Contextual Cues
High signal

Timing and Latency

The delay between a question or event and the response that follows it.

Context
Channel
High
Reliability
Advanced
Difficulty to Read
Example

Asked a simple question a person pauses far longer than usual before giving a measured answer. The gap itself speaks, hinting that more thought is going into the reply than the question seemed to need.

How to Read It

Unusual delays can signal careful thought, hesitation or the construction of a guarded reply. Compare the pause with the person normal speed, since what counts is the departure from their habit.

A Word of Caution

Some people are naturally slow and considered, so compare latency with their normal pace. A thoughtful speaker who always pauses is not hiding anything by doing so again.