Read People Like a Book: How to Analyze, Understand, and Predict People’s Emotions, Thoughts, Intentions, and Behaviors

by Patrick King

But there are guidelines to follow, and avenues to explore. Consider the following questions during your next conversation: Does the person use a lot of pronouns or mostly talk about others? Financial analyst Laura Rittenhouse believes that the more times the word “I” occurs in annual shareholder letters, the worse a company’s performance overall. Are the words very emotional and dramatic or plain, neutral and fact-based only? Is there a lot of jargon or technical language? What’s its function? Does the person use a lot of “$10 words” when simpler terminology would work? Why? Does the person swear a lot? What does this tell you about the other data you’ve gathered? What does their vocabulary tell you about the particular model or frame of reference they’re using? For example, do they call a disagreement an “attack” or call employees “colleagues”? Is the person using words they know you don’t understand—or words that only you and they share? Why? Are they creating solidarity and familiarity or trying to exclude you in a power play? Are pronouns like you, your, yourself being used to blame, direct attention to someone else, or manipulate? Is the person mimicking your language—are they repeating little phrases or words you use? This could be a sign they’re seeking agreement and harmony.