LPT: How to understand body language and dominance in conversation.

Use this sort of "advice" with caution, as it tends to be plainly obvious when someone is using these strategies very consciously. If I'm speaking with someone and they "create rapport" by trying to mimic me, such as moving their hands more like mine, it's an instant sign that the person is possibly untrustworthy. Also, a lot of these tips border on active manipulation. Cat-and-mouse seduction? Creating rapport to get people to buy stuff? A lot of that is crap. An honest salesperson will fair better than someone who is concentrating on sales and techniques, because once you're found to lack knowledge, nothing you're attempting will work out. A pickup artist might think they are great and powerful, but arrogance always leads to calamity.

The truth is, anyone who is being honest with themselves can spot from a mile away someone trying to manipulate their senses. Now maybe the luggage salesman can satisfy the customer with their antics without telling them that the larger size is cheaper, or maybe the woman in the bar tends to ignore your rougher aspects if you act like some rugged cowboy who pretends he has a Ferrari. But heaven forbid, when I see my local politician do that damn "both palms up, one arm raised and other lowered" thing, I just know it's a load of bullshit headed towards the crowd at 120 mpH. Or a big toothy grin while moving their head to match mine and turning unnervingly towards me to put me off subtly.

Take my thoughts with a grain of salt. If everyone decided to say what they mean and mean what they say, the human race would cease to exist within the hour.

/r/LifeProTips Thread