Negotiate Anything

Your Body Speaks First—Make It Count

11 snips
Jun 11, 2025
Dr. David Matsumoto, a renowned psychologist and expert in nonverbal behavior, shares his insights on how body language shapes communication, especially in negotiations. He emphasizes that observation is a crucial yet underutilized skill and explains the difference between nonverbal behavior and communication. Listeners learn how to project authentic confidence and the importance of adapting body language to foster trust. Drawing from his judo experience, Matsumoto illustrates how actions and micro-expressions can reveal intentions, making this knowledge invaluable in high-pressure situations.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Four Buckets of Nonverbal Communication

  • Nonverbal communication includes the environment, physical appearance, behavioral traces, and behaviors.
  • Nonverbal behavior is a dynamic subset that reveals mental states and social hierarchies in interactions.
ADVICE

Begin With Active Observation

  • Start by actively observing details like shoes, watches, and the environment to gather more data.
  • Use this additional information as a platform to build rapport and better understand your counterpart.
ANECDOTE

Judo as Nonverbal Communication

  • In judo, gripping your opponent transmits nonverbal cues that reveal their skill and mental state.
  • Coaches use observations to advise athletes on overcoming opponents and their own reactions.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app