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Behind the Mask: What Michael Jackson's Body Language Told The World
If you're a Michael Jackson fan you need to read this book. If you're interested in the fascinating world of body language and non-verbal communication you will love this book.
A trained micro expressions reader with an extensive background in anatomy and physiology, author Craig-James Baxter has been sharing his knowledge and passion for body language for over 8 years. His All About Body Language website (www.all-about-body-language.com) is part of a portfolio of psychology/forensic psychology/forensic science websites which together receive over 120,000 monthly unique visitors and generate over 4 million yearly page views. He has interviewed the world's leading body language experts (Paul Ekman, Joe Navarro, David Matsumoto, Carol Kinsey Goman, J.J. Newberry); written for numerous magazines and newspapers and has over 1,000,000 views on YouTube to his name.
In Behind The Mask: What Michael Jackson’s Body Language Told The World - Craig-James Baxter's analysis of five infamous video interviews offers a fresh and compelling insight into the world of one of the most popular musicians the world has ever known and seeks to establish the truth behind the lurid allegations and rumors which followed Michael Jackson throughout his adult life.
The interviews covered in the book are:
1993 Oprah Winfrey Interview.
1993 Statement from Neverland Ranch.
1996 Police interview.
2003 Martin Bashir: Living with Michael Jackson.
2003 Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant to See (Martin Bashir Rebuttal Video).
The man behind the mask has finally been revealed. If you want to know what Michael Jackson’s Body Language Told The World, read this book!
A trained micro expressions reader with an extensive background in anatomy and physiology, author Craig-James Baxter has been sharing his knowledge and passion for body language for over 8 years. His All About Body Language website (www.all-about-body-language.com) is part of a portfolio of psychology/forensic psychology/forensic science websites which together receive over 120,000 monthly unique visitors and generate over 4 million yearly page views. He has interviewed the world's leading body language experts (Paul Ekman, Joe Navarro, David Matsumoto, Carol Kinsey Goman, J.J. Newberry); written for numerous magazines and newspapers and has over 1,000,000 views on YouTube to his name.
In Behind The Mask: What Michael Jackson’s Body Language Told The World - Craig-James Baxter's analysis of five infamous video interviews offers a fresh and compelling insight into the world of one of the most popular musicians the world has ever known and seeks to establish the truth behind the lurid allegations and rumors which followed Michael Jackson throughout his adult life.
The interviews covered in the book are:
1993 Oprah Winfrey Interview.
1993 Statement from Neverland Ranch.
1996 Police interview.
2003 Martin Bashir: Living with Michael Jackson.
2003 Take Two: The Footage You Were Never Meant to See (Martin Bashir Rebuttal Video).
The man behind the mask has finally been revealed. If you want to know what Michael Jackson’s Body Language Told The World, read this book!
- GenresPsychologyNonfiction
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 4, 2012
I first stumbled upon Craig Baxter by watching his body language analysis videos of Michael Jackson on YouTube. I was reluctant at first in watching them because I was worried the videos would be some quack with biases twisting Michael Jackson's body language to prove him guilty. It's something you come to expect when anyone wants to offer up their opinion on Michael's behavior. Having watched the videos I was pleasantly surprised that they are objective, fair, and unbiased. Baxter is very professional and an expert in his field.
This book covers several Michael Jackson interviews that the author analyzed, including some information not found on his YouTube channel. The body language of Michael Jackson in each interview is thoroughly examined and backed up with factual research by renowned body language experts around the world.
I see this book as humanizing the superstar Michael Jackson. I also see it as vindication as proof of his innocence, but as the author says, it's up to the reader to come to their own conclusions. I hope everyone will read it, fan and non-fan alike. You'll also learn a thing or two about body language you probably wouldn't have known before.
This book covers several Michael Jackson interviews that the author analyzed, including some information not found on his YouTube channel. The body language of Michael Jackson in each interview is thoroughly examined and backed up with factual research by renowned body language experts around the world.
I see this book as humanizing the superstar Michael Jackson. I also see it as vindication as proof of his innocence, but as the author says, it's up to the reader to come to their own conclusions. I hope everyone will read it, fan and non-fan alike. You'll also learn a thing or two about body language you probably wouldn't have known before.
June 20, 2015
I had an opportunity to download a free copy from a psychology site I joined, and found this quite interesting as a study in how small actions reveal character. I never paid that much attention to the artist, but gained a new appreciation for him as a person who was so often treated unfairly in the media.
August 30, 2013
Good tips in reading body language! Michael was taken advantage of, long live the king of pop!
September 7, 2026
Overall, very interesting. I did a Google search about Michael Jackson’s body language during interviews and this book came up, so I eagerly bought it on Kindle. As someone who did not previously have a large background knowledge on body language, the book was very interesting. It offers information on Michael Jackson and how to understand and interpret body language and then analyzes five specific interviews: Michael Jackson’s Interview with Oprah, Michael Jackson’s statement from Neverland Ranch, Michael Jackson’s Police Interview from 1996, Living With Michael Jackson with Bashir and finally, The Footage You Were Never Meant to See (also from the Bashir interview). I rewatched each interview as I read which made for a very interesting experience. I was able to follow along with the body movements the book was describing and see how the author was making his conclusions, which was very eye opening. The interpretations made by the author actually made a lot of sense; I had always been interested in the body language Michael Jackson showed in his interviews, and with the information from the book I was able to learn more about what he may have been feeling during the time of the interviews.
Even though I liked the book as a whole, I was slightly disappointed in the selection of interviews the book chose to analyze. One very important interview the book does not include is the Diane Sawyer interview from 1995 that Michael Jackson does alongside his then-wife, Lisa Marie Presley. This one is essential because it’s the first interview Michael did after the allegations and he was literally questioned about the allegations during it. I also think this one is particularly interesting because of the range of his emotions throughout; many times he goes from serious to playful. Additionally, it would have been interesting to see a comparison between how Michael Jackson acts when being interviewed alone versus with his wife. I just thought this was a pretty essential interview and was pretty disappointed that it was not included in the book. Also, the Barbara Walters interview from 1997 would have also been interesting to include, to be honest. Well, I guess I can except that the Barbara Walters interview was not included as it’s far less well-known, but considering that this book was trying to advocate for Michael’s innocence, choosing not to include the Diane Sawyer interview was not a good choice in my opinion. Very disappointing.
One other thing I think should be noted is the author didn’t seem to consider the fact that Michael Jackson was likely on some medications and drugs during the times of some of these interviews, particularly the Bashir one. Lisa Marie Presley has said that he seemed to be on something during that interview. Nothing has been confirmed, but I think given the context that we know now, the author should have at least mentioned that medications could have been a factor that plays a part in the body language of Michael during these later interviews, especially after the allegations came to light, as he even stated himself that he had a larger dependence on painkillers during this time. Just a note.
Overall though, I did enjoy this book, even though it felt incomplete without the Diane Sawyer interview. (I do really appreciate that The Footage You Were Never Meant To See was included though, because Bashir clearly set Michael up!) Following along with the interviews while watching was very informative and I learned a lot! My favorite chapter was probably the Oprah interview as that’s one of my favorites to rewatch. I now know just how much body language can say about someone, even a famous person.
Even though I liked the book as a whole, I was slightly disappointed in the selection of interviews the book chose to analyze. One very important interview the book does not include is the Diane Sawyer interview from 1995 that Michael Jackson does alongside his then-wife, Lisa Marie Presley. This one is essential because it’s the first interview Michael did after the allegations and he was literally questioned about the allegations during it. I also think this one is particularly interesting because of the range of his emotions throughout; many times he goes from serious to playful. Additionally, it would have been interesting to see a comparison between how Michael Jackson acts when being interviewed alone versus with his wife. I just thought this was a pretty essential interview and was pretty disappointed that it was not included in the book. Also, the Barbara Walters interview from 1997 would have also been interesting to include, to be honest. Well, I guess I can except that the Barbara Walters interview was not included as it’s far less well-known, but considering that this book was trying to advocate for Michael’s innocence, choosing not to include the Diane Sawyer interview was not a good choice in my opinion. Very disappointing.
One other thing I think should be noted is the author didn’t seem to consider the fact that Michael Jackson was likely on some medications and drugs during the times of some of these interviews, particularly the Bashir one. Lisa Marie Presley has said that he seemed to be on something during that interview. Nothing has been confirmed, but I think given the context that we know now, the author should have at least mentioned that medications could have been a factor that plays a part in the body language of Michael during these later interviews, especially after the allegations came to light, as he even stated himself that he had a larger dependence on painkillers during this time. Just a note.
Overall though, I did enjoy this book, even though it felt incomplete without the Diane Sawyer interview. (I do really appreciate that The Footage You Were Never Meant To See was included though, because Bashir clearly set Michael up!) Following along with the interviews while watching was very informative and I learned a lot! My favorite chapter was probably the Oprah interview as that’s one of my favorites to rewatch. I now know just how much body language can say about someone, even a famous person.
December 5, 2020
This is an intersting books but sadly it falls short cause it had the potential to be so much more. I would for example have liked to read an analysis of the Prime Time intrview together with Lisa-Marie. There isn't much to discuss redarding the edited police video from 1996 so why not instead analyse the 60 minutes interview from 2003 with Ed Bradley and maybe referense it with the 2005 Geraldo interview, particularly since Geraldo was one of the few journalists who Michael was comfortable with and who treated him with respect during the interview.
Also, as a fan of nearly 29 years this book offers no new information. It is indeed an interesting, easy read and I learned a few new things about body language but nothing new about Michael. After having studied him as a fan for nearly 29 years this book confirmed to me that I can read him just as well as a body language expert can.
Also, as a fan of nearly 29 years this book offers no new information. It is indeed an interesting, easy read and I learned a few new things about body language but nothing new about Michael. After having studied him as a fan for nearly 29 years this book confirmed to me that I can read him just as well as a body language expert can.
September 16, 2019
A CJB. Factual Observation of Michael Jackson's Body Language (MJ) (BTM) (WMJBLTTWB -1)
CJB. Has penned a factual analysis of exactly what MJ's body language was speaking when being interviewed by TV personalities, Newsman and Women, Magazine Authors. CJB. has studied body language and between his analysis and the researchers he worked with was able to ascertain MJ's personal feelings, private, even though he was in front of an audience. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
CJB. Has penned a factual analysis of exactly what MJ's body language was speaking when being interviewed by TV personalities, Newsman and Women, Magazine Authors. CJB. has studied body language and between his analysis and the researchers he worked with was able to ascertain MJ's personal feelings, private, even though he was in front of an audience. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
August 29, 2013
I downloaded the Kindle edition of 'Behind the Mask' when it was offered free for a limited period of time in honour of Michael Jackson's birthday, 29 August 2013. My expectations were not particularly high, despite knowing it was a positive look at MJ, but I had read another fan's review which was mostly critical of the interviews chosen for examination by its author, body language specialist Craig James Baxter.
However, I was pleasantly surprised and pleased at the 'revelations' Baxter proposed on watching Michael's reactions in a handful of interviews - most of which are well known to fans. I found my own observations (made without any expertise, I must admit) to be reinforced by Baxter's analysis of Michael's behaviour, attitudes and actions on these specific occasions.
In particular I found myself agreeing with Baxter's summation of the interviewers themselves as well as their subject. Michael showed refreshingly natural behaviour in response to some unexpected and unsettling questions from some less than honest interviewers! It's certainly true that any interview tells us as much about the person asking the questions as it does about the one answering them.
Certainly, as that other fan had complained, there are other significant interviews which could have been examined... in particular those by Barbara Walters and Geraldo Rivera, but what is most revealing about those Baxter chose is Michael's reaction to the interviewers who were, at times, rude, abrupt and even deceitful.
I appreciated the opportunity to read this book, and I certainly appreciate the generosity of the author in offering it for Michael's fan's on our idol's birthday.
However, I was pleasantly surprised and pleased at the 'revelations' Baxter proposed on watching Michael's reactions in a handful of interviews - most of which are well known to fans. I found my own observations (made without any expertise, I must admit) to be reinforced by Baxter's analysis of Michael's behaviour, attitudes and actions on these specific occasions.
In particular I found myself agreeing with Baxter's summation of the interviewers themselves as well as their subject. Michael showed refreshingly natural behaviour in response to some unexpected and unsettling questions from some less than honest interviewers! It's certainly true that any interview tells us as much about the person asking the questions as it does about the one answering them.
Certainly, as that other fan had complained, there are other significant interviews which could have been examined... in particular those by Barbara Walters and Geraldo Rivera, but what is most revealing about those Baxter chose is Michael's reaction to the interviewers who were, at times, rude, abrupt and even deceitful.
I appreciated the opportunity to read this book, and I certainly appreciate the generosity of the author in offering it for Michael's fan's on our idol's birthday.
February 17, 2017
Da esperto di psicologia e linguaggio corporale, Craig James Baxter, analizza in modo chiaro ed approfondito la personalità di Michael Jackson, verificando come il medesimo non avesse alcuna perversione sessuale volta alla pedofilia.
January 11, 2013
Michael Jackson (Behind the mask: what Michael Jackson’s body language told the world) by Craig James Baxter
This book offers an exceptional insight into the private world of Michael Jackson. Through the medium of four, well known interviews; Craig dissects the true meaning behind the words Michael and his interviewers spoke. He explores the common myths people associate with body language. To reveal a very different picture than the media would have us believe. A must read for all fans of Michael Jackson and those wise people that know there are two sides to every story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly await his second.
This book offers an exceptional insight into the private world of Michael Jackson. Through the medium of four, well known interviews; Craig dissects the true meaning behind the words Michael and his interviewers spoke. He explores the common myths people associate with body language. To reveal a very different picture than the media would have us believe. A must read for all fans of Michael Jackson and those wise people that know there are two sides to every story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly await his second.
January 16, 2013
This book offers an exceptional insight into the private world of Michael Jackson. Through the medium of four, well known interviews; Craig dissects the true meaning behind the words Michael and his interviewers spoke. He explores the common myths people associate with body language. To reveal a very different picture than the media would have us believe. A must read for all fans of Michael Jackson and those wise people that know there are two sides to every story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and eagerly await his second.
September 2, 2014
An impressive insight into Michael Jackson on the basis of his body language. A fascinating combination of one of my favourite subjects - Michael Jackson and Psychology. MJ fans will get to know more about the 'King of Pop' through this book.
January 21, 2013
The author writes about what Michael Jackson's body language can tell us. Very interesting read. If you are an MJ fan, this is a must.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews