Be Aware That Signals Can be Misread

According to some, a firm handshake indicates a strong personality while a weak handshake is taken as a lack of fortitude. This example illustrates an important point about the possibility of misreading nonverbal signals. A limp handshake might actually indicate something else entirely, such as arthritis. Always remember to look for groups of behavior. A person's overall demeanor is far more telling than a single gesture viewed in isolation.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Some people just seem to have a knack for using nonverbal communication effectively and correctly interpreting signals from others. These people are often described as being able to "read people." In reality, you can build this skill by paying careful attention to nonverbal behavior and practicing different types of nonverbal communication with others. By noticing nonverbal behavior and practicing your own skills, you can dramatically improve your communication abilities.

The Definitive Book of Body Language

The Bottom Line

The Definitive Book of Body Language is a great resource for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of body language. Learn more about how to interpret the nonverbal behavior of other people as well as how to use body language to send the right signals.

Pros

Helps the reader understand and interpret different types of body language.

Offers practical tips and suggestions for improving your own body language.

Covers a wide range of nonverbal behaviors, from eye signals to arm positioning.

Provides numerous visual examples of body language and nonverbal signals.

Cons

Few in-text citations to identify research, studies, and sources.