If you’ve ever wondered if there’s more to someone’s intelligence than just their words, you’re not alone. Psychology suggests that our body language can give away more than we think – including signs of low intelligence.
This isn’t about making snap judgments, but understanding how non-verbal cues might indicate someone’s cognitive abilities. And it’s not a personal choice or a character flaw, it’s just human nature.
But remember, everyone is different, and these signs can vary from person to person. It’s also worth noting that intelligence is a complex trait that can’t be measured solely by body language.
In the following article titled “8 little known body language signs that signal low intelligence, according to psychology”, we’ll delve into these subtle cues. Knowing them may help you understand people better. Just keep in mind that they are not definitive proof of someone’s intelligence level.
1) Lack of eye contact
We’ve all heard about the importance of maintaining eye contact during a conversation, but did you know that it could also be a subtle indication of intelligence? Yes, that’s right.
This isn’t a personal flaw but a common trait observed amongst individuals with lower cognitive abilities. It doesn’t mean they aren’t listening to you or they’re not interested in the conversation. They might just need more time to think and process what’s being said.
However, remember, this is just one sign and it doesn’t define someone’s overall intelligence. Intelligence is multifaceted and can’t be judged solely based on body language. So, while this sign may give you some insight, it’s not the whole picture.
2) Excessive nodding
Now, you might think that someone who nods a lot during a conversation is engaged and understanding everything you’re saying. But according to psychology, this might not always be the case.
Excessive nodding can sometimes signal a lack of comprehension. It can be a way for individuals with lower cognitive abilities to mask their confusion, giving the illusion that they’re following along when they’re actually struggling to keep up.
It’s not about being deceptive or dishonest. They might just be trying to maintain the flow of the conversation or avoid embarrassment.
But again, this is just one sign. Everyone has their unique communication style and this might just be a part of theirs. So, don’t jump to conclusions based solely on this sign. Intelligence is complex and can’t be fully determined by body language alone.
3) Fidgeting
Ever noticed someone who just can’t seem to sit still during a conversation? They might be constantly tapping their foot, twirling their hair, or playing with a pen. This could be more than just restlessness or nerves.
Fidgeting is often associated with a lack of focus and concentration, which can be linked to lower cognitive abilities. It’s a way the body might unconsciously react when the mind is struggling to grasp or keep up with information.
However, it’s important to remember that everyone has moments of restlessness or fidgeting. It doesn’t mean they lack intelligence. This is just one of the many ways our body language can provide clues about our cognitive functioning. But as always, it’s just a piece of the puzzle and not the whole picture.
4) Frequent touching of the face
Touching the face during a conversation, especially around the nose and mouth, can often be a sign that someone is trying to process information or come up with an answer. It’s a natural reaction to feeling a little lost or overwhelmed.
It’s important to understand that this doesn’t reflect negatively on the person. We all have moments when we need a little extra time to think, and for some, this is just how their body responds.
Remember, intelligence comes in many forms and each one of us shines in our own unique way.
So, if someone you know often touches their face during conversations, it’s not something to be concerned about. It’s just their way of navigating through the conversation at their own pace. And that’s perfectly okay.
5) Crossing arms
We all have those moments when we cross our arms during a conversation without even realizing it. Well, it turns out this simple gesture could be saying more about us than we think.
Crossing arms is often seen as a defensive or closed-off posture. But, it can also indicate that someone is finding it hard to understand or process what’s being said.
But don’t worry, we all find ourselves in situations where the conversation goes over our heads. It’s completely normal. So next time you find yourself crossing your arms during a tough discussion, remember, it’s just your body’s way of saying, “Give me a moment, I’m catching up!”
6) Short, abrupt gestures
Picture this: You’re having a conversation with a friend about a complex topic. You notice they’re making quick, abrupt hand gestures, and their movements seem a bit jerky. These short, abrupt gestures can signal that they’re finding it difficult to keep up with the information flow.
It’s like their body language is mirroring their mental processing – quick, choppy, and trying to keep pace with the conversation.
But remember, we all have those moments where we struggle to comprehend complex discussions. It’s part of being human. So if you notice this in someone during a conversation, it’s just a sign that they might need a moment to process the information at their own speed.
7) Overuse of filler words
“Um”, “like”, “so”, “you know”… We’ve all used these filler words more times than we’d like to admit. While they can be a normal part of conversation, overuse of these words can indicate a struggle to articulate thoughts quickly and effectively.
This isn’t about judging someone’s vocabulary or eloquence. It’s about understanding that excessive filler words can be a sign that the person might need a bit more time to formulate their thoughts and ideas.
But let’s face it, we all need to work on minimizing the use of filler words. It not only makes our communication clearer but also reflects our cognitive efficiency.
So next time you catch yourself or someone else overusing filler words, consider it a gentle nudge to slow down and gather your thoughts before speaking.
8) Limited facial expressions
When engaged in a conversation, our faces can be a canvas of expressions, reflecting our understanding, interest, and emotions. However, if you notice someone with limited or muted facial expressions during a discussion, it could indicate a struggle to comprehend what’s being said.
But here’s the thing: intelligence is not just about understanding complex theories or solving intricate problems. It’s also about emotional intelligence, creativity, problem-solving, and so much more.
So even if someone you know shows some of these body language signs, it doesn’t define their intelligence.
Each one of us has our unique strengths. And that’s the beauty of human diversity. So next time you’re in a conversation, remember to look beyond these signs and appreciate the person for who they truly are.
Final thoughts
True intelligence is multifaceted—it’s not just about cognitive abilities, but also emotional resilience, creativity, and so much more. Body language can offer us some clues, but it doesn’t provide the full picture.
This article aimed to highlight some lesser-known body language signs that might signal lower intelligence, according to psychology. But remember, these are just signs and can vary greatly from person to person.
Never let these signs dictate how you perceive someone’s intelligence or worth. Everyone has their unique strengths and areas for growth.
Here’s to fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and others, and to appreciating the diverse forms of intelligence around us!
