The Benefits of Recognizing Social Cues
Louisiana REALTORS • April 28, 2020
We communicate in a variety of ways.
However, there are two distinct ways that we share information with one another; verbal and non-verbal. While verbal communication is pretty straightforward, learning how to read between the lines and pick up on the subtleties of body language can mitigate a lot of problems. Furthermore, the nuances of social cues, which can be verbal and non-verbal, provide a lot of valuable insight. This is especially true for REALTORS®. Because you work with many different people
in many different situations, understanding what isn’t being said can be just as important as what is, for you to make the best decisions.
What are Social Cues?
Social cues encompass a variety of behaviors that communicate different information. Some examples of social cues are:
- Vocal tone
- Hand gestures
- Facial expressions
- Posture
- Eye contact
- Body movement
Depending on any given situation, picking up on these cues can help you better understand what a person means and how they actually feel. Social cues allow us to fuel our intuition and reduce ambiguity during interactions with others.
How Can You Recognize Certain Social Cues?
Here are some common social cues and the messages they are conveying.
Fidgeting – Twirling a pen, playing with hair, and foot tapping are fidgeting behaviors. They can be signs of anxiety or disinterest. While some of these may be unintentional habits, they can put off the wrong signals. They are also signs that you may need to change the subject or find a way to regain their attention.
Crossed arms – Crossed arms are considered a defensive stance. This is a physical representation of being closed or standoffish.
Mirroring – Mirroring behaviors occur when someone is taking the same physical positions as you. Tone of voice and stance are examples of simple things for someone to imitate. When this happens, it is typically a sign of someone trying to genuinely engage with you.
Posture – Your posture speaks volumes about how you truly feel about any given situation. Slouching and other relaxed positions convey being tired or unengaged. Attentive posture shows interest in a discussion.
Tone – The inflection, volume, and register of your voice are emotional responses that directly present how someone feels. Higher registers suggest excitement. Lower registers denote more serious topics. The tone of someone’s voice is naturally easy to gauge and perceive.
While we all communicate differently, understanding how to collect all points of communication and the information being shared is an important skill. Picking up on what is, and isn’t being said, can help you become an even more knowledgeable REALTOR®.
2025 Extraordinary Legislative Session Wrap-up
Discover how real estate professionals can use technology to enhance client relationships, streamline transactions, and stand out in a digital market.
Louisiana REALTORS® wraps up 2025 and looks forward to 2026! Louisiana REALTORS® gathered in Baton Rouge from October 7–8 for the 2025 Fall Governance Meetings, a dynamic two-day event filled with professional development, strategic planning and member engagement. The day before the conference offered the conclusion to the 2025 LR Leadership Program with participants graduated from the yearlong program after a half-day session. The 2025 graduates include: Torri Byrd, Shawn Carter, Bradley Cook, Stefany Deroche, Mignon Richard Díaz, Alfra Dixon, Thaddeus Dixon, Glen Elliott, Yvonne Graham, Charlotte Johnson, Michelle LaBanca, Slagle McGuffee, Ellen Monroe, Matt Noel, Ros Pack, Tiffany Pellerin, Latonia Riggs, Shannon Rodi Nash, Trish Skellham, Rebecca Slone and Charlotte St. Romain. Additionally, a sold-out, full-day AI-Powered Real Estate Professional Certification course led by industry expert Matthew Rathbun blew away attendees and had them leaving the session with such invigoration. The first official day of the conference held focus on professional development and networking. Tuesday opened with an informative session entitled Professional Liability 101 from Rice Insurance Services Center, offering critical insights into E&O and risk management. RPR's session brought a wealth information to attendees and offered a hands-on learning experience for the tools offered online. Targeted sessions like the Local AE Meeting and the YPN Advisory Council Open Meeting provided space for peer exchange and innovation. The day concluded with a festive Opening Reception sponsored by Louisiana YPN, bringing members together to celebrate and connect. The next day offered collaboration and celebration with Closing the Affordability Gap, presented by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, equipping REALTORS® with tools to better serve clients in today’s market. Regional caucuses followed, allowing members from across Louisiana to discuss local issues and share best practices. The Board of Directors Meeting brought the governance portion of the event to a close with strategic decisions for the year ahead. At the Board Meeting, Chris Brock, Northeast REALTORS® of Louisiana; Trish Leleux, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; Synde Devillier, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Scott McCubbin, Bayou Board of REALTORS®; Amber Morrow, Greater Fort Polk Area REALTORS®; and David Moses, Greater Central LA REALTORS® Association; were elected as 2026 At-Large Directors. The grand finale? A spirited LSU Pregame Fan Experience and the highly anticipated Installation Ceremony, where new leadership was formally welcomed in a celebration of community and commitment. Louisiana REALTORS® looks forward to hosting REALTORS® from around the state at the Winter Leadership Conference, March 3-4, 2026, at the Live! Casino & Hotel in Bossier City. We would like to thank our sponsors Greater Baton Rouge Association of REALTORS® (GBRAR) , Zillow , Dax Roy Appraisals, Supra, American Home Shield, Guard Home Warranty fo r their generous support in helping make this conference happen!
