Teach Yourself Body Language

Rating:
Summary: Written for third graders
Review: This book should have never been published. It is the most elementary and basic book about body language that includes no original insight or revelation about non-verbal communication. The third party research the writer performed was so perfunctory and basic that it provided little-to-no value. Two thumbs way, way down.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This is a brilliant book, and one which I plan on giving to my brother-in-law, the only man I know who can make walking into a room a non-verbal stream of obscenities.

Rating:
Summary: If I knew then, what I know now.
Review: We all use body language in everyday interactions with each other. Most people don't realize how much body language is used to convey unspoken messages. Since a person cannot place a mirror in front of himself when his body speaks, he can't control the type of signal he is communicating to his audience. Sometimes gestures and feelings don't always coincide. To help the reader understand and use body language more effectively, Gordon R. Wainwright has developed a book entitled Teaching Yourself Body Language. Published in 1985, Teaching Yourself Body Language is often referred to as a guide to help one explore and refine his body language. Wainwright focuses on a different element of body language in each chapter. He gives a clear, concise introduction that tells what the book is about, and how it is organized. In each of the subsequent chapters, you will find that Wainwright gives background information to give the reader a better understanding of the element. In the first chapter, Wainwright explores eye contact which he considers to be "the most potent means of nonverbal communication we possess." When people look at each other, an interaction is being solicited. When this interaction occurs, eye contact is used in numerous ways to control the nature and duration of the conversation. Wainwright says one must become more observant to his surroundings, and where other people are looking. From your observations, you should be able to analyze that person's feelings and thoughts that otherwise wouldn't be put into words. From this chapter, the author moves into the facial expression element. The author notes, "We gain a good deal of our information about people's emotional states from the expressions on their faces." In this chapter, you'll learn facial expressions not only convey first impressions of personality traits, but also defines one's mood. Moving on into the next chapter, the author points out the importance of head movements. Head movements are used in talking and in listening. For example, the common nod can yield agreement, acknowledgment, and understanding depending upon the nature of the situation. The body is generally the most important element to consider when studying the unspoken word. The body as a whole tends to send the strongest message of all the elements. The size and shape of the body have a considerable influence on the way people perceive each other. Everybody has different styles, tastes, and qualities to consider when searching for friendships or relationships. The familiar quotes "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" and "Beauty is only skin deep" are relevant to the element of attractiveness. Some people rely on facial looks alone, others consider looks and physique; There are an infinite number of characteristics to be considered. Other interesting topics covered were Everyday Encounters, Timing and Synchronization, and Proximity and Orientation. Wainwright notes, "Body language is so central to self-presentation and impression management that it makes good sense to see its development as but a means to an end." Through this message, the author hopes to help people rise above the norm and to look past the stereotypes to make a new and improved YOU. Wainwright has done an outstanding job introducing body language. This unspoken word is not to be taken lightly by anyone. The exercises and examples that are used throughout this book make it an easy-to-use reference; therefore, giving the reader a chance to test himself on each different element of body language. Although some examples seem a little far fetched, research shows that through using body language ninety percent of the time we will encounter all types. The author wants the reader to feel in control at all times when interacting with others. By the time the book is finished the reader should be in complete control of his own destiny. This book is recommended for the reader that hopes to gain further understanding of how unspoken messages speak loud and clear. This book is highly recommended for those who work in an atmosphere where face-to-face contact is mandatory. The reader's nonverbal communication skills will definitely advance and/or improve through reading this book. It's never too late to work on body language. Don't let body language work on you; You work on body language.