Hans the horse occupies a rather unique space in the annals of peculiar talents. Owned by the enterprising Herr von Osten of Berlin, Hans possessed an extraordinary ability that captured the imagination of Europe in the early 1900s. A prodigious mathematician, Hans could perform basic arithmetic by rhythmically tapping his right front hoof. His fame spread like wildfire, earning him the moniker “Clever Hans,” the counting horse.
Beyond mere addition, Hans’s repertoire expanded to subtraction, division, and even multiplication. This four-legged mathematician enthralled audiences by accurately counting his spectators, tapping out the number of glasses worn by individuals, and solving various counting conundrums. The horse’s enigmatic prowess was captivating, raising him to the status of a phenomenon.
The Clever Horse and His Subtle Cues
The story of Hans, the Clever Horse, captivated the world in the early 20th century. A seemingly intelligent horse, Hans was trained by Herr von Osten to perform various tasks that mimicked human intelligence. His most famous feat was solving arithmetic problems by tapping his hoof to indicate answers. At first, it seemed like a magical display of animal intelligence. Audiences marveled at Hans’s ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and basic language comprehension.
However, the real fascination with Hans’s abilities extended far beyond his ability to add and subtract. He could perform tasks that most people wouldn’t think possible for a horse, such as answering questions about history, geography, and science. The trick, it seemed, wasn’t just in how Hans responded to these questions but how he could do so without any verbal guidance from his owner, Herr von Osten. His ability to seemingly “read” questions the audience posed made him a sensation across Europe.
As Hans continued to demonstrate these talents, he drew the attention of skeptics, who were eager to uncover the secret behind his extraordinary feats. These included scientists, journalists, and even veterinarians, who wanted to understand whether Hans was truly performing complex cognitive tasks or if there was something more behind the spectacle. The public believed in his genius, but it was not long before skepticism grew. People began questioning how a horse, an animal traditionally considered far less intelligent than humans, could perform such remarkable feats.
To put the matter to rest, a commission of experts was established. The commission aimed to scientifically investigate Hans’s abilities and determine whether they were genuine or if some trickery was involved. The commission’s initial tests showed that Hans continued to respond correctly to questions, regardless of the setting. But the breakthrough came when the commission members tried something new. They wanted to test Hans without his owner’s influence. They removed Herr von Osten from the room, thinking the horse’s performance would falter. What they discovered in the end was truly remarkable: Hans could still perform the tasks. But this wasn’t a magical horse solving math problems; it was something far subtler at play.
In the second commission test, researchers started whispering questions to Hans—numbers for addition, geography questions, and even history trivia. The horse remained silent and still when the researchers did not react. However, when the audience began to show slight physical responses—subtle movements like leaning forward or exhaling a breath—Hans would tap out the correct answer. The moment the researchers knew the answer, Hans would respond as if by instinct.
What was happening, the scientists realized, was that Hans was observing the body language and physical reactions of the people around him. He wasn’t “solving” the questions in a human sense but was responding to his audience’s subtle visual and tactile cues. These cues, often without conscious awareness, signaled to Hans that he had reached the correct answer and would stop tapping. This understanding revealed that Hans’s remarkable ability was a product of finely tuned observation, not advanced cognitive reasoning.
Hans’s Horse Sense: The Key to Reading People
Make it a habit to get on a dual track while talking. Express yourself, but keep a keen eye on how your listener reacts to what you’re saying. Then, plan your moves accordingly. If a horse can do it, so can a human. People will say you pick up on everything. You never miss a trick. You’ve got horse sense.
Technique #8 – Hans’ Horse Sense
The critical takeaway from the story of Hans is the concept of “Hans’s Horse Sense,” which can be applied to human interactions in everyday life. Hans wasn’t using complex reasoning or solving math problems through mental calculation; rather, he was highly attuned to the micro-expressions and subtle body language of those around him. This ability to pick up on the silent cues that others broadcast allows us to adjust our responses in real time and tailor our communication to meet our audience’s emotional and intellectual state.
In the same way that Hans learned to react to the minute changes in his audience’s body language—such as a slight shift in posture or an involuntary breath—humans can also learn to read these non-verbal cues. These silent signals are part of the subconscious communication between people, whether they know it or not. The human face, posture, and gestures are rich sources of information, and by honing our ability to interpret them, we can understand more about how people are truly feeling than through their words alone.
This skill doesn’t require an advanced understanding of psychology or body language theory. Humans naturally use these cues to understand each other. If you’ve ever walked into a room and sensed the mood without anyone saying a word, you’ve experienced this phenomenon. People can sense tension, discomfort, joy, or interest just by reading the body language in the room. Hans, in his way, was simply a master at reading these signals and responding accordingly. And like Hans, anyone can develop this skill by becoming more aware of the subtle cues transmitted in conversations and interactions.
Applying Hans’s Horse Sense means that you don’t have to rely solely on words to gauge how someone is feeling or what they are thinking. Instead, by paying attention to their posture, eye contact, facial expressions, and even the tone of their voice, you can understand their emotional state and adjust your behavior in response. This creates a deeper connection and fosters better communication in personal or professional settings.
Applying Hans’s Horse Sense in Everyday Interactions
The true power of Hans’s Horse Sense lies in its versatility and ability to be applied to various situations. When used correctly, it’s a tool that can make you a more effective communicator, deepen your relationships, and help you navigate social and professional interactions with greater ease.
- During Conversations: Observing subtle changes in body language during casual conversations is incredibly valuable. Take note of how people react as you speak. Are they nodding along, maintaining eye contact, or leaning forward? These are positive signs that they are engaged and interested in your words. When people engage with you in this way, it creates a sense of connection and encourages you to continue speaking openly.
On the other hand, if you notice someone crossing their arms, avoiding eye contact, or shifting their weight away from you, it could indicate that they’re feeling defensive, uncomfortable, or disengaged. These cues provide valuable information that can guide you in adjusting the tone of your conversation. You might ask questions to re-engage them, shift the topic to something of greater interest, or even give them a little space to feel more comfortable.
By recognizing these subtle signals, you can better manage the flow of your conversation and make your communication more effective. You’ll also be more likely to create a comfortable environment where others feel understood and respected. - In Business Meetings: Business settings are prime opportunities to apply Hans’s Horse Sense. Whether presenting a proposal, conducting an interview, or simply participating in a team discussion, paying attention to body language can give you a significant advantage. If you’re presenting, observe how your audience reacts to your words. Are they focused, taking notes, and showing active engagement? If they are, continue with your presentation, reinforcing key points and seeking their input.
However, if you notice signs of disengagement—such as people checking their phones, slouching, or appearing distracted—this is an opportunity to adjust your approach. You might pause to ask for feedback, ask questions to keep them involved, or reframe the discussion more compellingly. You can create a more dynamic and productive meeting by being attuned to the room’s energy. - At Social Gatherings: Social situations often require a different level of sensitivity, as the dynamics can shift quickly depending on who you’re interacting with and the context of the gathering. When mingling at a social event or networking function, Hans’s Horse Sense can help you assess whether someone is open to conversation or prefers to be left alone. For example, if someone is standing with their arms crossed and glancing around the room, it may indicate that they are not fully engaged or feel out of place.
If you notice someone with a more open posture, laughing, or making direct eye contact, it’s a sign they are comfortable and engaged. This is the ideal time to initiate a conversation or deepen an existing one. Paying attention to how others are reacting can help you easily navigate social interactions and avoid moments of awkwardness.
Becoming a Master of People’s Cues
Mastering the ability to read people’s body language and subtle cues takes practice. It involves high attentiveness and sensitivity to the unspoken signals people send out during interactions. The more you practice, the more you notice these cues without thinking about it.
Just as Hans’s Horse Sense made him a master of reading his audience, you can, too, develop the same ability to read people. It’s not about being manipulative or controlling others; it’s about building stronger, more meaningful connections by understanding the hidden messages people communicate nonverbally. By being mindful of these cues and adjusting your behavior in response, you can improve your communication and foster more positive interactions.
As you practice observing body language, you’ll begin to see patterns and become more attuned to the signals people give off. You’ll recognize when someone feels tense or uncomfortable, when they’re confident or engaged, and when they might need a little space or reassurance. Over time, you’ll become more perceptive, capable of connecting with others on a deeper level and responding to their needs with empathy and understanding.
In the end, Hans’s Horse Sense is a tool anyone can master. It requires focus, practice, and a willingness to observe the world around you. By developing this skill, you’ll find yourself becoming a better communicator, more in tune with the emotions of others, and able to navigate both personal and professional relationships with greater ease. Just as Hans learned to read his audience’s silent cues, you, too, can learn to harness this powerful tool to improve your interactions and build stronger, more meaningful connections with those around you.
Conclusion
the story of Hans the Clever Horse offers a profound lesson in the power of observation and the subtle art of reading people. By honing the skill of noticing non-verbal cues—such as body language, facial expressions, and micro-reactions—you can improve your ability to communicate, connect, and influence others.
Just as Hans masterminded his environment by observing the silent signals from his audience, you can cultivate Hans’s Horse Sense to navigate conversations and interactions with greater precision. This technique is not about manipulating others but becoming more attuned to their unspoken needs and emotions, leading to more authentic and meaningful connections. By developing this skill, you will become a more effective communicator, foster deeper relationships, and ultimately improve your personal and professional life.
This article is part of the How to Talk to Anyone Series based on Leil Lowndes’ book.