Experts in the Art of Nonverbal Communication
Last month, we dove into observing individuals—did you notice your skills sharpen by the end? More importantly, were you able to answer: What did I see or hear that led me to that insight? (And yes, I still wish we were chatting about this over coffee… maybe that’ll happen at Perception Camp!) Let’s keep going.
As a reminder, there are 4 types of human interactions we focus on in this series:
- Individuals
- Pairs (2 people interacting)
- Groups (3+ people = Group Dynamics)
- Systems (covered in-depth at Perception Camp)
This month on The GrinderLens, we move to PAIRS—two people interacting.
Here’s your challenge:
Start observing pairs in everyday life.
Restaurants, waiting rooms, coffee shops—anywhere you can quietly watch and listen (without being that person ignoring their dinner date, lol).
Ask yourself:
Who is likely to dominate?
This isn’t about ego or status—it’s about influence. Who’s guiding the interaction? Why this matters:
If you can spot the influencer, you can predict behavior. That’s communication gold. It makes you more effective, empathetic, and strategic.
Then ask the platinum-level follow-up:
“What did I SEE or HEAR that told me that?”
Want to go deeper?
Watch how someone dominates in one interaction—then see how they behave with someone else. Does their influence shift? That tells you it’s not just who they are, but who they’re with.
Add a new section to your notes this month:
2-Person Interactions:
• Who’s more likely to dominate?
• What did I see or hear that told me that?
Can’t wait to hear your observations—and we really can’t wait for Perception Camp.
Stay tuned!
—Krista,
How can MGA help you improve your nonverbal communication skills?
Education
Nourish student relationships and reduce disciplinary time. Learn how enhancing your nonverbal communication helps classroom management.
Business
Fuel your employees and lead them to even greater successes. Discover how nonverbal communication helps business leaders and in-house teams.
Personal Development
Build better relationships with your colleagues, close friends, and your intimate partner — just by learning nonverbal communication skills and making them a habit. Learn more.
Michael Grinder & Associates Academy
Take your learning to a higher level. Join our free online community, download worksheets, and find resources exclusively for members.