The Ultimate Body Language Book

pockets makes us feel more comfortable and gives us a way to occupy our hands, but what does the
body language convey to others?
When children lie they can be found to place their hands behind their back concealing them. This is a
dishonest gesture. As we grow into adulthood, this gesture becomes more condensed and our hands
find a new place in pockets. Seeming outright dishonest for having your hands buried in pockets is a bit
extreme, but context specific could be a ‘tell.’ Regardless though, hidden hands convey a lack of
confidence especially when the hands would be best served to gesture appropriately in conversation.
The hands are a very effective way to colour our dialogue and make us appear more honest and
intelligent. When delivering important information showing the flesh of the palms, the “palm flash” can
be critical to portray honesty. At a subconscious level, as the palms are made more visible, the more
honest others will find the speaker. Give it a try!
Chapter 7 - Opened Mind Opened Body Closed Mind Closed Body
Sudden Changes In The Hands
Hands that near another person shows agreement.
Hands can show real-time changes in an attitude. Imagine a couple sitting enjoying a romantic meal at
a restaurant, with their hands bridging the gap between them as they sit facing one another hand-inhand.
The topic of conversation flows freely, but suddenly switches to a contentious issue, what would
you imagine would happen to their hands? When there is disagreement between people, the hands are
pulling inward and away from those we disagree with. This sort of behaviour can happen suddenly
especially on a heated topic, but can also happen over time on issues that gradually show differences.
When total disagreement is present, the body will even be withdrawn where the hands will rest on the
lap. Taking the example of the couple above once again, imagine that only one of the two experiences a
change in thought to the topic, their hands might remain outstretched in the center of the table and turn
palm up as if to offer the idea to their partner as if to try to change their mind. Gradually the other
might re-advance to join their hands once again or move them to their lap. As the argument fails, both