What Every BODY Is Saying : An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Speed Reading People

DETECTING DECEPTION 227

emotive brain (the limbic system—the honest part of the brain) simply
will not be committed to the ruse, and therefore will not emphasize their
statements using nonverbal behaviors (such as gestures). The sentiments
of the limbic brain are hard to override. Try to smile fully at someone
you dislike. It is extremely difficult to do. As with a false or fake smile,
false statements come with weak or passive nonverbals.

The Rogatory Position

When a person places his outstretched arms in front of his body, with
palms up, this is known as the rogatory (or “prayerful”) display (see figure
89). Those who worship will turn their palms up to God to ask for
mercy. Likewise, captured soldiers will turn up their palms as they ap-

Sitting for long periods in a chair, as though

flash frozen in an ejector seat, is evidence of

high stress and discomfort.

Fig. 88