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Last Words
Personality revealed by phone style
By Ananova
01/09/2002
The way people hold the phone says a lot about their personality, according to a new survey.
Five distinct personality types have been uncovered by psychologist Sandy Gaskins in a poll of 1,000 people.
Among them are the natural, the tortoise, the cradler, the talker and the general.
Dr Gaskins, who specialises in psychometric testing and runs a practice in Bournemouth, said: "Body language is a very important part of communication - and this holds true even when we can't see the person we're talking to.
"Most people tend to stick to the same 'body routines' when they're on the phone - and you can often tell a lot from a few subtle signs."
Of those surveyed 560 people were described as naturals which meant they held the phone in their primary hand to their primary ear. Dr Gaskins says this shows a confident, straightforward person who enjoys speaking to people, like Kevin Costner and David Beckham.
There were 172 people who stood up while talking on the phone, known as the general. This type of person is said to be forthright and focussed and a man or woman of few words, like Russell Crowe and Demi Moore.
A further 148 cradled the phone on their shoulder, suggesting a person who wants both hands free. The survey said this type of person prioritises tasks quickly and always thinks two steps ahead, like Monica from Friends and Simon Cowell.
Just 64 people held the phone to the opposite ear, known as the tortoise, which suggests the person lacks confidence and may have low self-esteem. Winona Ryder, Rowan Atkinson and Jude Law are identified as tortoises.
The study, commissioned by interactive auction channel bid-up.tv, found 56 people talk on the phone with their arm wrapped over their head, usually indicating the caller is relaxed and laid back. Graham Norton and Kylie Minogue are described as talkers.
Read the full article at Ananova
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