Take this six-question quiz to test how well you use and read body language. Some of the answers may surprise you!
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Do people get along better when talking to each other if they face each other or stand side by side? Who tends to stand side by side, women or men? Answer: People get along better when they sidle, stand, or sit side by side. Men are more likely to sidle than women.
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If you want to know whether someone is lying to you, what should you notice about that person's face? Answer: When lying, most people put on an innocent expression, yet few — except pathological liars — can hold the expression over a natural amount of time. To find out if someone is lying, ignore the expression and consider, instead, whether the timing and duration of the expression seem natural.
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If you want to keep someone's attention, is it better to wear a patterned or plain shirt or blouse? Answer: Wear a plain shirt. A patterned top, ornate jewelry, or loud tie will distract the listener.
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Who tends to maintain wider peripheral vision when entering a new place, men or women? Answer: Women. That's why store owners who serve men will increase their sales if they have prominent, eye-level signage that men will see soon after entering the store.
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Who tends to be more specific in their descriptions, adults or children? Answer: Children are more specific, hitting their prime around fourth grade and then beginning to speak in generalities, more like adults. Yet specifics are more memorable and more credible.
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Of the previous five questions, which is the one people are most likely to ask for the answer to first? Answer: Question number 2. It seems that we have an inordinate interest in lying.
Kare Anderson is a gut instincts expert, speaker, columnist, Emmy-winning former TV commentator, and former Wall Street Journal reporter. Reach herby e-mail at kareand@aol.com or visit www.sayitbetter.com.
