Body Language Cues That Signal Danger (and How to Send Your Own Safe Signals)

28. Sudden Changes in Breathing

Beyond rapid breathing from fear, a sudden, subtle change in a person's breathing pattern can be a telltale sign of a shift in their emotional state. A person who is feeling relaxed will have a slow, deep, and even breathing pattern. However, a person who is feeling stressed, angry, or threatened may have a sudden change in their breathing, becoming more shallow or rapid. This involuntary response is a clear signal that a person is feeling threatened or is about to get angry.

29. The Head Tilt: A Sign of Rapport and Trust

A head tilt is a powerful nonverbal cue that communicates interest, engagement, and trust. When a person feels comfortable with another, they may subconsciously tilt their head to the side. This gesture is often used in conversations to show that a person is listening and is interested in what is being said. It is a sign of rapport and a subconscious way of building trust. A lack of a head tilt or a person who holds their head straight and rigid can be a sign of a lack of interest or a desire to distance themselves from a conversation.