How to Read Anyone's Mind Instantly: 15 Psychological Tips

There is so much going on: how they talk, move, and say.

Sometimes it can be not easy to figure out what type of person they are. That’s why it’s a valuable skill: the ability to learn how to read people.

Most of what we say, experts say, is not in the words. Well, 55% in fact is from body language, 38% from how I sound, and only 7% from words.

So the next time you meet someone, remember these clues. They can also help you gain a sense of who it is that you’re talking to.

Eye Contact

Eyes can tell you a lot. Your crush might be into you if the other person can’t seem to take their eyes off you. But they could be nervous or hiding something if they don’t look at you. A powerful, unnerving stare may even be a mark of lying.

Eyebrows

Eyebrows will raise when we are surprised, afraid, or concerned. When someone raises their eyebrows in a casual conversation, they may be feeling uneasy.

Smile

An authentic smile will reach your eye muscles, causing tiny lines. A fake smile is only a mouth. To differentiate them, look at the eyes.

What They Say

Those who talk good about others perhaps have a lot of good in themselves too. But if you never hear anything positive from someone about people, that could say more about their personality or mental health.

Tone of Voice

This is called paralanguage. It encompasses the way someone says something, not just the words. A dull timbre may indicate boredom. IN SARCASM, THE WORD S DO NOT FIT THE FEELING.

Side Glance

If someone glances away shortly after you make eye contact, they may feel uncomfortable or unwelcome.

Nodding

A few nods show agreement. But excessive nodding could indicate that someone is nervous or trying too hard to be agreeable.

Chin and Jaw

And it’s unusual to massage your chin without a brain that’s engaged on self. Their jaw is usually tight, so they look stressed even when they appear calm.

Posture

Shoulders thrown back and standing erect is a sign of their bearing. Slumping is low confidence or exhaustion.

Rubbing Hands

This almost always describes someone optimistic or enthusiastic about something.

Handshake

A weak handshake can signal a corresponding lack of confidence. A powerful one could be a sign that the person is trying to exert power. It also depends on the length — too short or too long can feel off.

Leaning In or Away

Leaning in expresses interest and respect. Leaning back can signal a lack of interest or discomfort.

How They Hold a Baby

This one’s an odd bird, but interesting. Research reports that happy mothers carry babies in their left arms. Stressed mothers lean right.

Crossed Arms or Legs

These can indicate that a person is closed. Even if they’re smiling, their body will tell another story.

Feet Direction

If someone’s feet are pointing in your direction, they are interested. IThey want out ifthey start to tell their feet toward the door,

Shoes

The shoe is on, literally, the other foot.—evenscuffed shoes at the right venue. Clean footwear could signify anxiety. Sensible shoes indicate friendliness. Boots can be a hard-nosed personality indicator.

Appearance

A neat look can mean someone is orderly. Sloppy could mean creative, or it could mean lazy.

Copying Movements

If someone copies your body language, you can be sure they feel well connected to you. It is something we do almost without giving it any thought.

Final Thoughts

It’s not easy to read people, and it’s never perfect. Everyone is different. But once you’re able to begiyou can these signals, you can get better at knowing the people around you.

What is the first thing you notice about someone when you meet? Tell us what you think in the comments

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This post was previously published on medium.com.

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