Body Language to Look Out for When You Think Someone Is Bored
Ever wondered if you get bored at parties? Or do you talk too long about a topic that does not interest your interlocutor? In the Harvard Business Review, they outline several types of body language that suggest people want to quit talking.
As you mumble about the intricacies of the Star Wars backstory at your sister’s barbecue, you may wonder if the person you’re talking to really cares about you or is just being polite. If they don’t like it, they can just apologize and go for a beer and then awkwardly stand next to someone else. Otherwise, you will need to look for certain clues:
Be on the lookout if they want to summarize, for example by looking at their watch or checking the time on their smartphone; a sharp reduction in their answers (“Yes, great moment, good” instead of a more detailed story); straining their bodies as if they are ready to move; and especially the position of their legs . If their feet are pointing away from you, this is a clear sign that they want to leave as soon as possible.
Of course, the opposite is also true. If you’re trying to get out of this Star Wars backstory conversation, go ahead and try the above directions to see if they work.
How to Know When Someone Wants to Stop Talking to You | Harvard Business Review