10 Powerful Ways to Read People Like a Book
Read People Like a Book: A Deep Dive into Patrick
Our everyday life is often guided by subconscious influences —unconscious patterns and signals that often go unnoticed. Have you ever realized how a word, gesture, or even a small detail can subtly shape your feelings and behavior? Research shows that these hidden forces, including the words we hear and the gestures we make, significantly influence our decisions and self-perception.
But how do these influences work? Let’s explore two fascinating experiments that reveal their role in shaping our behavior.
What is Priming and How Does it Affect Us?
Priming is a psychological phenomenon where exposure to certain stimuli unconsciously shapes behavior. Daniel Kahneman, the author of the best-selling book Thinking, Fast and Slow, conducted an intriguing experiment to demonstrate this effect.
In the experiment, participants were asked to read words related to old age, such as “bald,” “gray,” and “forgetful.” Afterward, they were told to walk down a hallway while their walking speed was measured.
Kahneman hypothesised that participants would associate these words with old age and, as a result, walk more slowly. That’s exactly what happened. Although the term “old age” was never explicitly mentioned, the words triggered subconscious influences that affected the participants’ behaviour.
This highlights how unseen factors—like the words we read, ads we see, or subtle environmental details—shape our actions. If words can have such power, can body language and gestures also influence how we think and feel?
How Do Gestures Shape Our Thoughts and Feelings Through Subconscious Influences?
Yes, they can! Our body language doesn’t just reflect our thoughts; it can actively shape them. In another experiment, participants were asked to listen to opinion pieces while wearing headphones. They were told the study was about testing audio quality, but the real focus was on their physical reactions.
Participants were instructed to either nod (a gesture of agreement) or shake their heads side to side (a gesture of disagreement) as they listened. Those who nodded were more likely to agree with the opinions, while those who shook their heads tended to reject them.
This experiment demonstrated how subconscious influences, like simple gestures, shape attitudes and emotions. That’s why the phrase “fake it till you make it” holds truth. Acting calm and confident can eventually make you feel that way. When you approach others with kindness and positivity, you’ll likely feel more at ease too.
How to Harness Subconscious Influences to Work in Your Favour
The good news? You can consciously shape your thoughts and feelings by making small changes. Here’s how:
1. Practice Positive Body Language
If you feel uncertain, “pretend” confidence. Stand up straight, maintain good posture, and speak calmly. You’ll notice the difference it makes over time.
2. Be Aware of the Messages You Consume
Pay attention to the words and phrases you hear or use. Start your day by writing a positive reminder to yourself.
3. Shape Your Environment
Surround yourself with images, words, and other stimuli that foster positive associations. These can have a powerful effect on your mindset.
The words you hear and the body language you use play a significant role in shaping your emotions and decisions. Just as Kahneman’s participants unconsciously walked slower and nodding shaped attitudes, you can train your subconscious to work in your favour. Why not start today?
