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Incongruent body language can indicate deception or hidden emotions from "summary" of The Definitive Book of Body Language by Barbara Pease,Allan Pease
The body never lies. It has its own language, one that often reveals what words cannot. When someone's body language is incongruent with their words, it can be a sign that they are not being truthful or that they are hiding their true emotions. This mismatch between verbal and nonverbal cues can be a valuable tool in detecting deception or concealed feelings. For example, imagine someone saying "I'm not angry" while clenching their fists, gritting their teeth, and tensing their jaw. Their body language is clearly contradicting their words, indicating that they may actually be feeling anger despite their denial. This incongruence between what is being said and what is being shown through body language can be a red flag for deception. Similarly, someone who is smiling and nodding while saying "I'm fine" may actually be feeling sad or upset. This discrepancy between their facial expressions and verbal statements can reveal hidden emotions that they are trying to mask. In such cases, paying attention to body language can provide valuable insights into what someone is truly feeling, even when they are trying to conceal it. Incongruent body language can also manifest in other ways, such as avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, or crossing one's arms while claiming to be open and honest. These subtle cues can betray underlying emotions or intentions that the person may not want to express verbally. By observing these discrepancies between what is said and what is shown nonverbally, one can gain a deeper understanding of the person's true feelings and motivations.- Incongruent body language can be a powerful indicator of deception or hidden emotions. By paying attention to the subtle cues that the body reveals, one can uncover what is truly going on beneath the surface. The body's language is a valuable tool for deciphering the truth, even when words fail to convey it.