THE DEFINITIVE BOOK OF BODY LANGUAGE

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1 THE DEFINITIVE BOOK OF BODY LANGUAGE AUTHOR: ALLAN & BARBARA PEASE THIS POWER SUMMARY WAS CREATED BY DAVID RIKLAN Original Publication Date: 2006 This international bestseller has sold over 4 million copies. PowerSummaries.com Copyright

2 Short Summary Nonverbal communication is one of the most powerful means of expressing ourselves. Even when we don t notice what we are doing, we are telling the world around us what we are thinking, how we are feeling, and what is really going in inside us. So powerful are these cues that some high-powered law enforcement agencies utilize profilers that detect nonverbal communication and interpret it to determine the hidden guilt or knowledge of suspects. Of course, this is only one way that body language can be used. In this book, Allan and Barbara Pease explore how an understanding of body language can help you to interpret the people around you and guard your thoughts and feelings through modification of your own nonverbal communication. Through this understanding it is possible to guide others and enjoy greater interpersonal and professional successes. Key Takeaways Pease indicates that though there are certain nonverbal cues that are similar over nearly all people, there are cultural influences to body language that should be taken into account when attempting to interpret and modify body language cues. This book also offers real advice to those that wish to improve their own body language and use it more effectively. 1) A series, or cluster, of behaviors and cues offer more insight into thoughts and emotions than a singular behavior. 2) Even the most subtle of facial movements, called micro-expressions, are telling. Always make eye contact (unless it is a social faux pas, as in Japan). 3) You can control the first impression that you make on other people by manipulating your body language and offering subtle nonverbal cues. 4) When gesturing, use controlled movements that are not over the top. PowerSummaries.com Copyright

3 5) The way that you choose to stand can communicate your level of self-confidence, how you are feeling in the group you are in, your emotions toward the people around you, and your sense of the hierarchy around you. For instance, crossing your arms or legs suggests you are closed off from the conversation or unreceptive. Always stand up straight to display confidence. 6) It is not just your body that is used for nonverbal communication. How you choose to apply makeup, smoke a cigarette, manipulate your glasses, eat, and many other behaviors are also powerful ways of communicating your thoughts and feelings. 7) Something as commonplace as a handshake can be used to gain control over others around you. Shake hands with a straight, vertical palm and grasp the other person's hand firmly, but not too firmly. 8) In their book, the Allan and Barbara Pease identified 8 of the most common lying gestures including the mouth cover, the nose touch, the itchy nose, the eye rub, the ear grab, the neck scratch, the collar pull and fingers in the mouth. Action Steps 1) Start paying attention to how your body moves and reacts when you are experiencing particular emotions, thoughts, or compulsions. 2) Don t underestimate the power of your smile the way that you choose to smile can communicate volumes to those around you. Always show your teeth. 3) Learn the behaviors and common cues of those being deceitful and use those to evaluate the honesty and integrity of those around you. This can be very useful in a business environment. 4) Observe the body language of whoever you are speaking to and try to mirror it to make them feel more at ease and receptive. PowerSummaries.com Copyright

4 Thought-Provoking Questions 1) What do you want your body language to tell people? Does your body language usually match your inner emotional state? 2) Do you consciously notice other people s body language? What can you tell from it? Quotes and Excerpts "Science has proved that the more you smile, the more positive reactions others will give you." "Set aside at least fifteen minutes a day to study the body language of other people, as well as acquiring a conscious awareness of your own gestures. A good reading ground is anywhere that people meet and interact. An airport is a particularly good place for observing the entire spectrum of human gestures as people openly express eagerness, anger, sorrow, happiness, impatience and many other emotions through body language. Social functions, business meetings and parties are also excellent. When you became proficient at the art of reading body language, you can go to a party, sit in a corner all evening and have an exciting time just watching other people s body language rituals." Author's Biography Allan Pease has written eleven other bestselling books on the subject of human communication and body language, including, with Barbara Pease, Why Men Don t Listen and Women Can t Read Maps and Why Men Don t Have a Clue and Women Always Need New Shoes. PowerSummaries.com Copyright

5 Barbara Pease is CEO of Pease Training International and the author of the international bestseller Memory Language. She divides her time between England and Australia, trying to find her way home from the airport. To purchase this book directly from Amazon.com, go to PowerSummaries.com Copyright