Vanessa Van EdwardsScience of People, Science Of People · Behavioral Researcher, Founder, Author, Harvard Instructor

This One Gesture Changes Conversations Instantly

20 Jan 2026 · 1 min

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0:46

Short instructional segment on nonverbal communication by Vanessa Van Edwards. Presents the slow triple nod (counted 1-2-3) as a technique that makes people speak about 67% longer, explains that vertical nods signify affirmation while horizontal shakes signal negation, notes cultural exceptions (India, Bulgaria, Pakistan), and warns that a fast triple nod appears impatient and that an exaggerated 'bobblehead' nod should be used only when genuinely encouraging.

Questions this video answers

It makes the other person speak about 67% longer.

India; Bulgaria; Pakistan.

Affirmation or confirmation (saying 'yes').

Impatience.

Chapters

Research finds that A slow triple nod 1, 2, 3 makes the other person speak 67% longer. Most cultures exception for India, Bulgaria, and Pakistan. Vertical nod is a nod of affirmation or confirmation. When we say yes, we shake our head up and down. We say no, we shake our head horizontally. So the affirmative nod is extremely affirming. If you want someone to keep talking, try a 1, 2, 3. Literally, this is like a nonverbal you're telling someone yes, tell me more. I hear you. Make sure it's not a fou fast triple nod. A fast triple nod shows impatience. And also make sure you're not doing the bobblehead nod. Only when you really want to encourage someone that you love their point and you want to hear more.