefore useful not to merely see or listen, but also to observe, a concept we explain in our posts entitled "Learn to "Observe" as opposed to merely "See" to Stressbust™ efficiently" and ""The Universe gave us 2 ears and only 1 mouth for a reason"".
We recommend employing the following techniques to help understand the true meaning of how a person is acting in themselves or towards us:-
● be and remain genuinely interested in a person to enable an enhanced understanding of the overall intent of their communication (as well as to maybe learn from them!)
● maintain eye contact - see if they seem focused, distant, anxious or engaged. Rapid blinking might indicate nervousness or lying, for example
● watch for other bodily hints and tips - if a person crosses their legs away from another, for example, it may be an indicator they do not approve of the person. Some nodding may suggest agreement, but incessant nodding could mean they are simply not listening and that it is involuntary
● aim to read how they are acting within the overall context of the discussion, not in a vacuum
● do not try to replicate actions, merely observe them and where appropriate tailor your style and approach as necessary.
For further information relevant to the above, please see our post entitled "Modes of Questioning to Stressbust™ for Loved Ones".