19 tricks for reading people's body language

Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “Exposed palms to show nothing is being concealed in the hands, hunched shoulders to protect the throat from attack, and raised brow, which is a universal, submissive greeting.” Open palms are an ancient display of honesty open image in gallery When someone swears to tell the truth in a court of law, they put one hand on a religious text and raise their other hand into the air, palm facing whoever they're speaking to. That's because, the Peases write in The Definitive Book of Body Language, an open palm has been associated with “truth, honesty, allegiance, and submission” throughout Western history. A slight smile along with direct eye contact might be an attempt at seduction open image in gallery Jeremy Corbyn speaking at the Royal College of Nursing Congress Riggio's research suggests that there's a specific type of smile people display when they're trying to act seductive. “Interestingly, the seductive smile could be accompanied by submissive behavior, or dominant behaviour — proudly and slowly glancing away.” If the inner corners of their eyebrows don't move up and in, they're probably not as sad as they seem Psychologist Paul Ekman uses the term “reliable muscles” for the muscles in the face that you can't contract voluntarily.