How to Read Body Language—Does the Video Lie? Watch for the Nose Gesture, but Know What You’re Watching…
Okay, you know I’m not a big advocate of reading body language, right?
So when I DO endorse a piece of body language? You know I’m really sold on it. My advice: If you want to know how to read body language, start by learning how to read Nose Rubs.
As promised, here’s the video clip of an inarguably striking Nose Rub. I’d like to get your thoughts on this, and what it tells you about Nose Rubs generally.
Even some of the “experts” in this field still aren’t convinced of their power… so watch this video a few times and tell me… is the Rub coincidental?
Leave a comment with your take, I’m interested in your angle on this…
-jef
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UPDATE - 11-20-09:
Sure, sometimes their nose just itches… but stress can cause the nerves inside our nose to tingle, and that causes us to rub it.
So what causes that stress? That’s the trick to unravel. Sometimes it’s just being uncomfortable in a given situation. But practicing deception—or just considering the use of it—causes enough stress to bring the nose tingling.
Pay close attention to what’s happening and what’s being said, and you’ll usually be able to easily determine what caused the nose rub and whether it’s just discomfort… or a sign that deception is afoot.
Watch, listen, and have fun…
Tags: body language, nose rubs
I would say the rubbing could possibly suggest a form of deception in the acknowledgment of a surprised reaction to the announcement. Perhaps he is over confident in the news or had confirmed the news of him moving on beforehand.
The reaction could be a response to the perpetual deception played out during the announcement of advances in the show where constantly the announcer tries to deceive the individual into thinking they didn’t make it, then come back with the last words revoking all previous negative hints and proclaiming their advancement.
hey Matt, interesting point about this show, that they sometimes lead cntestants (and more
importantly, the audiences) into thinking things are going one way… when they’re
actually headed another.
The worst (best?) show for this is the bachelor–they’re great at deceiving the audience, such
that you can actually figure out what’s going to happen—it’s just the opposite of what you’re
being led to believe.
Good points, Matt, thanks!
-jef
I really don’t know what to think of it Jef, i haven’t been watching Idol - so I don’t have any background on this person. Does the nose rub mean he’s uncomfortable? Does it mean he expects to be safe? Prior to his nose rubbing, he was moving his thumbs. The girl next to him was just still. What does that mean?
And scratching shoulders - is that some kind of body language just like nose rubs?
It does mean he’s uncomfortable, yes. Very nervous.
You’re right, his thumbs are moving, then the nose rub… and the girl is stoic, great
call Jeannie. An absolute lack of movement can be interesting too, she’s gotta
be nervous like he is, but maybe less confident of her chances.
Keep in mind, too, that she wasn’t singled out by name… Michael rubbed his
nose immediately after the host said his name and focused everything on
him. We don’t know what she would have done if Secrest had said “Alexis…”
The TIMING of a nose rub is critical thing to watch for/know… it’s the key to
finding their meaning in each situation.
Touching the shoulders and other areas, especially head-related, can mean
several things… stalling, nervousness, preening to look good… notice what
else is going on, who walked in/out, what’s being said, so on. Make the
connection between an action and its cause and you have your answer.
Thanks Jeannie, and thanks for patience, in SoCal 4 days and just back, didn’t
do the best at keeping up.
-jef
Thank you Jef, this is really good to know.
Thanks Jeannie… the misconception is that nose rubs mean deception. They can, but
don’t always. Hope it all makes sense… now.
-jef
Wow, not only does he nose scratch, he goes right into a head nod, like “OK, you can say I am the winner now” His expression right into the ’surprised look’ after he is announced the winner seems to smooth to be genuine. Good one!!
Joe, gotta admit I hadn’t noticed the slight nod, you beat me, excellent!
That’s why I’m always fascinated to throw this stuff out there, so much to see (and hear) that one person can’t catch it all… that’s my exucse anyway.
Thanks Joe P!