9. Be Aware That Signals Can be Misread

According to some, a firm handshake indicates a strong personality while a weak handshake is taken as a lack of fortitude. This example illustrates an important point about the possibility of misreading nonverbal signals. A limp handshake might actually indicate something else entirely, such as arthritis. Always remember to look for groups of behavior. A person's overall demeanor is far more telling than a single gesture viewed in isolation.

10. Practice, Practice, Practice

Some people just seem to have a knack for using nonverbal communication effectively and correctly interpreting signals from others. These people are often described as being able to "read people." In reality, you can build this skill by paying careful attention to nonverbal behavior and practicing different types of nonverbal communication with others. By noticing nonverbal behavior and practicing your own skills, you can dramatically improve your communication abilities.

The Definitive Book of Body Language

The Bottom Line

The Definitive Book of Body Language is a great resource for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of body language. Learn more about how to interpret the nonverbal behavior of other people as well as how to use body language to send the right signals.

Pros

Helps the reader understand and interpret different types of body language.

Offers practical tips and suggestions for improving your own body language.

Covers a wide range of nonverbal behaviors, from eye signals to arm positioning.

Provides numerous visual examples of body language and nonverbal signals.

Cons

Few in-text citations to identify research, studies, and sources.

Description

Information about the background and history of research on body language.

Tips for how to become better at interpreting body language.

Cultural similarities and differences in the use of body language.

Common body signals that indicate lying or deceit.

Techniques for making a great first impression.

Practical advice and suggestions for improving your own body language.

Guide Review - The Definitive Book of Body Language

The Definitive Book of Body Language offers an intriguing look at how people use body language to communicate. Unlike many other books on body language, this book emphasizes the fact that “clusters” of behaviors are far more telling than just a solitary gesture viewed in isolation. While other body language books tend to focus on the interpretation of lying or deceitful behavior, this book offers tips for how you can use body language in positive ways.

Early chapters offer background information on body language research and how to interpret nonverbal signals. Later chapters offer a wealth of information on topics such as mirroring, eye signals, and micro-expressions. Most importantly, The Definitive Book of Body Language provides useful practical applications for reading signals and using body language to communicate. Valuable tips for making first impressions and coping with the nonverbal behaviors of others make this book a valuable resource for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of nonverbal communication.

Understanding Body Language

Body language refers to the nonverbal signals that we use to communicate. According to experts, these nonverbal signals make up a huge part of daily communication. From our facial expressions to our body movements, the things we don't say can still convey volumes of information.

According to various researchers, body language is thought to account for between 50 to 70 percent of all communication. Understanding body language is important, but it is also essential to remember to note other cues such as context and to look at signals as a group rather than focusing on a single action. Learn more about some of the things to look for when you are trying to interpret body language.

Think for a moment about how much a person is able to convey with just a facial expression. A smile can indicate approval or happiness, while a frown can signal disapproval or unhappiness. In some cases, our facial expressions may reveal our true feelings about a particular situation. While you may say that you are feeling fine, the look on your face may tell people otherwise.

Universal Facial Expressions

Facial expressions are also among the most universal forms of body language. The expressions used to convey fear, anger, sadness, and happiness are similar throughout the world. Researcher Paul Ekman has found support for the universality of a variety of facial expressions tied to particular emotions including joy, anger, fear, surprise, and sadness.

The eyes are frequently referred to as the "windows to the soul" since they are capable of revealing a great deal about what a person if feeling or thinking. As you engage in conversation with another person, taking note of eye movements is a natural and important part of the communication process. Some common things you may note is whether people are making direct eye contact or averting their gaze, how much they are blinking, or if their pupils are dilated.

When evaluating body language, pay attention to the follow eye signals: