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🗣️
Headmoderate reliabilityobvious

Head Nodding

Up and down movement of the head, typically indicating agreement or encouragement.

EngagementRapportTrustConfidence

Visual Description

Vertical bobbing motion of the head, can vary in speed and amplitude.

Duration: variableVisibility: obvious

How to Observe

  • Note speed - slow is thoughtful, fast may be impatience
  • Check for accompanying verbal agreement
  • Consider cultural context

Context Matters

  • •Speed affects meaning (slow = processing)
  • •Can be encouragement to continue speaking
  • •May be agreement or just listening
  • •Cultural meanings vary

Common Misinterpretations

  • ⚠Nodding doesn't always mean agreement
  • ⚠May be habitual listening behavior
  • ⚠Fast nodding may mean "hurry up"

Cultural Variations

Westernsame

Yes/agreement

Bulgarianopposite

No/disagreement

Indiandifferent

Head wobble has multiple meanings

Quick Info

Primary Signal
Engagement
Body Region
🗣️Head
Reliability
moderate
Duration

variable

Visibility

obvious

Related Cues

Sustained Eye Contact
Forward Lean
Genuine Smile (Duchenne)

Opposite Signals

Head Shaking