While extroverts might get caught up in the moment and might miss subtle signs, introverts take their time to think and notice details.
I’m an introvert who often feels more comfortable in smaller groups. I used to wonder why, in larger gatherings, people would start conversations with others but not with me.
I later understood it wasn’t about my personality but more about how I presented myself. When I feel confident, my body language is more inviting, making me seem approachable. People pick up on this, whether they realize it or not.
This realization got me interested in learning how to read body language better. After researching the topic, I am pleased to report that the science is on our side when it comes to introverts and reading body language.
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Introverts Are Better at Detecting Lies
One study examined who is better at spotting lies: introverts or extroverts. The results showed that introverts excelled at it more than extroverts.
The study explores the reasons why introverts might be better at detecting deception. It suggests that because introverts tend to be less engaged in external events and more inclined to introspectively assess a situation, they might possess a more objective viewpoint. This objectivity allows them to filter out extraneous emotional signals that could otherwise mislead someone.
In other words, while extroverts might get caught up in the moment and might miss subtle signs, introverts take their time to think and notice details. This means they can pick up on tiny hints that reveal if someone isn’t being truthful.
How Introverts Can Use Their Skills to Their Advantage
Reading body language is a valuable skill. Doctors, therapists, and detectives use it to understand how people really feel or if they’re telling the truth. But it’s helpful for everyone. By catching non-verbal hints, you can tell if a friend is upset or how your boss feels about a project. It’s like having an extra tool to read situations better, whether at work, with friends, or during a job interview. It helps us connect with others and understand situations more clearly.
For instance, the way someone stands or the amount of eye contact they make can reveal a lot about their emotions. When someone shifts their weight from foot to foot and avoids eye contact, it might indicate they are nervous or uncomfortable. But when they are standing with an open posture and maintaining steady eye contact, it often suggests they are confident and open to chatting. For introverts like you and me, recognizing these cues can help us decide when to join a conversation. It can also help us be more aware of how we appear to other people.
Also, being attentive to someone’s actions can lead to deeper connections. It allows you to sense if something is bothering someone, even if they haven’t voiced it. This awareness can give you a valuable opportunity to provide support or initiate a comforting conversation. Also, it can help you recognize when they are becoming bored with small talk and are ready to shift the conversation to another topic.
In a nutshell, understanding body language aids in connecting with others, navigating social settings, and better understanding colleagues in the workplace.
Detecting Lies Through Body Language
In the TV series Lie to Me, the main character, Dr. Cal Lightman, uses his expertise to detect lies in crime cases. The character is based on Paul Ekman, who is widely regarded as the world’s most respected expert in lie detection. Ekman’s work focused on facial micro-expressions and unconscious body language to determine truthfulness.
Ekman was actively involved in the creation of the series. The writers consulted with him before crafting the episodes and sent him the scripts for review before filming began.
According to Forensic Psychology Online, Ekman “reveals, through Tim Roth’s character Cal Lightman, that humans use the same facial muscles all around the world in every language to express surprise, anger, despair, and happiness.”
This means that no matter where you are in the world, if you know how to read body language, you have a definite advantage. As introverts, we can excel at it.
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Being Aware of Our Own Body Language
People often react based on the body language they observe. Actions like avoiding eye contact or having a closed posture might make others feel you’re not interested in them. Sometimes, they may even think you don’t like them based on your body language.
However, the more open and positive our body language, the more welcoming we seem. It’s about self-awareness. I learned that it wasn’t necessarily that people didn’t like me, but rather how I presented myself.
Everyone reads body language and might make assumptions based on it. Understanding this can help you present yourself better and interpret others more accurately.
And if someone ever says you overthink things, remember: As an introvert, this analytical trait can be an advantage, especially in understanding people. That’s a valuable skill to have! 
