Vigilance And Awareness
‘You see, but you do not observe’ – Sherlock Holmes.
Generally we are bad observers of our world and our surroundings. In a study by Simons and Chabris, 1999 a man in a gorilla suit walked out in front of a group of students while other activities were taking place. Half of the students didn’t even notice the gorilla suited-man come and go.
To become good people readers we must develop what is known as ‘situational awareness’; the sense of where one is at all times. If we are unaware we not only miss out on useful information, but you will not pick up and be able to protect yourself against potential problems and risks.
To increase our awareness we must make an effort, it is a conscious and deliberate act which takes regular practice, like working a muscle.
Peripheral Vision
Without moving your head or eyes, take in all of the things that you can see. Using just your peripheral vision you will easily find it possible to see more than you first thought. You will be using this to notice your environment and the people in this field of vision. You will easily be able to watch the clues that people are giving you without giving away the fact that you are subtly viewing them. You are easily able to take in a whole body without moving your head and giving yourself away.
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