In 2022, Forbes magazine called this skill “the new oil”: 94% of Fortune 500 top managers use nonverbal manipulation daily.
FBI agent Joe Navarro , author of I See What You're Thinking, shocked the public in an interview with CNN : "Words are only 7% of influence.
The rest is your eyebrows and feet." How does this work and why is it kept quiet in schools?
A Princeton University study has proven that people subconsciously copy the gestures of those who are higher in status.
For example, Elon Musk often touches his chin during presentations - this is a signal of dominance.
Neuropsychologist David Eagleman explains: "Mirror neurons cause us to imitate the behavior of the alpha. If you want power, stop smiling first."
The most dangerous technique is “space control”
Actor Tom Cruise admitted in an interview with GQ: "Before filming, I always 'expand' the zone around me. It makes others retreat."
Anthropology professor Edward Hall coined the term "proxemics" in 1966: invading your personal space by 15 cm triggers your opponent's submission mode. But how can you use this without conflict?
Maria Sharapova's example became a textbook example. In 2015, the tennis player began working with a "silent manipulation" coach. "I learned to slowly approach opponents before serving. Their accuracy dropped by 30%," she said in a Netflix documentary.
Psychiatrist Judy Ho comments: "Aggressive approach triggers a release of cortisol. The person loses concentration - this is your chance."
But why do 99% fail? Neuroscientist Tanya Singh writes in an article for National Geographic: “People try to control their hands or their face, but forget about their legs.”
The direction of your toes reveals your intentions. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos always positions his feet at a 45-degree angle during negotiations, creating the illusion of openness. “If your toes are pointing toward the door, you’ve already lost,” he says in his biography The Everything Store.
What happens if you start today
In 2023, blogger Daryl Chen conducted an experiment: 200 people implemented "non-verbal patterns" for 21 days. 73% were able to persuade their partners to take a dream vacation, and 41% raised their salaries. But those who abused the methods faced aggression.
Manipulation is a knife without a handle. Whether you cut bread or your fingers is up to you.
Author: Igor Zur