The Body Language Handbook: How to Read Everyone's Hidden Thoughts and Intentions

The mouth can say one thing but the body can say another. "The Body Language Handbook: How to Read Everyone's Hidden Thoughts and Intentions" is a guide to the body language that everyone gives off, whether they know it or not. With passages on cultural differences in body language, how body language can change the meaning of words entirely, and how to use one's own body language to project the right message, "The Body Language Handbook" is a fascinating and enlightening read into human nature.

Haven't quite finished it yet, but from what I've read so far, this guy is brilliant. His insights will change your life.

I thought this book was excellent. I was particularly struck by the analysis of individuality and culture it presents. I've lived in foreign countries so it makes sense to me that gestures are culturally influenced. In college, for example, I had a professor who taught both French and German. French students used to regularly visit his German classes (and vice versa) because he was so fluent that his gestures changed considerably when he switched languages. What fascinated in this book though is how this combines with individual habits, limitations, etc. I've encountered people who have made me uncomfortable for reasons I couldn't quite explain. I got some insight into what might have been going -- perhaps, for example, some slight physical limitation that altered the person's gestures or expressions and made them "feel" wrong to me. Also particularly interesting was the analysis of body language in the context of relationships between individuals. I didn't feel that this book contained "psychobabble". In fact, I would say the language was clear and specific, unlike a number of other books I've read (or attempted to read). The authors present a detailed method for understanding and evaluating body language and gestures. The case studies are very helpful in applying this.

Hartley does a good job of describing basic non-verbal behaviors. For the new student or someone with a casual interest in the subject this tome is adequate. Of special note is the space given to non-verbal messaging from other cultures. I found this quite interesting and eye-opening. Who whould think I could be delivering a message of death by merely relaxing with my hands on my head! Photographs were of rather poor quality and the gestures in some of them were questionable. Improving these would have enhanced the quality of the book. Overall, a good read and an adequate review of basic non-verbal communication.