Understanding others is a valuable skill, whether in personal or professional life. But there is nothing mystical about this talent: it is based on very specific techniques. Siyana Mincheva, psychologist, gives us her keys to better analyze those around us.
Observe precisely
“Individuals who know how to analyze others are above all keen observers“, explains Siyana Mincheva. They pay particular attention to the smallest details: facial expressions, gestures, posture, clothing. Each element can give an indication of a person’s state of mind or intention.
Practice active listening
Listen without interrupting, rephrase to check understanding, pay attention to silences…”Active listening allows you to pick up much more than just words: it helps you grasp emotions and implications.“, explains the psychologist. “It also creates a climate of trust and openness“.
Decipher body language
Non-verbals sometimes say more than words. “A crossing of the arms, a shifty glance, a hand waving nervously… All this transmits a message“, underlines the expert. Learning to decode these signals is essential to understanding a person beyond their words.
Pay attention to tone of voice
The tone, rhythm and intonation of a voice reveal a lot about a person’s emotion. “Even if the words seem reassuring, a hesitant or shaky tone can betray nervousness or a lie“, observes Siyana Mincheva.
Master eye contact
A sustained gaze can reflect confidence, while a shifty gaze can be a sign of unease or concealment. “The intensity and duration of eye contact are strong indicators to take into account“, insists the psychologist.
Cultivate patience
“It takes time to truly understand someone“, recalls the expert. Observing over time allows you to detect inconsistencies and avoid drawing hasty conclusions.
Trust your intuition
Intuition is a precious ally. “Our brain picks up subtle signals that we are not always immediately aware of“, explains the expert. “Trusting that little inner voice can help you perceive things that words don’t reveal.“.
Stay objective
Cognitive biases can distort the analysis. “Putting aside your personal prejudices and judgments allows you to have a more neutral and faithful reading of the situation.“, advises the psychologist.
Train with different profiles
“Observation and analysis improve with practice“, explains Mincheva. “Interacting with people with varied personalities helps you refine your judgment and spot behavioral trends“.
Develop global analysis capacity
Finally, people who understand others well know how to connect different clues to get an overall picture. “They combine verbal, non-verbal and contextual information to obtain a more accurate reading of the person in front of them“, concludes the expert.