The unconscious matching of posture and movement among members of a cohesive group.
During an absorbing talk several listeners lean in and rest their chins at the same moment. The group moves almost as one, a sign of shared attention and a common mood.
High synchrony signals shared attention, agreement and a sense of belonging. When a group falls into the same rhythm, it usually means the members are genuinely of one mind.
Synchrony can be shallow, so treat it as a sign of mood rather than firm commitment. People caught up in a moment may move together without any lasting agreement behind it.
The way the most influential person in a group tends to claim central or commanding space.
ExploreThe tendency of people who agree or feel close to gather physically together.
ExploreSubtle turning away or closing of a circle that leaves a person outside the group.
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