148 W H A T EVERY BODY IS SAYING
other while remaining fingers are interlaced). Some steeple under the
table; others do it high in front of them; some even steeple above their
heads.
In people who are unaware of the powerful nonverbal meaning of
steepling, the response can persist for significant periods of time, particu-
larly if circumstances stay positive for them. Even when people are aware
that steepling is a tell, they still have difficulty concealing it. In these indi-
viduals, the limbic brain has made it such an automatic response that
steepling displays are difficult to overcome, because particularly when
an individual is excited, he or she forgets to monitor and control the
reaction.
Circumstances can change quickly and alter our reactions to things
and people. When this happens, we can transition from a high-confi-
dence steepling display to a low-confidence hand gesture in milliseconds.
When our confidence is shaken or doubt has entered our minds, our
steepled fingers may interlace as in prayer (see figure 50). These changes
Steepling of hands, fingertip to fingertip, is one of the
most powerful displays of confidence we possess.Fig. 49