Evaluation and Deceit SignalsHe's heard enough or
is not impressedGenuine interest is shown
when the hand lightly rests on
the cheek and is not used as a
head support. When the index
finger points vertically up the
cheek and the thumb supports
the chin, the listener is having
negative or critical thoughts
about the speaker or his
subject. Sometimes the index
finger may rub or pull at the
eye as the negative thoughts
continue.
This gesture is often mis-
taken as a signal of interest,
but the supporting thumb
under the chin tells the truth about the critical attitude.
Holding a gesture cluster affects a person's attitude so the
longer a person holds it, the longer their critical attitude will
remain. This gesture cluster
is a signal that immediate
action is required by the
speaker, either by involving
the listener in what he is
saying or by ending the
encounter. A simple move,
such as handing something
to the listener to alter his
Pose, can cause a change in
attitude.
Rodin's The Thinker showed a
thoughtful, evaluative attitude,
but the body posture and hand
supporting the head also reveal a
dejected person