Leonardo da Vinci employed a technique called sfumato (the blending of tones and colors) to imbue Mona Lisa’s smile with a sense of mystery. The expression changes depending on the viewer’s focus and angle, which creates emotional ambiguity.
Possible Meanings of Mona Lisa’s Facial Expressions:
- Serenity or calmness – Her gentle smile and relaxed gaze suggest inner peace.
- Confidence – The faint upward turn of her lips shows quiet self-assurance.
- Mystery or secrecy – The subtle nature of her smile gives the impression she knows something the viewer doesn’t.
- Emotional complexity – Some scientists believe her smile triggers different emotional responses in the brain (joy, sadness, neutrality), depending on our own emotional state.
When someone says “I’m fine,” but their arms are crossed and they’re avoiding eye contact, you know something’s off. That’s the power of body language.
Nonverbal cues often speak louder than words. In fact, experts estimate that up to 93% of communication is nonverbal. Facial expressions, gestures, posture, and even tone of voice reveal what someone truly means, especially when their words suggest otherwise.
Let’s dive into how you can start reading people more accurately by learning to spot the signs they don’t even realize they’re giving off.
Why Body Language Matters
Nonverbal communication is universal. Before we could speak, we used gestures and expressions to survive. Think of a baby crying or reaching for a parent; it is all nonverbal, yet crystal clear.
Even today, our bodies often reveal what our minds try to hide.
📌 Example: When someone says, “I trust you,” but they keep glancing at the door, fiddling with their hands, and leaning away, that tells you they don’t feel safe or comfortable, no matter what words they’re using.
👀 Key Nonverbal Cues to Watch For
1. Facial Expressions
Our faces are emotional billboards. Some key things to look for:
- A genuine smile crinkles the eyes (called a Duchenne smile).
- A tight-lipped smile often signals discomfort or forced politeness.
- Raised eyebrows can show surprise or disbelief.
Famous Example:
Mona Lisa’s smile has puzzled viewers for centuries. Leonardo da Vinci captured an expression that is subtle and layered, just like real human emotion.
2. Posture
How someone holds their body tells you about their confidence and openness:
- Upright posture = confidence or attentiveness.
- Slouched shoulders = low energy or insecurity.
- Closed-off posture (arms crossed, hunched) = defensiveness or discomfort.
Philosopher Example:
Aristotle taught that persuasion (ethos, pathos, logos) involved how a speaker presented themselves. A calm, open posture built trust. It still does today.
3. Gestures
Hands can reinforce or betray what someone says.
- Open palms = honesty and vulnerability.
- Pointing fingers = aggression or assertion.
- Fidgeting or touching the face = nervousness or dishonesty.
Celebrity Example:
Oprah Winfrey is a master of intentional gestures. When she interviews someone, she often mirrors their body language gently. This builds rapport and puts people at ease—a nonverbal way of saying, “I’m with you.”
4. Eye Contact
- Too little eye contact can indicate shyness, discomfort, or a desire to hide something.
- Too much = intimidation or dominance.
- Natural, relaxed eye contact = trust and sincerity.
Famous Example:
Barack Obama is known for maintaining strong, balanced eye contact during speeches and conversations. It communicates confidence and leadership.
Context Is Everything
One gesture doesn’t tell the whole story. Always consider the situation and what’s being said. A person crossing their arms may just be cold, not closed off.
Look for clusters of signals, not isolated actions. And most importantly, compare what someone is saying to how they’re acting. If there’s a mismatch, trust the body.
Final Thoughts
Reading body language isn’t about mind-reading; it’s about tuning in. The more you observe, the more natural it becomes.
Next time you’re in a conversation, try noticing:
- Are their words and body language saying the same thing?
- Are they leaning in or pulling back?
- Do their eyes show interest or distraction?
You don’t need to speak to know how someone feels. Their body are probably saying it loud and clear.