A lift of the shoulders that signals uncertainty, with partial shrugs suggesting weak conviction.
Asked if a plan will work a person says yes while only one shoulder lifts faintly. The confident word and the half hearted shrug pull against each other, hinting at private doubt.
A full shrug signals open uncertainty, while a partial shrug can betray hidden doubt. When a sure sounding answer comes with a small shrug, trust the shoulders over the words.
A single half shrug proves little, so read it within a cluster. A stray movement of one shoulder can mean nothing, so look for it alongside other signs.
Placing belongings to claim space, such as spreading items across a shared table.
ExploreAdjusting hair, clothing or appearance, which can signal self consciousness or interest.
ExploreA short delay before one person matches the posture of another, revealing the depth of rapport.
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