The Definitive Book of Body Language: The Hidden Meaning Behind People's Gestures and Expressions

Overall: This book was exactly what I was looking for. It does not go into every type of common body gesture, but definitely enough to keep you busy for a while. Immediately after I started reading this book I began to notice the behaviors in myself and my colleagues. I think this book is more useful for reading people in social or personal situations because it is much easier to accurately read someone's body language in a purer/ more natural state. For example, in a business meeting a colleague may rub their chin. The book would say that can indicate someone who is thinking/contemplating and secondary gestures should be watched to indicate what their decision may be. In a business meeting that same gesture could be a cover up for day dreaming, an attempt to please their boss or simply trying to stay awake. When I make assumptions based on the book in business settings I have been wrong because so many factors could lead to the emotion that is creating the language and most of which have nothing to do with me or the current interaction. In personal settings it is spot on and can sometimes be very entertaining. The chapter talking about women and what their facial expressions indicate is priceless and men should read it just so they know when to chance course in their behavior or conversation. On a social front I tested out some of the attractive and open female gestures in courting or even talking with men and they certainly do work. For example showing the inner wrist is supposed to be a sign of openness and femininity and when I casually had that part facing I was treated much differently. Layout: The material is interesting, but the illustrations and simple descriptions make the lessons learned in this book easy to remember. They also make connections to the animal kingdom or how the gesture evolved from a functional action when possible which helps me remember and feel more engaged with the material. The author also has a sense of humor and provides the right about of space and breaks in the text with humor, pictures and examples to keep it from getting too dry. This layout also follows the tell you, tell you again and tell you what they told you approach so you can even read it in public and watch for the behaviors while you are reading. There is not a whole lot I would change about this book except the claims are much greater than anyone can possibly make. Sure it can help you read someone's true feelings, attract people more easily and tell when someone is lying, but it is not a surefire method and cannot make you successful in all types of interpersonal situations on its own. This is just a tool and should be clearly described as such.

As creatures of many senses, coming from different ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds, it is a wonder that we can communicate with others as well as we do. For most of our lives, particularly in our educational system, the focus is on the words that we use. Yet studies have shown that the actual spoken words comprise only 7% of the message received by the listener. Tone of voice accounts for 38% of the message with the remainder (55%) of the message resulting from body language. Non-verbal communication drastically alters, modifies or filters the message, often resulting in a discontinuity between what is "said" and what is "heard." THE DEFINITIVE BOOK OF BODY LANGUAGE, by Allan and Barbara Pease, provides an engaging, informative, and easy-to-read exploration of how we communicate we communicate with each other. Drawing on decades of experience, the authors show how body language originates from both biological and environmental sources. With clear and simple illustrations and photographs, individual elements are isolated and analyzed, and then are placed in a more holistic context. Topics include the basics of body language, and then move to specific elements including hand and arm movements and gestures, facial expressions, eye signals, leg and body positioning. These areas are examined separately as well is together in general or within a specific cultural context. There are chapters dealing with the body language of power, deceit, emotions, flirtation and sexual overtones - both innate and learned. One of the most helpful chapters on improving communication is in their discussion of mirroring techniques as a means to build rapport. This is an enlightening book from cover to cover. Its table of contents provide and effective index should the reader wish to explore individual topics or refer back to specific areas of study. The book is invaluable for all who seek to improve their interactions with others. I recommend it highly to those in counseling, ministry, business, and politics - in short, to anyone who must communicate with others (just about everyone).

As opposed to the money I spent on the Micro Expression books, this book is a world of knowledge that you can actually use when you get through reading. Much of the material is stuff that you have known or known about. This book puts the "general knowledge" stuff into a useable form. It also debunks some old myths. I do recommend this book as it will provide the reader with something that can be used after reading the information. It is also written at a level that most anyone can understand. Don't let it's simplicity lead you to believe the information is not true - I use the information from this book to help evaluate possible security threats and in interviewing suspects.

Nice book, good visualisations. Great to learn some basics

I'm a dog trainer and studied intensely dog behaviour, I equally enjoy understanding and learning about human body language, reading and understanding what they are really projecting. I have other books on studying human body language; however, this book I find amazing. It has well illustrated photos and the material is to the point and easy to understand. Very detailed information and worth the purchase especially if you want just one book that covers everything. This is better than some of the others I have purchased in the past. Very pleased with this purchase.

When I read it, I though it should be recommended for university studies on psychiatry, psychology and criminology, to say the least. it is the hidden face of protocol and truly fascinating information.

Quasi mai metto 5 stelle ad un prodotto, ma questo li vale tutti. "The Definitive Book of Body Language" e appunto un libro "definitivo": ti dice tutto sulle interazioni umane e sui comportamenti che le governano. Il linguaggio corporeo è affascinante: saperlo leggere riesce a dare molta più consapevolezza di ciò che vediamo. Il libro svela il linguaggio del corpo da tutte le prospettive: affronta i gesti più comuni di mani, gambe, occhi e tutte le parti del corpo, illustra le differenze culturali, la prossemica, il mirroring e una marea di altre cose. Dovrebbe essere un libro obbligatorio da leggere nelle scuole, non quelle cavolate che adesso va di moda dare, perché (se ci si impegna per qualche mese seguendo i consigli dati) ti da una marcia in più nella vita di tutti i giorni, rendendoti una persona più comunicativa e ricettiva. Inutile descrivere poi i vantaggi che si hanno se si devono vendere dei prodotti o se ci si deve relazionare con estranei per lavoro... Il fatto che sia in inglese non è stato un problema, il linguaggio è chiaro e bisogna consultare il dizionario un numero limitato di volte.

Good book for those looking to improve their understanding and communication with others. It is really easy to read and to understand the principles.