Understanding someone’s personality in just a few seconds might seem like an impossible task, but psychology and sociology suggest that subtle cues can reveal a lot about a person.

Whether you’re at home, in the office, or meeting someone new, being able to quickly assess character can help in business, relationships, and social interactions. However, it’s essential to recognize common misconceptions, such as the idea that crossed arms always indicate defensiveness.

Let’s dive into the science-backed ways to read someone instantly.

1. Observe Their Posture (But Don’t Jump to Conclusions)

Body language speaks volumes, but misinterpreting it can lead to false assumptions. According to Dr. Albert Mehrabian, author of Silent Messages, “55% of communication is nonverbal.” However, posture alone isn’t always a reliable indicator of confidence or insecurity.

Some people may slouch due to back pain, exhaustion, or simply habit, rather than a lack of confidence. Similarly, someone standing tall may just have good posture training rather than being inherently self-assured. Still, both things tell you a little bit about the person’s character and whether they care about how they present themselves.

Slouchers may not be bothered by being perceived as having poor posture, while someone with good posture is putting in effort, or even putting up a show. In the case of good posture as a conscious decision, this suggests that the person is self-aware and willing to put the effort in to make a good impression.

2. Pay Attention to Eye Contact (But Know the Exceptions)

Eye contact can indicate trust, confidence, or deception. Research from The Journal of Nonverbal Behavior suggests that consistent eye contact often signals honesty.

However, some people avoid eye contact due to anxiety, neurodivergence, or cultural norms rather than dishonesty or insecurity.

3. Notice Their Handshake (But Consider Cultural Differences)

A firm handshake typically conveys confidence and self-assuredness, while a limp handshake can suggest insecurity or passivity, according to a study in The Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.

However, some cultures do not use handshakes as a greeting, and others may avoid them for health reasons, such as during flu seasons or in response to COVID-19.

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4. Watch Their Facial Expressions (But Factor in Context)

Microexpressions—brief, involuntary facial expressions—can reveal true emotions.

According to psychologist Dr. Paul Ekman, “These expressions occur within a fraction of a second and can indicate concealed feelings.” If you want to learn how to read someone’s personality through body language and microexpressions, pay close attention to subtle facial shifts during conversations. However, be mindful that initial expressions can be misleading—stress, fatigue, or unrelated concerns may temporarily alter someone’s demeanor. For a clearer understanding, observe patterns over a longer interaction rather than making snap judgments.

5. Listen to Their Tone of Voice (But Don’t Assume Too Much)

The way someone speaks can reveal their confidence level. Traditionally, people show inflection when they are excited or engaged. However, certain individuals—especially in business or high-stakes situations—know how to control their tone. It’s similar to a poker face, where emotions are deliberately masked to maintain a professional demeanor.

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6. Assess Their Response Time (But Account for Thoughtfulness)

Fast responders tend to be more confident and decisive, while slow responders might be more analytical or cautious. A 2021 study in Psychological Science found that response speed can reflect personality traits. However, some people take longer to respond due to careful consideration rather than hesitation or lack of confidence. Or perhaps, once again their upbringing.

For example, people from certain states in the North East of The United States of America tend to talk faster, than those not from there.

7. Look at Their Feet (But Consider Physical Comfort)

Most people focus on the face, but feet positioning can be revealing. If someone’s feet are pointed toward the door, it might indicate a subconscious desire to leave the conversation. However, factors like foot pain or discomfort can also influence stance, so context matters.

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8. Analyze Their Hand Gestures (But Remember Personality Differences)

Animated hand gestures often indicate enthusiasm and high energy, while minimal movement may suggest introversion or discomfort. However, some people naturally use fewer hand gestures, and cultural norms can influence gesturing styles.

9. Observe Their Smile (But Differentiate Fake vs. Genuine)

A genuine smile (Duchenne smile) involves the eyes crinkling. A forced smile only engages the mouth. Studies in the Emotion Journal indicate that authentic smiles are a key sign of warmth and sincerity. However, some people smile out of politeness rather than genuine happiness.

10. Consider Their Speech Patterns (But Adapt to Different Styles)

Speech patterns, including tone, pace, and inflection, provide insight into a person’s confidence, emotional state, and background. Studies in sociology suggest that language and communication styles are shaped by cultural norms, socialization, and personal experiences.

When examining how to read someone’s personality through body language and microexpressions, note how speech aligns with facial expressions and gestures. A mismatch—such as an enthusiastic tone paired with a tense facial expression—can indicate underlying stress or social masking, a concept widely studied in sociology and psychology. Understanding these nuances can help decipher a person’s true disposition beyond their words.

11. Assess Their Clothing Choices (But Avoid Stereotyping)

Personal style can reflect personality. A well-groomed appearance often suggests conscientiousness, while a more relaxed style may indicate creativity or non-conformity. However, clothing choices can also be influenced by comfort, affordability, or cultural expectations rather than personality alone.

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12. Notice Their Energy Level (But Allow for Introversion)

Introverts may appear more reserved in conversation, while extroverts exude outward enthusiasm. A study in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that energy levels can be a predictor of social dominance. However, introverts often conserve energy and may not express enthusiasm in an obvious way, making them easy to misinterpret.

13. Detect Incongruence in Behavior (But Avoid Overanalyzing)

If someone’s words don’t match their body language, trust their nonverbal cues. Psychologists refer to this as “nonverbal leakage.” However, occasional inconsistencies don’t always indicate deception—fatigue, stress, or multitasking can also create mixed signals.

14. Understand Misleading Cues (But Context Is Key)

Crossed arms are often misunderstood as defensiveness. However, a study in Social Psychological and Personality Science suggests that crossed arms can also signal self-comfort or attentiveness. It’s important to consider environmental factors, such as cold temperatures, which might influence body language.

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15. Pay Attention to Their Digital Behavior (But Consider Context)

How someone texts can also provide clues about their personality. Short, abrupt responses might suggest disinterest, while long, engaging messages may indicate enthusiasm. However, people may text differently depending on their workload, mood, or personal texting habits.

The Bottom Line

Reading people is not about making snap judgments but rather recognizing patterns and subtle cues that reveal deeper truths. Whether in a business meeting, at home, or meeting a new acquaintance, these tips can help you gauge personality quickly and accurately.

Sources:

1. Mehrabian, A. (1971). Silent Messages: Implicit Communication of Emotions and Attitudes. Wadsworth Publishing.
2. Ekman, P. (2003). Emotions Revealed: Recognizing Faces and Feelings to Improve Communication and Emotional Life. Holt Paperbacks.
3. The Journal of Nonverbal Behavior. (Various Issues). Springer.
4. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. (Various Issues). SAGE Journals.
5. Psychological Science. (2021). Response Speed and Personality Traits. Association for Psychological Science.
6. Emotion Journal. (Various Issues). American Psychological Association.
7. The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. (Various Issues). American Psychological Association.
8. Social Psychological and Personality Science. (Various Issues). SAGE Publications.

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