In a recent LinkedIn post, Vanessa Van Edwards discusses the critical, yet often overlooked, role of nonverbal communication in high-stakes business interactions. Van Edwards, an expert in human behavior and communication, highlights how subtle body language cues can reveal underlying emotions and intentions, even when spoken words suggest otherwise.
Van Edwards opens by painting a common scenario: a deal falling through days after a seemingly successful meeting. She posits that the disconnect often lies in misinterpreting nonverbal signals. “Research on nonverbal communication shows we transmit a significant amount of our emotional meaning through body language — the micro-expressions, the posture shifts, the way someone angles their chair when they’re actually ready to leave,” she writes.
“Yet most of us are walking around half-blind. We catch the obvious signs — crossed arms, eye rolls — but miss the subtle ones that tell the real story.”
The core of Van Edwards’s insight revolves around identifying specific, reliable cues that signal genuine interest or underlying discomfort. She emphasizes that reading people is not about detecting deception but about understanding the complete message being conveyed.
The Three Key Cues for High-Stakes Conversations
Vanessa Van Edwards identifies three primary nonverbal indicators that she watches for in important discussions:
The Lean Test
According to Van Edwards, genuine interest is often physically demonstrated. “When someone is genuinely interested, their body follows their attention. They lean in. Their feet point toward you,” she explains. This suggests that if a person’s body language, such as angling their body away, contradicts their verbal affirmations, the body language should be trusted.
The Eyebrow Flash
Van Edwards points to the eyebrow flash as a universal, involuntary micro-expression signaling openness and recognition. “It’s involuntary — a quick lift that signals recognition and interest,” she notes, referencing ethologist Irenaus Eibl-Eibesfeldt’s research which documented this across cultures. This subtle cue, visible in the initial moments of an interaction, can indicate receptiveness.
The Self-Soothe Signal
As Vanessa Van Edwards highlights, physical gestures of self-soothing can betray underlying nervousness or uncertainty. “When someone touches their neck, plays with their hair, or adjusts their collar repeatedly, their nervous system is seeking comfort,” she writes. These actions, she argues, suggest that despite confident verbal communication, the individual may be experiencing internal unease.
Bridging the Gap Between Words and Feelings
Van Edwards concludes her post by framing the skill of reading body language as a tool for deeper connection and more effective communication. “Reading people isn’t about becoming a human lie detector. It’s about closing the gap between what someone says and what they feel — so you can respond to the actual conversation happening beneath the surface,” she asserts.
By understanding these subtle nonverbal signals, professionals can gain a more nuanced comprehension of their counterparts, leading to more effective negotiations, stronger relationships, and ultimately, better business outcomes. Van Edwards encourages readers to reflect on the body language cues they have learned to trust, fostering a community dialogue around this essential skill.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Vanessa Van Edwards on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on April 14, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →