[Masking Your Nonverbal Tells]

Before You Lie with Words, Lock Down Your Body

Masking your nonverbal tells is controlling what your body gives away, because even if your mouth doesn’t move, your body might betray you.

Your mouth can lie easy. It’s your eyes, your shoulders, your heartbeat that need convincing.

Operatives rely on this skill as a part of their inherent ability set.

Tells can be anything: fidgeting when nervous, shifting eyes when lying, clenched fists when angry.

People trust what they see. Show them nothing.

Most people don’t realize how much their posture, gestures, and microexpressions scream their true thoughts.

The body leaks truth, masking is the dam.

In high-stakes situations such as interrogations, surveillance, negotiations or just sizing someone up, those unconscious signals can blow your cover or tip your hand.

Learning to neutralize those gives you the upper hand: