What if you could know what someone really thinks or feels—before they say a single word?
That’s the promise of calibration—the foundation of world-class communication, taught in NLP Practitioner and Master Practitioner training with The Tad James Company.
In this exclusive 5-part series, Dr. Adriana James reveals the overlooked visual cues that most people miss… and how learning to spot them can make you more influential, empathetic, and effective in every area of life.
Whether you’re a coach, therapist, business leader, or NLP student—this is your guide to becoming a true observer of human behavior.
Blog 1: The Secret Power of Sensory Acuity — How Andre Agassi Outsmarted Boris Becker with One Observation
Most people only look at facial expressions when trying to “read” someone. But as Dr. Adriana James explains in Part 1 of this series, the skin color tone—lightening or darkening—reveals state shifts happening beneath the surface.
Learn to observe:
- Micro blood flow changes during emotional responses
- What “going pale” or “flushing” can indicate (in context)
- Why this one signal helps you see emotion instead of guessing
Read Blog 1: The Secret Power of Sensory Acuity
Blog 2: The Underrated Superpower of High Performers: Observational Intelligence (and How to Train It)
In Part 2, we go beneath the surface—literally. Muscle tone, shine, and symmetry in the face reveal tension, relaxation, and inner congruence.
You’ll discover:
- How facial shine shifts depending on emotional state
- What asymmetry reveals (and what it doesn’t)
- Why these cues matter more than body language clichés
Read Blog 2: The Underrated Superpower of High Performers
Blog 3: How to Notice What Most People Miss — Mastering Micro-Expressions, Skin Tone & Breathing in NLP
In Part 3, Dr. Adriana highlights the most telling (and unconscious) behavior: breathing.
️ Discover how to observe:
- Breathing location (chest vs. belly)
- Breathing rate and tempo
- What changes in breath really mean—without guessing
Even skilled communicators miss this. When you get it right, your ability to lead, coach, or influence transforms.
Read Blog 3: How to Notice What Most People Miss
Blog 4: The Subtle Language of the Face — How Lower Lip Size and Eye Focus Reveal Inner States
Part 4 brings your attention to two subtle but powerful clues: the eyes and the lower lip.
️ Learn to notice:
- Pupil dilation and focus (and why they matter in rapport)
- Lip thickness as a cue for emotional tension or relaxation
- Why these signs cannot be faked—even with training
Read Blog 4: The Subtle Language of the Face
Blog 5: Calibration — How to Apply Everything You’ve Observed
In the final article, Part 5, Dr. Adriana teaches how to use everything you’ve observed through a process called calibration.
You’ll learn:
- The difference between guessing and precision
- How to compare “preferred” vs. “non-preferred” states
- A step-by-step calibration exercise you can do today
This is where all your new awareness turns into real-world influence.
Read Blog 5: Putting Calibration Into Practice
Want to Master These Skills?
You’ve just been introduced to some of the most powerful tools in NLP—and this is only the beginning.
- If you’re ready to master calibrated observation…
- If you want to know what really goes on beneath the surface…
- If you’re a coach, practitioner, or therapist who wants more precision…
Join us for an upcoming NLP Practitioner or Master Practitioner training.
Learn to notice what others miss. Influence with integrity. And transform your results—for life.
Final Thought from Dr. Adriana James
There is no intervention in NLP without observation. This is the foundation. Once you master this, everything else becomes possible.