Eyes & Eye Contact
You are telling a friend something important, but they keep looking at their phone. What might this make you think?
A. They are fully focused on you
B. They may be distracted or not paying attention
C. They are definitely angry
D. They are excited
Answer: B. They may be distracted or not paying attention.
Your friend tells you they are "fine," but they have tears in their eyes. What should you do?
A. Ignore them because they said they are fine
B. Laugh at them
C. Gently ask if they are really okay
D. Tell them to stop crying
Answer: C. Gently ask if they are really okay
Someone stands with their hands in their pockets while meeting new people. What does this automatically mean?
A. They are shy
B. They are nervous
C. They are relaxed or unsure
D. They do not like people
Answer C. They are relaxed or unsure
You are having a conversation, and someone keeps turning their body toward the door. What could this suggest?
A. They may be ready to leave or distracted
B. They dislike you
C. They are angry
D. They are ignoring you on purpose
Answer A. They may be ready to leave or distracted
Someone makes comfortable eye contact while you are talking. What might this show?
A. They may be listening and engaged
B. They definitely agree with everything you say
C. They are angry
D. They want to leave
Answer: A. They may be listening and engaged
Someone smiles when they see you walk into a room. What could this mean?
A. They may be happy to see you
B. They are definitely laughing at you
C. They are angry
D. They want you to leave
Answer: A. They may be happy to see you
You notice someone keeps moving farther away while you are talking. What is the BEST response?
A. Move closer so they can hear you
B. Ask why they are avoiding you
C. Respect their space
D. Ignore their movement
Answer C. Respect their space
Someone stands very close while talking. What should people understand?
A. They are disrespectful
B. Everyone has the same comfort level with space
C. Personal space preferences are different for each person
D. They are trying to intimidate you
Answer C. Personal space preferences are different for each person
Someone avoids eye contact when you ask them a question. What is the BEST thing to remember?
A. They are definitely lying
B. They are definitely hiding something
C. There could be many reasons, such as nervousness, discomfort, or distraction
D. They don't like you
Answer: C. There could be many reasons, such as nervousness, discomfort, or distraction
Someone rolls their eyes while you are talking. What might this communicate?
A. Agreement
B. Possible annoyance, frustration, or disagreement
C. Happiness
D. Nervousness
Answer: B. Possible annoyance, frustration, or disagreement
Someone is smiling, nodding, and saying yes, but their body is turned away, and they keep checking their phone. What should you understand?
A. They are completely focused
B. Their signals are mixed, and they may not be fully engaged
C. They are definitely lying
D. They are angry
Answer B. Their signals are mixed, and they may not be fully engaged
A person avoids physical contact, such as hugs or handshakes. What is the most respectful assumption?
A. They do not like you
B. They may have personal boundaries or preferences
C. They are rude
D. They are angry
Answer B. They may have personal boundaries or preferences
You are telling a friend about a problem you are having. They are looking at you, nodding, but they are not asking questions or responding much. What is the BEST interpretation?
A. They definitely do not care about you
B. They may be listening, but they may not know how to respond
C. They are pretending to listen
D. They are angry with you
Answer B. They may be listening, but they may not know how to respond
Someone raises their eyebrows, opens their eyes wide, and pauses after hearing surprising news. What should you recognize?
A. They are confused or surprised
B. They are angry
C. They are bored
D. They are judging you
Answer: A. They are confused or surprised
Someone crosses their arms during a conversation. What is the MOST accurate statement?
A. They are closed off and angry
B. They are uncomfortable, cold, thinking, or simply comfortable standing that way
C. They do not like you
D. They are refusing to listen
Answer B. They are uncomfortable, cold, thinking, or simply comfortable standing that way
Someone continues stepping backward while you move closer during a conversation. What does this most likely communicate?
A. They want more personal space
B. They want you to follow them
C. They are playing around
D. They are angry
Answer A. They want more personal space
During a conversation, someone looks away while thinking, then looks back at you when they answer. What does this MOST likely show?
A. They are ignoring you
B. They are uncomfortable with you
C. They may be gathering their thoughts before responding
D. They are not interested in the conversation
Answer C. They may be gathering their thoughts before responding.
Someone laughs during a serious conversation. What should you avoid assuming?
A. They may be uncomfortable or nervous
B. They are automatically disrespectful
C. They may use laughter as a reaction to stress
D. Their reaction may have more than one meaning
Answer B. They are automatically disrespectful
Someone says they agree with you, but they shake their head slightly from side to side. What should you do?
A. Call them out for lying
B. Assume they secretly disagree
C. Ask a question to clarify what they mean
D. Ignore all body language
Answer C. Ask a question to clarify what they mean
Someone tells you, "I need some space right now." What is the most respectful response?
A. "Why? Did I do something wrong?"
B. "No, we need to talk right now."
C. "Okay, I understand. We can talk when you're ready."
D. Follow them until they explain
Answer C. "Okay, I understand. We can talk when you're ready."