The Art of 'Indirect Observation'

 

Observing without being noticed in a world where body language speaks louder than words is an important skill. If you're a detective trying to piece together clues, a social observer trying to read between the lines, or just interested in learning more about people, indirect observation offers an undercover and efficient observation method. In today's world, being too obvious can result in misunderstandings or, worse, unwelcome attention. Subtlety is crucial because of this.

 

The core of indirect observation will be covered in this post, including how to observe without revealing your intentions, the importance of self-awareness, and the methods that enable it.

 

By mastering this art, you’ll sharpen your perception, enhance your situational awareness, and gain a unique perspective on the dynamics around you. Join me as I share my methods, insights, and examples that make indirect observation not just a skill, but a way of understanding the world with precision and subtlety. 




INDIRECT OBSERVATION


1. Use Splatter Vision


Before moving on to the methods, it is necessary to understand the splatter vision which is also referred to as 'periapical vision'. Which is the area of sight outside your direct focus.

This is why when you are in a busy place while talking to someone, although you focus on the conversation and that person, you are yet aware of the activity happening behind that person you are talking to.

It can be used as a skill of observing things in your surroundings without concentrating just on a specific detail of your focus. 

I feel like the best way to give a clear understanding of splatter vision is through demonstration. 

So here is a demonstration of splatter vision:


From the above image,

 I want you to focus on the man's face circled in red and don't look elsewhere just focus on the face.

With your focus fixed on the face, try to see details outside the circle and describe them. 

For demonstration, Try to see details of the man in a cycle on the right side next to the man with a circle on the face. (remember to do this with a focus on the face in the circle)

You can see that there is a man on a cycle with a grey hoodie and you can also notice that the man is wearing shorts. 

You can choose any detail not just the man on a cycle. 

Now you'll understand splatter vision and by using it we could observe something without being so direct with our focus or gaze.



2. Technique of Indirect Observation


The indirect observation technique, sometimes called the art of concealed observation, enables you to observe without making obvious of your intention. It starts with "self-awareness," or being conscious of how you could come across to other people. The following are the Pillars of indirect observation:

1) The Splatter Vision

2) Micro-gaze [click here to read more]

3) The Camouflage Act [click here to read more]

4) Memory and imagination 


  • Rules

When it comes to observation some mistakes can happen without a proper guide to approach observation, especially for beginners. Soon on this site, I will discuss the errors and pitfalls of observation and deduction since nobody discusses them.

There are various errors and pitfalls to be aware of, even when observing indirectly. To help with that, I provide the 'Rules'.

1) Maintain a relaxed and normal demeanor :

 Maintain a normal state of self, and avoid reacting unnecessarily and oddly. Instead, try to blend with the norm of your environment.

2) Do not make quick and energetic movements:

This can happen due to excitement for some, this must be avoided because it makes you noticeable and might get their attention. 

Instead be relaxed and slow, to be slow and relaxed in your behavior makes it appear that you are at ease if you do get excited and energetic.

 3)Be aware of your eyes:

Avoid widening and squinting your eyes and even staring.


*How the technique is done*

Okay, let's now put the rules aside and discuss how to use the technique. 

The pillars of indirect observation are used to perform indirect observation. You start by using the splatter vision to observe without direct focus of your eye. Then you use micro-gaze to get a clear look at the person of your observation. You can use the camouflage act to blend in or disguise yourself by acting as though you're busy with something to aid in micro-gazing. Once you have a clear micro gaze of someone, from memory, you visualize what you saw. From this memory and visualization, you would deduce.

 Consider a scenario to get a clear understanding:

In a crowded cafe, you are seated at a corner table. You're enjoying your coffee when you spot a man sitting a few tables away. Your attention is drawn towards the man because of his unusual behavior in the cafe.

Since you are in a public setting with people all around you. To observe secretly, you would use the indirect observation approach. Knowing the technique's rules you encourage yourself to relax and act as you would if you weren't observing. You may use the camouflage act to appear as though you're browsing through your phone or typing. Following up with that, you begin to micro-gaze or look at that individual for just a quick short moment and use your splatter vision. If you want to deduce that person based on appearance, attire, and so on, you will take a micro-gaze once or more than once (depending on how much detail you want to memorize) and then visualize that person in detail from memory.



 

--There is yet to be uncovered in the Art of Observation---

 So stay tuned and keep observing🕵


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