Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n- Linda Clemons parlayed her innate communication talents into a successful business career. <\/li>\n
- Her Clemons Method focuses on what goes unsaid \u2014 and the necessary context to understand it. <\/li>\n
- She reveals why you should forget the \u2018fake it till you make it\u2019 approach and prioritize other tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
From a young age, nonverbal communication expert Linda Clemons had a high level of emotional intelligence. <\/p>\n
As a firstborn daughter (research suggests they often act as mediators in family dynamics<\/a>), Clemons was eager to please and grew to understand body language intuitively. She could tell if someone\u2019s words didn\u2019t align with their facial expressions or posture.<\/p>\nImage Credit: Kima Photography. Linda Clemons. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEventually, Clemons would use her innate communication talents to launch a career in sales. She became a top sales producer with every company she joined, and went on to found Sisterpreneur Inc.<\/a>, which educates and empowers women entrepreneurs. Today, her clients have generated more than $2 billion in sales.\u00a0She also wrote the book Hush: How to Radiate Power and Confidence Without Saying a Word<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\nThe Indianapolis, Indiana-based entrepreneur attributes her sales success to her ability to be sensitive to people\u2019s needs and understand what\u2019s important to them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Clemons Method: the power of nonverbal communication<\/h2>\n
Clemons, who is trained and certified in Analytic Interviewing and Statement Analysis\u2122 (a process used to detect deception), has coined a term for her approach to the nonverbal communication field: \u201cThe Clemons Method.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201c\u200aThe Clemons Method allows you to see the invisible, what others may not see, and hear the inaudible,\u201d she explains. The Clemons Method also emphasizes the value in context and not drawing conclusions on one body language signal alone.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What people say \u2014 and even how they say it \u2014 isn\u2019t the be-all and end-all when it comes to delivering their intended message. <\/p>\n
\u201cYour nonverbal will get in the way and perhaps overrule it because it\u2019s our first language,\u201d Clemons says.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But it\u2019s not enough to read someone\u2019s body language in a silo. All nonverbal communication must be interpreted with enough context. Otherwise, even the most determined body language detectives risk misreading the subject of their investigation.<\/p>\n
Reading body language accurately requires context<\/h2>\n
Clemons tells an anecdote about a presentation where she was sharing the stage with other experts on a panel, and this lack of context and subsequent misinterpretation played out in real time.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnother expert showed a video of an African American woman [pulling at her cornrows] and was trying to indicate the individual had a psychiatric problem,\u201d Clemons recalls. \u201cI have a room full of women looking at me, half of them are African American, thinking, Is somebody going to say something?<\/em>\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\nClemons did interject \u2014 and provided the missing context. She asked how many Black women in the room understood what was going on, and they all raised their hands. She asked someone to yell out what it meant: The woman\u2019s braids were tight and itchy, and she was tapping on them to loosen them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Another example presents in the simple gesture of someone crossing their arms, Clemons says. Many people think they can read that body language; they believe the person is closing themselves off. But that\u2019s not always the case. Perhaps the missing and much-needed context is that the gesture is the person\u2019s baseline when they\u2019re considering something deeply.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t draw conclusions based on one nonverbal cue alone<\/h2>\n
Although it\u2019s important not to draw conclusions about nonverbal communication based on one movement alone, it\u2019s also key to pay attention to subtle, compounding cues, Clemons notes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Consider how an entrepreneur\u2019s ability to detect nonverbal cues might make or break a pitch meeting.\u00a0<\/p>\n
At first, the prospective client is leaning in \u2014 a sure sign they\u2019re interested in the conversation. Then the entrepreneur says something that gives the client pause; they lean out, literally \u201ctaken aback.\u201d The single gesture doesn\u2019t necessarily mean they\u2019re out. But if the pitch continues without addressing concerns, those body language cues can compound until the client is out the door.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSecond movement, they lock up and fold their arms,\u201d Clemons says. \u201cThird movement, they turn towards the door \u2014 our feet point in the direction we want to go. They\u2019re done. They\u2019re ready to exit. And quite often we miss those cues.\u201d<\/p>\n
The \u201cTAP\u201d strategy strengthens nonverbal communication<\/h2>\n
When it comes to projecting confident body language, people should forget a common adage that does more harm than good: \u201cFake it till you make it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clemons offers the \u201cTAP\u201d acronym \u2014 \u201cTruthful,\u201d \u201cauthentic\u201d and \u201cproof shows\u201d \u2014 as a helpful tool to strengthen your nonverbal communication, ensuring your intentions and gestures align.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever you think in your mind, your nonverbals will display,\u201d Clemons explains. \u201cAnd it will reveal truly what\u2019s in your heart. \u200aIf you are committed to your beliefs and convictions, then it shows up. It\u2019s like a symphony.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
For instance, consider how often a fake smile falls flat. A genuine smile uses many different facial muscles, which is why a manufactured or \u201cpageant\u201d smile reads as inauthentic, Clemons adds.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In other words: \u201cThe moment that you think it, you ink it,\u201d according to Clemons. And that \u201cink\u201d shows up all over your face, in micro and macro expressions, and in your body\u2019s movements.<\/p>\n
The \u201cTriangle Technique\u201d and other body language tactics<\/h2>\n
Clemons provides additional strategies, including the \u201cTriangle Technique\u201d and EASE method, to help people harness the power of body language.\u00a0 <\/p>\n
Clemons\u2019s \u201cTriangle Technique,\u201d in which someone networking opens the dialogue to a third person and welcomes them into the exchange, reveals \u201cthe power of the pyramid.\u201d<\/p>\n
The EASE method requires thinking about \u201chow you flow\u201d and own the space as you go about a room.\u00a0\u201cEnter\u201d with presence, \u201cadapt\u201d to the energy of the room, \u201csituate\u201d yourself strategically and \u201cengage\u201d in conversation.<\/p>\n
Clemons delves deeper into these nonverbal tactics and others in Hush<\/em>. <\/p>\n\u201c\u200aYou don\u2019t have to be an expert in nonverbal communication,\u201d Clemons says. \u201cBut you have all the tools to make you an expert in building the best relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\n\nKey Takeaways<\/h2>\n\n- Linda Clemons parlayed her innate communication talents into a successful business career. <\/li>\n
- Her Clemons Method focuses on what goes unsaid \u2014 and the necessary context to understand it. <\/li>\n
- She reveals why you should forget the \u2018fake it till you make it\u2019 approach and prioritize other tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
From a young age, nonverbal communication expert Linda Clemons had a high level of emotional intelligence. <\/p>\n
As a firstborn daughter (research suggests they often act as mediators in family dynamics<\/a>), Clemons was eager to please and grew to understand body language intuitively. She could tell if someone\u2019s words didn\u2019t align with their facial expressions or posture.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.entrepreneur.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/04\/Linda-Clemons_crop_Kimazing-Photography_HUSH.jpg?w=1024\")
Image Credit: Kima Photography. Linda Clemons. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEventually, Clemons would use her innate communication talents to launch a career in sales. She became a top sales producer with every company she joined, and went on to found Sisterpreneur Inc.<\/a>, which educates and empowers women entrepreneurs. Today, her clients have generated more than $2 billion in sales.\u00a0She also wrote the book Hush: How to Radiate Power and Confidence Without Saying a Word<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
From a young age, nonverbal communication expert Linda Clemons had a high level of emotional intelligence. <\/p>\n
As a firstborn daughter (research suggests they often act as mediators in family dynamics<\/a>), Clemons was eager to please and grew to understand body language intuitively. She could tell if someone\u2019s words didn\u2019t align with their facial expressions or posture.<\/p>\n Eventually, Clemons would use her innate communication talents to launch a career in sales. She became a top sales producer with every company she joined, and went on to found Sisterpreneur Inc.<\/a>, which educates and empowers women entrepreneurs. Today, her clients have generated more than $2 billion in sales.\u00a0She also wrote the book Hush: How to Radiate Power and Confidence Without Saying a Word<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n The Indianapolis, Indiana-based entrepreneur attributes her sales success to her ability to be sensitive to people\u2019s needs and understand what\u2019s important to them.\u00a0<\/p>\n Clemons, who is trained and certified in Analytic Interviewing and Statement Analysis\u2122 (a process used to detect deception), has coined a term for her approach to the nonverbal communication field: \u201cThe Clemons Method.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201c\u200aThe Clemons Method allows you to see the invisible, what others may not see, and hear the inaudible,\u201d she explains. The Clemons Method also emphasizes the value in context and not drawing conclusions on one body language signal alone.\u00a0<\/p>\n What people say \u2014 and even how they say it \u2014 isn\u2019t the be-all and end-all when it comes to delivering their intended message. <\/p>\n \u201cYour nonverbal will get in the way and perhaps overrule it because it\u2019s our first language,\u201d Clemons says.\u00a0<\/p>\n But it\u2019s not enough to read someone\u2019s body language in a silo. All nonverbal communication must be interpreted with enough context. Otherwise, even the most determined body language detectives risk misreading the subject of their investigation.<\/p>\n Clemons tells an anecdote about a presentation where she was sharing the stage with other experts on a panel, and this lack of context and subsequent misinterpretation played out in real time.<\/p>\n \u201cAnother expert showed a video of an African American woman [pulling at her cornrows] and was trying to indicate the individual had a psychiatric problem,\u201d Clemons recalls. \u201cI have a room full of women looking at me, half of them are African American, thinking, Is somebody going to say something?<\/em>\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Clemons did interject \u2014 and provided the missing context. She asked how many Black women in the room understood what was going on, and they all raised their hands. She asked someone to yell out what it meant: The woman\u2019s braids were tight and itchy, and she was tapping on them to loosen them.\u00a0<\/p>\n Another example presents in the simple gesture of someone crossing their arms, Clemons says. Many people think they can read that body language; they believe the person is closing themselves off. But that\u2019s not always the case. Perhaps the missing and much-needed context is that the gesture is the person\u2019s baseline when they\u2019re considering something deeply.\u00a0<\/p>\n Although it\u2019s important not to draw conclusions about nonverbal communication based on one movement alone, it\u2019s also key to pay attention to subtle, compounding cues, Clemons notes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Consider how an entrepreneur\u2019s ability to detect nonverbal cues might make or break a pitch meeting.\u00a0<\/p>\n At first, the prospective client is leaning in \u2014 a sure sign they\u2019re interested in the conversation. Then the entrepreneur says something that gives the client pause; they lean out, literally \u201ctaken aback.\u201d The single gesture doesn\u2019t necessarily mean they\u2019re out. But if the pitch continues without addressing concerns, those body language cues can compound until the client is out the door.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cSecond movement, they lock up and fold their arms,\u201d Clemons says. \u201cThird movement, they turn towards the door \u2014 our feet point in the direction we want to go. They\u2019re done. They\u2019re ready to exit. And quite often we miss those cues.\u201d<\/p>\n When it comes to projecting confident body language, people should forget a common adage that does more harm than good: \u201cFake it till you make it.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Clemons offers the \u201cTAP\u201d acronym \u2014 \u201cTruthful,\u201d \u201cauthentic\u201d and \u201cproof shows\u201d \u2014 as a helpful tool to strengthen your nonverbal communication, ensuring your intentions and gestures align.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWhatever you think in your mind, your nonverbals will display,\u201d Clemons explains. \u201cAnd it will reveal truly what\u2019s in your heart. \u200aIf you are committed to your beliefs and convictions, then it shows up. It\u2019s like a symphony.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n For instance, consider how often a fake smile falls flat. A genuine smile uses many different facial muscles, which is why a manufactured or \u201cpageant\u201d smile reads as inauthentic, Clemons adds.\u00a0<\/p>\n In other words: \u201cThe moment that you think it, you ink it,\u201d according to Clemons. And that \u201cink\u201d shows up all over your face, in micro and macro expressions, and in your body\u2019s movements.<\/p>\n Clemons provides additional strategies, including the \u201cTriangle Technique\u201d and EASE method, to help people harness the power of body language.\u00a0 <\/p>\n Clemons\u2019s \u201cTriangle Technique,\u201d in which someone networking opens the dialogue to a third person and welcomes them into the exchange, reveals \u201cthe power of the pyramid.\u201d<\/p>\n The EASE method requires thinking about \u201chow you flow\u201d and own the space as you go about a room.\u00a0\u201cEnter\u201d with presence, \u201cadapt\u201d to the energy of the room, \u201csituate\u201d yourself strategically and \u201cengage\u201d in conversation.<\/p>\n Clemons delves deeper into these nonverbal tactics and others in Hush<\/em>. <\/p>\n \u201c\u200aYou don\u2019t have to be an expert in nonverbal communication,\u201d Clemons says. \u201cBut you have all the tools to make you an expert in building the best relationship.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n From a young age, nonverbal communication expert Linda Clemons had a high level of emotional intelligence. <\/p>\n As a firstborn daughter (research suggests they often act as mediators in family dynamics<\/a>), Clemons was eager to please and grew to understand body language intuitively. She could tell if someone\u2019s words didn\u2019t align with their facial expressions or posture.<\/p>\n Eventually, Clemons would use her innate communication talents to launch a career in sales. She became a top sales producer with every company she joined, and went on to found Sisterpreneur Inc.<\/a>, which educates and empowers women entrepreneurs. Today, her clients have generated more than $2 billion in sales.\u00a0She also wrote the book Hush: How to Radiate Power and Confidence Without Saying a Word<\/em><\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nThe Clemons Method: the power of nonverbal communication<\/h2>\n
Reading body language accurately requires context<\/h2>\n
Don\u2019t draw conclusions based on one nonverbal cue alone<\/h2>\n
The \u201cTAP\u201d strategy strengthens nonverbal communication<\/h2>\n
The \u201cTriangle Technique\u201d and other body language tactics<\/h2>\n
Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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