Understanding Nonverbal Communication

by Mark G. Frank

Vocal tone and pitch. Posture. Eye contact and blinking. Gestures. Gait. Body type and clothing choices. How much of our communication is nonverbal?

In Understanding Nonverbal Communication, you'll discover that nonverbal communication is less intentional and harder to control than the words you choose to speak. Because you are less aware of it than you are of your words, it provides better clues to what you are feeling and thinking. You can deliberately decide what to say, but from the deeper subcortical regions of your brain come your involuntary nonverbal expressions, including sweat, pupil dilation, facial movements, or blushing cheeks - any of which can speak more about your intentions or emotions than your actual words might. In 12 revealing lectures, you'll explore the history, evolution, and context of both the outright obvious and the sublimely subtle nuances of personal expression.

The science of nonverbal communication has revealed intriguing insights into everything from how aspects of your reactions are biologically hardwired to how you are subconsciously influenced to vote by political speakers. You'll come to realize that the "invisible" world of nonverbal communication was always visible to you. You will explore the role of nonverbal communication as it relates to understanding other people's worldviews and interaction styles. With careful observation, you can capitalize on this science to further appreciate human expression, smooth social interactions, and strengthen relationships - helping to make the world a better and more accepting place.

Genres: Audiobook, Psychology, Communication, Science, Nonfiction, Self Help, Business

Audible Audio

Published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Yaaresse · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really more about biology, neurology, and unconscious habits than what one typically thinks of when one heard "nonverbal communication." It is not, for example, going to tell you when someone is lying or how to "read" body language. It's not a "how to" series of lectures, but a "why we" series.

[Denny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Professor Frank is an engaging narrator, and this course is a decent introduction to the basics of nonverbal communication in all its forms, but I was disappointed in how little time was devoted to microexpressions and using observation of them to detect deception. I guess maybe that's a whole separate, more detailed course probably best delivered in an actual classroom setting with hands-on training.

[Michelle Halliwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is cool. It taught me how to better read people. There is so much that people do not say, so if you listen to what they say and compare that to their body language, you can guess what they actually mean. This lecture series was worth it.

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I made a mistake by reading negative reviews before listening to the book. Understanding nonverbal communication requires learning fundamentals, and this book is helpful with fundamentals. I found a number of ideas that are worth jotting down and practicing.

[Jennifer Gamboa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful

[Jack · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this course. The ground covered did not seem like university-level material to me. It contained quite basic information, already over-discussed by mass market media channels. This course was not thought-provoking or intellectually stimulating.

If this kind of topic interests you, you would be far better off reading a book on body language or interpersonal communication written by an FBI investigator or interrogator (there are several good books out there).

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

This professor outlines elements of nonverbal communication as well as limitations in interpretation (in a basic fashion): microexpressions, tone, gait, posture, culture. The application is difficult as there are many things to think about in a short space of time-- a key takeaway is to take pause in relying too heavily on first impressions, see Malcom Gladwell's Talking to Strangers.

[Karim Bazan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok. This is helpful guide for knowing the techniques of non verbal communications and how to predict what is the other thinking about or feeling during your conversation with him/her.
I listened to this course as an audiobook and it's only take about 6hours and 8 minutes, not so long but most of the points that the book discussed are already known .

[Mimi · Rating 2 out of 5]

“We get angry at what people do, but we feel contempt for what they are."

(2-star because I already knew much of the materials. Also, I don't buy the whole women/men distinction and Darwinian fitness theories -- they are just too backwards for this day and age.)

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very short read. Had about three pages of worthwhile information. A few facts worth considering and illuminating. Mostly, nothing new or fantastic.

[Major Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this book: good ques on people watching; most of them logical.

[Patrick Trent · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting course that reviews different aspects of nonverbal communication.

[lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

So basic it hurts. If you haven’t had graduate level psychology or sociology; or if you’re sociopathic, this book may be insightful.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author presents a well-formulated description of nonverbal communication around the world. He breaks it down into many categories and deals with each explicitly. Recommended!

Re-watched the lectures five years later: As good as the first time!