Reading People From the Outside In

Let's Talk About Nonverbal Communication

Sunday, May 16, 2010

What Your Eyes Say About You

In face reading the eyes represent an individual’s outlook on life, openness, emotional expression, stress level, and even dishonesty. They are the features we look at first when meeting someone. The spacing, size, angle, and depth of each eye will tell a lot about how a person approaches life.

For example, depth of the eye in the socket indicates a person’s openness about contributing in personal and public situations. The more recessed the eyes are, the less this person will jump right in and participate. And, if they happen to also have a small ball on the tip of their nose they will probably opt for quality rather than quantity.

People with recessed eyes have a tough time communicating their feelings or being open with others. They also have hidden emotions that they don’t share easily, because they believe others will simply never understand them. This sometimes translates as a person who is suspicious and distrusting of everyone they meet.

If you happen to work with someone with eyes that are recessed deep into their sockets they will appear to be calm and relaxed, but are in reality intense and possessive. They are continually evaluating everything around them and may give you the impression they are agreeing with you because they are nodding their head as they listen to you speak. In fact, they’re only acknowledging that they hear you not agreement. They question things carefully and need proof before accepting anything. They protect their inner self by being reserved, cautious, and observant. It’s not easy to get them to talk, but when they are in the mood, they can be very effective speakers.

When you work with clients and customers who have recessed eyes be sure to ask questions that build trust and allow them to say what’s on their mind. Don’t push these people, and above all let them make up their own minds.