Synergology: the science of reading the mind through gestures - non verbal communication

Many people confuse generic "body language" with Synergology. While body language can be intuitive, Synergology is a technical discipline, founded by Philippe Turchet, that systematizes the reading of non-conscious nonverbal activity. It is based on the premise that our body reflects the state of our brain in real time, and that certain movements are impossible to fake consciously.

In this advanced article, part of the specialization module of our Nonverbal Communication Course, we introduce you to the key concepts of this discipline so you learn to distinguish a rehearsed gesture from a biological truth.

1. The Difference between Conscious, Semiconscious and Nonconscious

To read a person with surgical precision, you must first understand the origin of the movement.

Conscious Gestures (Emblems): They are cultural and voluntary. Making the "OK" sign with the hand or raising the thumb. They do not reveal inner truth, only what the person wants to communicate socially.

Semiconscious Gestures: Movements we make without thinking but that we can stop if we become aware of them. For example, crossing the arms when it's cold or when we're closed off to an idea.

Nonconscious Gestures (Micromovements): This is where Synergology comes in. They are itches, micro-itches, pupil dilations or eye movements that escape rational control entirely. If someone scratches their nose just when they say "I love your proposal," their brain is sending a signal of contradiction or rejection, regardless of their words.

2. The Theory of the Hemispheres and the "Side of Truth"

One of the pillars of Synergology is the relationship between the brain and the crossed body. The left hemisphere (logic, analysis) controls the right side of the body. The right hemisphere (emotion, spontaneity) controls the left side of the body.

The Left Side (The Emotional Side): Gestures that occur on the left side of the body are more genuine and harder to control. If a person gestures more with their left hand while speaking, they are emotionally connected to what they say. If they touch their face with their left hand, the underlying emotion is real.

The Right Side (The Side of Control): It is the side of vigilance and social control. If someone predominantly gestures with their right hand, they are trying to structure their speech, persuade from logic or, sometimes, control the narrative (and potentially lie). In our course we teach how to observe this asymmetry to detect incongruities.

3. Micro-itches: The Map of the Itch

When the brain detects a contradiction between what we think and what we say, or when we feel a repressed emotion, blood flows to certain capillary areas, causing a "micro-itch". Where a person scratches tells you what they are feeling.

• Under the nose:The signal of lying or rejection: The erectile tissues of the nose swell with the stress of deception (Pinocchio Effect). Scratching horizontally under the nose usually indicates that the whole truth is not being told or that the situation is unpleasant.
• The neck:Doubts and communication: Scratching the neck, especially laterally, indicates a discrepancy between what is felt and what is said. It often signals that the person wants to say something but is holding back.
• The ear:Not wanting to listen: Rubbing the earlobe or the back of the ear is an unconscious signal of wanting to "block" the entry of words we don't like or don't believe.
• The eye:Not wanting to see: Rubbing the eye (especially common in men) is an attempt to block an unpleasant visual reality or a sign of skepticism toward what is in front of them.

4. Chair Positions in Synergology

The way we sit reveals our attitude toward the interlocutor.

Sitting on the edge (The Escape): Indicates anxiety, hurry or submission. The person is ready to stand up and leave.

Sitting at the back (The Analysis): If the back touches the backrest and the body is relaxed, the person is in evaluation and reception mode. It's a good sign in a negotiation, indicating they are listening.

Legs crossed (Directional blocking): Observe where the top knee points when crossing the legs. If the knee points toward you, the person includes you in their space. If the knee creates a barrier between you and them (points toward the door), it is a sign of closing off or desire for exclusion.

5. The "Sanpaku" Rule: The Eyes

Synergology also analyzes the sclera (the white part of the eye). In situations of high stress or imbalance, the white part under or above the iris becomes visible (Sanpaku eyes). It is a primitive alert signal of danger or instability.

Synergology is not magic; it is statistical observation. Learning to read these codes allows you to hear what people scream in silence while their words say the exact opposite.