8 gestures people use in conversation that instantly make them seem fake without realizing it

When someone gives you a firm handshake, you might think they’re confident; if they maintain steady eye contact, you might assume honesty.

But, hey, let’s not kid ourselves.

Not all gestures are as straightforward as they seem. In fact, some of them can instantly make people come off as fake, even if they’re not aware of it.

We all know that human interaction is a tricky business and, being in the communication industry, I’ve learned that it’s often what’s unspoken that speaks volumes.

Buckle up my friends! I’m about to unveil the eight gestures people unknowingly use in conversation that instantly make them seem less genuine:

1) Overdoing the enthusiasm

We’ve all come across them—the overly enthusiastic types.

Sure, it’s great to be around people who radiate positive energy, but there’s always a limit.

You know the ones I’m talking about, right? They’re always a little too excited, a little too happy, and everything is just “amazing”.

Now, don’t get me wrong because there’s nothing bad about being positive and energetic but, when every sentence is punctuated with over-the-top expressions and exaggerated gestures, it can quickly feel disingenuous.

It’s like they’re trying to convince you (or maybe themselves) that they’re super excited, super interested, or super agreeable. What it really does is make them seem less genuine and more fake.

The next time you’re in a conversation, remember that enthusiasm is good, but overdoing it can have the opposite effect.

2) Insincere compliments

Complimenting others is a wonderful way to boost their morale and build rapport.

However, we can often sense when a compliment doesn’t come from the heart.

Let me share a personal experience: I once had a colleague who would shower everyone with compliments.

It felt nice at first, I mean, who doesn’t like to be praised, right?

But soon, it became clear that her words were hollow. She would compliment me on my work even when I knew it wasn’t my best effort.

Just like that, her praises started to feel less like compliments and more like a strategy.

It felt fake, and it made our interactions seem superficial.

Insincerity can be spotted from a mile away and genuine words carry weight while empty ones just add to the noise.

Keep your compliments real and meaningful, folks!

3) Avoiding eye contact

Eye contact is crucial in communication. It’s a non-verbal way of saying, “I’m focused on you and what you’re saying.”

But what happens when someone consistently avoids your gaze during a conversation?

People who frequently avoid eye contact are often perceived as untrustworthy or disinterested.

It’s human nature to connect eye contact with sincerity. So, when someone is constantly looking elsewhere, it can give off an impression of being fake or disengaged.

However, it’s essential to remember that cultural norms and personal comfort levels play a significant role in how much eye contact an individual maintains.

While avoiding eye contact can seem insincere, it’s not a hard and fast rule.

4) Too much nodding

Nodding is a universal sign of agreement or understanding.

It’s a simple gesture that can encourage the speaker and show them you’re genuinely interested in what they’re saying.

Have you ever been in a conversation where the other person is nodding so much that it starts to feel mechanical?

That’s right, there’s such a thing as nodding too much. When it’s done excessively, it can come off as if the person is trying too hard to show agreement or understanding.

It’s like they’re wearing a mask of agreement, even when they may not fully understand or agree with what’s being said, making them seem less genuine.

Overdoing a series of nods can tip the scale from sincerity to fakeness—as with everything else, balance is key.

5) Closed body language

Body language speaks volumes, often more than words do.

One thing I’ve noticed over the years is how closed body language can instantly make someone seem less genuine.

Imagine you’re having a conversation with someone who has their arms crossed, their body turned slightly away from you, or they’re constantly looking at their watch.

It doesn’t exactly scream, “I’m open and interested in what you’re saying,” does it?

In my experience, I’ve found that people who exhibit closed body language during conversations often come off as insincere or uninterested, even if that’s not their intention.

The next time you’re in a conversation, be mindful of your body language. A little openness can go a long way in making you seem more genuine.

6) Constant agreement

Agreement is the lubrication that keeps the wheels of conversation turning smoothly. But what happens when someone agrees with everything you say?

Here’s the twist: Constant agreement can actually make someone seem less genuine.

Similar to the fourth point of this article, someone who nods along to every single point, never presenting a contrasting view or sparking a healthy debate, can come across as a people-pleaser rather than an authentic participant in the conversation.

It’s as if they’re more concerned about avoiding conflict than expressing their true feelings or opinions, which can make them seem less real and more fake.

Variety is the spice of conversation. It’s okay to agree, but it’s also okay to respectfully disagree—that’s what makes interactions interesting and authentic.

7) Overuse of buzzwords and jargon

We’ve all been in conversations where someone throws around industry jargon or buzzwords like confetti.

While it’s essential to use relevant terminology in professional settings, overdoing it can make someone seem inauthentic.

Instead of facilitating understanding, an excess of jargon can actually create a barrier between the speaker and the listener, making the conversation feel forced or pretentious.

It’s like they’re hiding behind a curtain of big words, which can come across as trying too hard to impress rather than genuinely communicate.

Whether you’re in a business meeting or a casual chat, remember to keep your language accessible and straightforward.

Being understood is more important than sounding smart.

8) Lack of active listening

The most potent tool in any conversation is active listening.

It’s not just about hearing the words, but understanding and responding to them, showing that you value what the other person is saying.

However, when someone is not actively listening, constantly interrupting, or glancing at their phone while you’re talking, it can make them seem insincere.

Active listening involves giving feedback, asking relevant questions, and showing empathy.

Without it, conversations can feel one-sided and fake.

If you want to come across as genuine in your conversations, make sure to actively listen.

It’s a simple yet powerful way to show respect and authenticity.

Final thoughts

As you navigate through the labyrinth of human interactions, you’ll realize that authenticity is more than just a buzzword. It’s about being present, being real, and being open in your conversations.

Being genuine doesn’t mean you’re perfect or that you always say the right thing.

On the contrary, it means embracing your imperfections and not being afraid to show them.

While it’s essential to be aware of these eight gestures that might make you seem less genuine, it’s equally important to practice empathy and understanding.

After all, everyone stumbles now and then in their communication journey.