The feet never lie (and neither should you)

You can train your face to lie. Your voice, too. But your feet? Not really.

This is one of the simplest, most overlooked tells in communication. We pay so much attention to people’s words, their tone, their expressions – and then completely miss the fact that their shoes are pointing at the door, practically begging to leave.

Why is that? Because the body always prepares for what the mind wants next. It’s a survival thing. And it happens constantly, whether you notice it or not.

A few examples:

• The colleague who shifts their feet under the conference table when someone starts a long-winded monologue about extreme project goals.
• The date who keeps half-turning their feet toward the bar instead of you (bad sign).
• The friend who does a slow 180 toward the snack table during a party, like a human weathervane, desperately looking for an escape route from a truly boring conversation about how to raise poodles.

It’s not necessarily rude. It’s human. The body leaks the truth, even when the brain tries to keep up appearances.

The interesting part is that most people don’t even notice. But you do. From now on, that is.

Try this in your next meeting, date, or awkward coffee with your neighbor.

Look down.
Where are the feet pointing? That’s likely where their real attention is.
And if it’s the door? Well, well, well – maybe you need to work on your storytelling. Or, you know, just let them go.

A bonus clue:
If someone’s feet are pointing at you, but their top half is twisted elsewhere – that’s inner conflict. They’re present, but something is off.

And if they’re facing you square-on, head to toe? That’s interest.

Which is good.

Or confrontation.

Not so good.

A colourful moment:

During a break at a talk, a man told me he always stands with his feet slightly turned away from his boss.

I said, “Why?”
He said, “So I can make a quick exit if things get weird.”
I said, “Do things often get weird?”
He grinned. “Every single day.”
Smart guy.
Quick feet.

Best of luck with your own observations.
And remember: when someone’s feet turn and start to point toward the door – they want out.

See you next Wednesday.
//Thomas