Telepathy Adjacent
The nonverbal skills you're underestimating.
Like so many others, I’ve been glued to The Telepathy Tapes, the podcast that bumped Joe Rogan off the top spot. It dives into the extraordinary abilities of non-speaking autistic individuals and throws out everything we know about how communication happens. Mind blowing.
Of course, a podcast is not science. A podcast does not speak for an entire community. What a podcast does is tell stories—stories that feel impossible to ignore–no matter what side of the telepathy fence you sit on. Which is so very powerful for any person or group who feels they’ve been ignored for too long.
While the world wrestles with the science—this podcast has people rethinking communication altogether, which got me pondering something much much less controversial yet also often ignored. Something that’s not telepathy–and distinctly different from the experiences discussed in the podcast–but all those other ways we all speak without words. Something I’m calling… Telepathy Adjacent.
Nonverbal communication was a huge part of my working relationship with my old radio producer, Andrea. Over time, we developed a silent language—without ever discussing it. One glance meant I’m running out of things to say—help me fill the space and without hesitation, she’d pick up the phone or search her computer for a lead. Another meant, We need a response to this interview, and she’d instantly suggest names, topics, and angles—without me ever asking. And then there was the glance that asked, Should I wrap this up? and she’d signal—yes, end it now or keep going.
None of this was planned. It just happened. Over time, we tuned into each other’s signals so seamlessly that it felt… well, a little like telepathy.
But it wasn’t. It was trust, intuition, and connection—built through nonverbal communication.
If you want to be impossible to ignore, this is a skill worth mastering.
Because people notice how you are before they notice what you say.
Your stance, your expression, your tone—these things decide whether people lean in or tune out. A leader who walks into a room with presence? People listen before they even speak. A speaker who knows how to use their voice? Their words land harder and last longer. A team that reads each other’s unspoken cues–like me and Andrea? They move faster, smoother, and with more impact.
This isn’t about faking confidence—it’s about understanding how much you’re already saying… before you say a word.
Try this: Record yourself speaking—maybe in a meeting, a presentation, or just telling a story. If possible, turn self-view off and avoid ‘selfie mode’ as this gives you too much visual feedback.
First, watch it with the sound off. What do your gestures, facial expressions, and posture communicate? Do they match the message you want to send?
Next, listen to it without watching. Notice what your voice is saying beyond the words—your pitch, tone, pace, and energy. Does it reinforce or undercut your message?
Finally, play it back with both sound and vision. Are your verbal and nonverbal signals working together, or is something getting lost in translation?
Your nonverbal communication impacts more than you might think. The more aware you are, the more intentional you can be.
Get these things in your feed.
In 2025, The Penny Drop is all about helping you Be Impossible to Ignore. Every week, I’ll give you something to think about—this week, it’s nonverbal communication–along with a curated list of things to listen to, read, watch, and people to follow to expand your brain on the topic.
So, here are some interesting bits and pieces to explore—things to spark curiosity, challenge your thinking, and help you make the most of your nonverbal communication.
Curated Recommendations:
Listen: The Telepathy Tapes—Get ready. This is the podcast that’s captivated audiences worldwide, and mine for at least a month straight! It dives into the extraordinary stories of non-speaking autistic individuals and the possibility of telepathic communication. Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer, it will make you think deeply about how we connect.
Watch: Watch Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk, “Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are.” It’s a quick and powerful exploration of how our posture and gestures influence not only how others see us but also how we see ourselves. While some aspects of the research have sparked debate, the broader takeaways about the power of body language remain inspiring and useful.
Read: "How Much of Communication Is Nonverbal?". This article explores the profound impact of nonverbal cues, from body language to tone of voice, revealing how much of what we say goes beyond words. It’s a fascinating look at the hidden layers of communication we use every day. https://shorturl.at/5cAkr
Follow: Vinh Giang on LinkedIn. A communication coach and master storyteller, he shares brilliant insights and cool videos on how to make your unspoken language impossible to ignore.
Work with me
Both nonverbal AND verbal communication are a huge part of two online workshops that are coming up very soon:
Be a Better Host
I love this workshop so very much. Hosting isn’t just about speaking—it’s about creating a space where people feel like they belong. Whether you’re leading a meeting, running an event, or hosting a podcast, this workshop will show you how to set the right space, pace, and resonance to turn conversations into connections and those connections into action! You’ll learn how to build trust faster, boost engagement, and leave a lasting impact—because a great host doesn’t just lead the room, they bring people together. If that sounds like something you want to get better at be quick! My 2 x 2hr online workshop is happening at the end of this month so secure your spot before they all go!
Be a Better Guest
There is so much more to being a great guest than showing up and talking! If you want to turn media spots, podcast interviews, or panel gigs into real influence, you need a plan. And I just so happen to have mapped out that plan for you! This workshop will teach you the before, during, and after of nailing interviews so you can land more opportunities, give answers that actually get used, and leave hosts wanting you back. Plus, you’ll get the inside scoop from someone who’s interviewed 20,000+ people (ah yep, that’s me!) —so you know exactly what works (and what doesn’t). This 2 x 2hr workshop is happening on Mondays at the end of March - lock in your spot now!
If you have any questions at all just hit me up at penny@pennyterry.com or come find me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/pennyterry/