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Books, Rated
Suggested reading - Body Language books, reviewed.
In no particular order:
Peoplewatching
(2002)
By Desmond Morris
Rated: 4.5 Stars
Peoplewatching is the culmination of the author's observations and writing. Desmond Morris, a zoologist, has spent decades showing us how people consciously and unconsciously signal their attitudes, desires and innermost feelings. He is a groundbreaker and a major voice on the subject of body language.
By Desmond Morris
Rated: 4.5 Stars
Peoplewatching is the culmination of the author's observations and writing. Desmond Morris, a zoologist, has spent decades showing us how people consciously and unconsciously signal their attitudes, desires and innermost feelings. He is a groundbreaker and a major voice on the subject of body language.
Read People
(2018)
By Rita Carter
Rated: 3.5 STARS
Read People attempts to explain behaviours, and shows how understanding why people act in certain ways will make you more adept at communication, more persuasive and a better judge of others' motivation. In 20 dip-in lessons with tips and toolkits, Rita Carter tries to translate the signs that reveal a person's true feelings. There are some leaps of assumption but it's a nicely produced and structured book.
By Rita Carter
Rated: 3.5 STARS
Read People attempts to explain behaviours, and shows how understanding why people act in certain ways will make you more adept at communication, more persuasive and a better judge of others' motivation. In 20 dip-in lessons with tips and toolkits, Rita Carter tries to translate the signs that reveal a person's true feelings. There are some leaps of assumption but it's a nicely produced and structured book.
Without Saying A Word
(2018)
By Kasia Wezowski and Patryk Wezowski
Rated: 4 Stars
The authors are on the front-line of body language teaching and research and this, their best book, explains how even the subtlest motions have meaning. Distilling decades of research, the book deciphers these unspoken signals. They have too strong an emphasis on facial expressions and fleeting micro expressions but it's a good introduction to the study of body language.
By Kasia Wezowski and Patryk Wezowski
Rated: 4 Stars
The authors are on the front-line of body language teaching and research and this, their best book, explains how even the subtlest motions have meaning. Distilling decades of research, the book deciphers these unspoken signals. They have too strong an emphasis on facial expressions and fleeting micro expressions but it's a good introduction to the study of body language.
Gestures
(1979)
By Desmond Morris, Peter Collett, Peter Marsh and Marie O'Shaghnessy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
A classic of its time that holds value. The distribution and meaning of human gestures was mapped for the first time in this scientific charting. The variety of meanings were gathered through field work, in different parts of the world. A single gesture can be read in many different ways and these differences are explored. There are lots of illustrations including art and photographs and maps.
By Desmond Morris, Peter Collett, Peter Marsh and Marie O'Shaghnessy
Rating: 4.5 Stars
A classic of its time that holds value. The distribution and meaning of human gestures was mapped for the first time in this scientific charting. The variety of meanings were gathered through field work, in different parts of the world. A single gesture can be read in many different ways and these differences are explored. There are lots of illustrations including art and photographs and maps.
Cues
(2022)
By Vanessa Van Edwards
Rating: 4 Stars
The author's best book to date, Cues could be titled 'How to be Charismatic (or likeable). Many small and interesting studies are refered to, and even more tips are offered. There's great bredth of content to be discovered, including things like how font choice can be perceived. Some of the theories are tired and fraying (proxemics, expressions) but it packs a lot in, all written in an accessible style. If you like the Science of People website you'll love this book. The author clearly loves NVC.
By Vanessa Van Edwards
Rating: 4 Stars
The author's best book to date, Cues could be titled 'How to be Charismatic (or likeable). Many small and interesting studies are refered to, and even more tips are offered. There's great bredth of content to be discovered, including things like how font choice can be perceived. Some of the theories are tired and fraying (proxemics, expressions) but it packs a lot in, all written in an accessible style. If you like the Science of People website you'll love this book. The author clearly loves NVC.
Nonverbal Communication
(2010)
by Judee K Burgoon, Laura K. Guerrero and Kory Floyd
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Drawing significantly on both classic and what was contemporary research, Nonverbal Communication speaks to students with modern examples that illustrate nonverbal communication in their lived experiences. Three of the foremost scholars in nonverbal communication have compiled a broad and weighty presentation of the literature and main theories. Grounded in multidisciplinary research it's practical and informative.
by Judee K Burgoon, Laura K. Guerrero and Kory Floyd
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Drawing significantly on both classic and what was contemporary research, Nonverbal Communication speaks to students with modern examples that illustrate nonverbal communication in their lived experiences. Three of the foremost scholars in nonverbal communication have compiled a broad and weighty presentation of the literature and main theories. Grounded in multidisciplinary research it's practical and informative.
How to Read a Person Like a Book
(1971)
By Gerard Nierenberg and Henry Calero
Rating: 4 Stars
A small paperback from 1971, it's not exactly at the cutting edge of scientific reseach but it's a book I'm very fond of. It's based on years of direct observation, research and experience. The quotes and illustrations are a good addition and many of the theories hold up. There have since been updates with Gabriel Grayson joining the authors, but this copy still has things to teach us, especially in the areas of business and negotiation.
By Gerard Nierenberg and Henry Calero
Rating: 4 Stars
A small paperback from 1971, it's not exactly at the cutting edge of scientific reseach but it's a book I'm very fond of. It's based on years of direct observation, research and experience. The quotes and illustrations are a good addition and many of the theories hold up. There have since been updates with Gabriel Grayson joining the authors, but this copy still has things to teach us, especially in the areas of business and negotiation.
Rethinking Body Language
(2016)
By Geoffrey Beattie
Rated: 4 Stars
Clearly influenced by the work of David McNeill, Beattie challenges old assumptions about body language to offer a new theoretical perspective. Rather than the expression of emotions and the negotiation of social relationships, the author argues that gestures reflect aspects of our thinking but in a different way to verbal language. There's frame-by-frame analysis of spontaneous hand movements that accompany speech. It's strong on incongurance (mismatch).
By Geoffrey Beattie
Rated: 4 Stars
Clearly influenced by the work of David McNeill, Beattie challenges old assumptions about body language to offer a new theoretical perspective. Rather than the expression of emotions and the negotiation of social relationships, the author argues that gestures reflect aspects of our thinking but in a different way to verbal language. There's frame-by-frame analysis of spontaneous hand movements that accompany speech. It's strong on incongurance (mismatch).
The Power of Body Language
(2007)
By Tonya Reiman
Rated: 4 Stars
Tonya Reiman is a regular TV body language expert who works as a motivational speaker, consultant, and corporate trainer. It's a well structured book with photos and lots of great headings in the form of questions. With an understanding of the meanings of specific gestures, facial cues and body positions Reiman looks at trust, job interview, handshakes, space, touch, first impression, and faking confidence, suggesting sex differences in reading body language.
By Tonya Reiman
Rated: 4 Stars
Tonya Reiman is a regular TV body language expert who works as a motivational speaker, consultant, and corporate trainer. It's a well structured book with photos and lots of great headings in the form of questions. With an understanding of the meanings of specific gestures, facial cues and body positions Reiman looks at trust, job interview, handshakes, space, touch, first impression, and faking confidence, suggesting sex differences in reading body language.
The Body Language Bible
(2008)
By Jidu James
Rated: 3 Stars
With a raft of down-to-earth quick-fix tips, The Body Language Bible takes the reader through the minefield of self-marketing and image: how to read it and how to project it. James attempts to teach us how to interpret movements and then shows us how to get what we want, be it business, friendship or falling in love. A mix of body language and communication psychology (voice and the impact of words).
By Jidu James
Rated: 3 Stars
With a raft of down-to-earth quick-fix tips, The Body Language Bible takes the reader through the minefield of self-marketing and image: how to read it and how to project it. James attempts to teach us how to interpret movements and then shows us how to get what we want, be it business, friendship or falling in love. A mix of body language and communication psychology (voice and the impact of words).
Body Language
(2008)
By James Borg
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Body Language is a decent entry level book. In seven simple lessons it attempts to cover different ways to read others and control your own gestures to get the response you want. A decent guide to the importance of impressions and hidden messages.
By James Borg
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Body Language is a decent entry level book. In seven simple lessons it attempts to cover different ways to read others and control your own gestures to get the response you want. A decent guide to the importance of impressions and hidden messages.
Understanding Body Language
(2021)
By Scott Rouse
Rated: Stars 3.5
Very readable, it's a accessible entry level book from a star of The Behavior Panel. Waddya get? Decent tips of how to read people written as a guide to self-improvement. It's nicely produced, if a tad light on content.
By Scott Rouse
Rated: Stars 3.5
Very readable, it's a accessible entry level book from a star of The Behavior Panel. Waddya get? Decent tips of how to read people written as a guide to self-improvement. It's nicely produced, if a tad light on content.
Body Language
(2012)
By Robert Phipps
Rated: 3 Stars
From getting a job to getting a pay rise, and from closing a deal to managing the people around you, TV's Robert Phipps shows how your body language can work for you. It busts a few myths and offers tips, especially in the business arena but there are better books out there.
By Robert Phipps
Rated: 3 Stars
From getting a job to getting a pay rise, and from closing a deal to managing the people around you, TV's Robert Phipps shows how your body language can work for you. It busts a few myths and offers tips, especially in the business arena but there are better books out there.
Postures
(2019)
By Desmond Morris
Rating: 5 Stars
Examining the body language displayed in works of art is a great idea and who better than Desmond Morris, artist and anthropologist, to tackle this endeavour. The gestures portrayed can reflect the mores of a particular period in history, the customs of a certain culture or a fashion in artistic styles. Exploring these with masterful subtlety, Morris uncovers fascinating insights about changing social attitudes and conventions through history and around the world, finding surprising similarities as well as now rarely used gestures.
The symbolism behind these poses is fascinating.
By Desmond Morris
Rating: 5 Stars
Examining the body language displayed in works of art is a great idea and who better than Desmond Morris, artist and anthropologist, to tackle this endeavour. The gestures portrayed can reflect the mores of a particular period in history, the customs of a certain culture or a fashion in artistic styles. Exploring these with masterful subtlety, Morris uncovers fascinating insights about changing social attitudes and conventions through history and around the world, finding surprising similarities as well as now rarely used gestures.
The symbolism behind these poses is fascinating.
Nonverbal Communication
(2012)
By David Matsumoto, Mark G. (Gregory) Frank and Hiy Sung Hwang
Rating: 4 Stars
Leading researchers (professors of NVC) behind a series of studies into the expression of emotion bring us a book that attempts to bridge the gap between scientific literature and mass market interest. After covering expressions ("universal") voice, cultural influences (a good section), deception etc. it offers a series of essays and applications. A readable academic textbook.
By David Matsumoto, Mark G. (Gregory) Frank and Hiy Sung Hwang
Rating: 4 Stars
Leading researchers (professors of NVC) behind a series of studies into the expression of emotion bring us a book that attempts to bridge the gap between scientific literature and mass market interest. After covering expressions ("universal") voice, cultural influences (a good section), deception etc. it offers a series of essays and applications. A readable academic textbook.
The Definitive Book of Body Language
(2004)
By Allan Pease and Barbara Pease
Rated: 3.5 Stars
The Definitive Book Of Body Language is a bestseller and it's easy to see why. It's a book that contains a wide range of theories, written by husband and wife experts and delivered in a conversational manner. It provides techniques to learn how to read between the lines and interpret non-verbal cues correctly. The book stresses on the fact that human behaviour must be observed in clusters, i.e. gestures must be interpreted in relation to one another and not in a standalone manner. Some of the useful scenarios explored in the book include creating a positive impression on people, presenting a pleasing, approachable personality, conducting successful negotiations and interviews, and getting people to cooperate. The Peases believe in there being significant body language differences between the sexes.
By Allan Pease and Barbara Pease
Rated: 3.5 Stars
The Definitive Book Of Body Language is a bestseller and it's easy to see why. It's a book that contains a wide range of theories, written by husband and wife experts and delivered in a conversational manner. It provides techniques to learn how to read between the lines and interpret non-verbal cues correctly. The book stresses on the fact that human behaviour must be observed in clusters, i.e. gestures must be interpreted in relation to one another and not in a standalone manner. Some of the useful scenarios explored in the book include creating a positive impression on people, presenting a pleasing, approachable personality, conducting successful negotiations and interviews, and getting people to cooperate. The Peases believe in there being significant body language differences between the sexes.
What Every Body is Saying
(2008)
by Joe Navarro and Marvin Karlins
Rated: 4 Stars
A modern classic and as readable as any thriller. Navarro, a giant in the field of nonverbal behaviour, demonstrates how to modify your subconscious statements to your greatest advantage and also read what other people are 'saying' nonverbally. Full of real-world examples and applications, and some compelling theories (gravity-defying gestures, thumbs, ventral region, foot direction) it is a must read. However, some of the claims are ambitious (nicely 'debunked' by Laurel Foley in her podcast).
by Joe Navarro and Marvin Karlins
Rated: 4 Stars
A modern classic and as readable as any thriller. Navarro, a giant in the field of nonverbal behaviour, demonstrates how to modify your subconscious statements to your greatest advantage and also read what other people are 'saying' nonverbally. Full of real-world examples and applications, and some compelling theories (gravity-defying gestures, thumbs, ventral region, foot direction) it is a must read. However, some of the claims are ambitious (nicely 'debunked' by Laurel Foley in her podcast).
The Book of Tells
(2004)
By Peter Collett
Rated: 4 Stars
Peter Collett, social psychologist, former Oxford don, and former Big Brother psychologist, introduces the the concept of tells and how we unconsciously produce them, and the impact that these might have on those around us. Influenced by Desmond Morris whom Collett worked with on Gestures, The Book of Tells offers a unifying vocabulary for understanding human communication. It's told in an accessible style, as are his online videos/presentations.
By Peter Collett
Rated: 4 Stars
Peter Collett, social psychologist, former Oxford don, and former Big Brother psychologist, introduces the the concept of tells and how we unconsciously produce them, and the impact that these might have on those around us. Influenced by Desmond Morris whom Collett worked with on Gestures, The Book of Tells offers a unifying vocabulary for understanding human communication. It's told in an accessible style, as are his online videos/presentations.
Winning Body Language...
...for Sales Prefessionals
(2013)
By Mark Bowden, with Andrew Ford
Rating: 4 Stars
Arguable Bowden's best book (of several), it adds lots of content to his earlier Winning Body Language. Whether meeting clients, delivering a presentation, or making a deal, this book offers techniques for delivering your message nonverbally. The guidance includes tips on stance and where to place your hands (he's good on this).
(2013)
By Mark Bowden, with Andrew Ford
Rating: 4 Stars
Arguable Bowden's best book (of several), it adds lots of content to his earlier Winning Body Language. Whether meeting clients, delivering a presentation, or making a deal, this book offers techniques for delivering your message nonverbally. The guidance includes tips on stance and where to place your hands (he's good on this).
How to Read and Use Body Language
(2004)
By Anna Jaskolk
Rating: 2.5 Stars
95 per cent of communication is non-verbal, argues Jaskolka. Really? There are plenty of photos and illustrations as each chapter attempts to show how a question can be asnwered, such as who is lying? and do you fancy me? Lots of heading, lists and tips.
By Anna Jaskolk
Rating: 2.5 Stars
95 per cent of communication is non-verbal, argues Jaskolka. Really? There are plenty of photos and illustrations as each chapter attempts to show how a question can be asnwered, such as who is lying? and do you fancy me? Lots of heading, lists and tips.
The Ellipsis Manual
(2017)
Chase Hughes
Rating: 4 Stars
Originally written as a manual for intelligence operations, this book offers many techniques and methods that can be used to influence and predict behaviour. Exploring "loopholes" in human psychology, Chase Hughes provides a table of elements involving nonverbal and verbal expressions, rating their cues for significance. It's an interesting field guide, rich in content and covering linguistics and hypnosis, with scripts. Highly ambitious.
Chase Hughes
Rating: 4 Stars
Originally written as a manual for intelligence operations, this book offers many techniques and methods that can be used to influence and predict behaviour. Exploring "loopholes" in human psychology, Chase Hughes provides a table of elements involving nonverbal and verbal expressions, rating their cues for significance. It's an interesting field guide, rich in content and covering linguistics and hypnosis, with scripts. Highly ambitious.
Need to Know Body Language
(2005)
By Carolyn Boyes
Rated: 3.5 Stars
There are lots and lots of colour photos in this book. Most of them are staged/unnatural but they are used well. It's a good introduction to many of the basic theories and established assumptions. Perhaps a better book for would-be actors than people readers. A one-stop practical guide that occassionally relies on stereotypes.
By Carolyn Boyes
Rated: 3.5 Stars
There are lots and lots of colour photos in this book. Most of them are staged/unnatural but they are used well. It's a good introduction to many of the basic theories and established assumptions. Perhaps a better book for would-be actors than people readers. A one-stop practical guide that occassionally relies on stereotypes.
Louder Than Words
(2010)
By Joe Navarro and Toni Sciarra Poynter
Rating: 4 Stars
Drawing on his decades of work in the behavioural sciences, Navarro shows how to use his simple yet powerful comfort/discomfort model to decode nonverbal behaviour and gain crucial insights into the nonverbals of meetings, interviews, negotiations (particularly good) and presentations. Includes illustrations of Joe, in addition to personal accounts from his time as a Special Agent.
By Joe Navarro and Toni Sciarra Poynter
Rating: 4 Stars
Drawing on his decades of work in the behavioural sciences, Navarro shows how to use his simple yet powerful comfort/discomfort model to decode nonverbal behaviour and gain crucial insights into the nonverbals of meetings, interviews, negotiations (particularly good) and presentations. Includes illustrations of Joe, in addition to personal accounts from his time as a Special Agent.
Face Value
(2017)
By Alexander Todorov
Rated: 4.5 Stars
The scientific story of first impressions - and why the snap character judgments we make from faces are irresistible but usually incorrect. Snap judgments predict all kinds of important decisions (e.g. the look of electability/competence).
Todorov questions why we put so much stock in our widely shared impressions. The author is probably the leading authority of face perception and he draws on science with the aid of images to present the history and modern face of research in this field. Evolution is at its heart as we map of our own biases and stereotypes.
By Alexander Todorov
Rated: 4.5 Stars
The scientific story of first impressions - and why the snap character judgments we make from faces are irresistible but usually incorrect. Snap judgments predict all kinds of important decisions (e.g. the look of electability/competence).
Todorov questions why we put so much stock in our widely shared impressions. The author is probably the leading authority of face perception and he draws on science with the aid of images to present the history and modern face of research in this field. Evolution is at its heart as we map of our own biases and stereotypes.
The Art of Reading Minds
(2012)
By Henrik Fexeus
Rating: 4 Stars
Using skills such as non-verbal communication, body language and psychological influence, we can find out what another person thinks and feels – and consequently control that person’s thoughts and beliefs any way we want. Henrik Fexeus introduces a new kind of practical interpretation of the concept mind reading, which you will find practical in all aspects of your everyday life: job interviews, on a first date, suggesting proposals to your boss and in all social situations where you want to get your ideas across and influence other people. Posture, intonation, pace, glances and hand gestures all reveal what a person feels. Often it will be in direct conflict with the message they are expressing in words. Henrik Fexeus gives you the right tools to decipher these hidden messages. After his academic education in philosophy, Henrik Fexeus rapidly became a communications specialist. Fexeus is now an appreciated performer of edutainment. He has brought a whole new meaning to the expression mind reading and reveals skills in nonverbal communication, body language, psychological manipulation and psychological influence. He is currently touring with his mind reading show and has been hosting his own TV-show at Sweden’s largest broadcaster.
By Henrik Fexeus
Rating: 4 Stars
Using skills such as non-verbal communication, body language and psychological influence, we can find out what another person thinks and feels – and consequently control that person’s thoughts and beliefs any way we want. Henrik Fexeus introduces a new kind of practical interpretation of the concept mind reading, which you will find practical in all aspects of your everyday life: job interviews, on a first date, suggesting proposals to your boss and in all social situations where you want to get your ideas across and influence other people. Posture, intonation, pace, glances and hand gestures all reveal what a person feels. Often it will be in direct conflict with the message they are expressing in words. Henrik Fexeus gives you the right tools to decipher these hidden messages. After his academic education in philosophy, Henrik Fexeus rapidly became a communications specialist. Fexeus is now an appreciated performer of edutainment. He has brought a whole new meaning to the expression mind reading and reveals skills in nonverbal communication, body language, psychological manipulation and psychological influence. He is currently touring with his mind reading show and has been hosting his own TV-show at Sweden’s largest broadcaster.
If you have any body language book recommendations then please get in touch.
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