Teach Yourself Body Language, Third Edition

by Gordon Wainright

Become a master reader of body language We all use body language. Over 90 percent of all face-to-face communication is non-verbal, and the silent messages of body language often reveal more than the spoken word in conveying true feelings. These messages are particularly significant in influencing first impressions and the self-image we project to others. Now updated for the 21st century with the very latest research, Teach Yourself Body Language gives you the knowledge and understanding to be able to use and interpret body language more effectively. It includes practical exercises that will enhance your understanding of non-verbal communication. It also explores the use of body language in personal and professional situations.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Communication, Reference, Self Help

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 1992

Reviews

[B. Jay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite a scholarly English text describing the science of non verbal expression as thoroughly as possible, I found this information to be useful primarily at a middle school level. If you are unsure if someone is interested or bored by their posture, you may need the guidance of this book. If you are still confused by the difference between head nods and shakes, you had best consult this book. The rest of us can find more useful texts to read.

[Leonca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do plan to experiment with some of the exercises, but since I have not yet I can’t relate how useful they are.
The writing style is a bit dry and bland compared to books I have read discussing a similar subject.
Some of the conclusions could spark interesting debate, for example the suggestion that groups work best if everyone looks alike. Is this human nature and something useful to know, or a cultural bias that could be harmful to anyone who is “different?” Even if research suggests people behave in certain ways, it is worth thinking about the implications before accepting it as the way things have to be.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book opened my eyes. I became more aware about how and why others perceive me as they do. Also, I am aware of how I have come to perceive others. I believe we all need to read a book about body language because everyone uses it subconsciously to communicate. If we took the time to learn to become consciously aware of how we use body language to communicate I think every individual could be better understood by others. With good communication come understanding, acceptance, individuality and confidence.

[Semiophrenic · Rating 1 out of 5]

The text itself seemed complex and unsure of itself. Some sentences just feel out of place, like they were the bastard children of jargon-filled technical papers, e.g. "People tend to allow a pleasurable activity to be prolonged and will try to shorten an unpleasant one for fairly obvious reasons." Most observations in this book are justified with "fairly obvious readers" instead of actual proof. It contains few illustrations, lots of tedious lists, and nothing very substantial or noteworthy.

[Megan]

I definitely DID own a copy of this and if I can't find it I might buy another because I feel like I didn't properly absorb it the first time and could use to read it again... and again and again and again.

[Ditta Arianti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book if you want to learn how body language is the sign of the communication between each other people. Every aspect of a body language had been described from this book, and also can understand the meaning of eye contact and other things that important to our daily life..

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I almost bought this book before I read it, I’m glad I didn’t. Things didn’t flow and it just seemed more like reading lists. I also didn’t learn anything new.

[Mark James · Rating 2 out of 5]

I bought this on a whim during travels. There is some interesting information worth knowing, but a lot of it is basic. The language is quite outdated too.

[Betsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very detailed. Lots of information...but lots I already knew. I found myself skimming pages on several occasions.

The book does contain exercises for you to become more aware of others' non-verbal communication.

The 9 Golden Rules (summed up on p. 147).
1. Make eye contact
2. Smile
3. Nod approval
4. Open up
5. Look confident
6. Don't back off
7. Touch with care
8. Good timing
9. Watch your tone

If these seem like common sense to you
..then don't bother reading this book. But if those points are unclear, you might benefit.

Edited to add... "I can read you like a book," by Gergory Hartley, is a much more practical and helpful read.

[Christina Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read. Some of it I thought "I just don't care," but at the same time, I have realized that I am taken the wrong way most of the time, haha. This book is a great tool for any actor or performer too.

[Heather Mccracken · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just a fun book to read. It actually teaches you quite a bit of the unspoken art of communication - very interesting

[Mintsocute · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned about how body language work, and
how it convey through our thought. It will help communication,
life style, read body language, and improve personality.

[Saman smiles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I used its techniques in my classes specially with kids !! that is goddamn useful sometimes !

[Maria Dellaporta]

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