The Definitive Book of Body Language
by Allan Pease, Barbara Pease
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Book Reviews of The Definitive Book of Body Language
Book Review: I'm Reading EVERYBODY, Now!
Summary: 4 Stars
As an author, I am naturally a student of observation, so this book had the potential to be of great service to me not only in my writing, but in character-building and expression.
I enjoyed the read. Unlike some other Body Language books, this one has a lot of photographs, and at the risk of sounding sophomoric, they really added to my understanding of the text.
The chapters/categories made a lot of sense, and the information moved along with little unnecessary repetition. I think everyone who reads this book will have their eyes opened, and begin to read body language everywhere they go.
The only thing that bugged me was that the authors used evolution to explain much of the human's use of body language. I didn't find their theories believable, and evolution explanations really weren't necessary. I would expect some reference to the ape-man, Neanderthal, etc, but these authors referred to them with a fervor akin to proselytizing. This shortcoming is the only thing that held me back from leaving 5-stars. Skimming those sections was easy, and the book is well worth the read and the purchase price.
Ellen C Maze
Author of Curiously Spiritual Vampire Tales
Book Review: Bring out your bias filter
Summary: 3 Stars
I've found this book to be accurate in it's descriptions of gestures and postures and the attitudes they foster or perpetuate. The information as it applies to how a gesture cluster or posture means about the person adopting it are true. Solid from that aspect. The authors think rather highly of themselves, however, and make some pretty bold claims throughout the entire book. They actually make the statement in the beginning of the book that the world was daft of the knowledge of body language until their first book was published in the 70's! On top of the monstrous ego this book hauls around with it are some pretty far out speculations on where and how these gestures developed. The authors try to relate everything we do now as it has come about since the missing link's need for survival. To top it off the authors fancy themselves comedians of sorts. They weave in horrible jokes with the lists of meanings making the line between rest of the information and the lead-ins blurry.
So if you feel you can wade through a sense of self-importance the size of Texas, brave bad jokes and wild evolutionary and psychological speculation then have at because the information is good after you wash it off with a grain of salt.
Book Review: Very Interesting...
Summary: 5 Stars
I read through this book pretty quickly. It kept my interest on almost every page. This is a great book if you are interested in learning about body language.
I learned a lot from this book. I am now very aware of my body language when talking to others. I have noticed that I tend to get into a defensive body mode when i talk about serious items, probably not the best way to approach the subject. I also enjoy the fact that I now watch everyone I interact with in a new light. I am more able to steer the conversation to my benefit when i talk to people because I can now gauge their reactions to the topics. If they are open and positive, I continue on. If they are closed and defensive I change my approach.
I thought I had a pretty good understanding of basic body language before reading this book. But in reality I only knew a few of the basics of the language. The authors go into detail on how a single move is not always accurate, what you want to observe is clusters of movements or positions. Lots of really helpful information.
There was also a lot of coverage of engaging the opposite sex. Lots of really good information that I will try out if my wife ever lets me date.
Book Review: An enjoyable and informative read
Summary: 4 Stars
Filled with photographs and illustrations the authors have included dozens of examples of politicians and celebrities revealing their feelings and motives through non-verbal communication. A good book to share with a friend, start a conversation, or even use as a primer for a short class on non-verbal communication.
Most people would not intentionally dismiss messages someone is sending verbally or refuse to understand the jargon within their profession. To do so would be foolish and extremely arrogant. Why is it acceptable to ignore clear and powerful messages communicated through body language?
The information provided by the authors can be of benefit to almost anyone interested in increasing their ability to communicate more effectively with others in a face-to-face setting.
From and academic perspective I would have preferred endnotes or footnotes for the sources on the statics and other research discussed by the authors. They provide a reference list but without any connection to the text. I found myself wanting more information to support their claims. However, even without further documentation, the text is beneficial and I'm glad I own a copy.
Book Review: If you sell anything, including your ideas --- study this book!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a fascinating book! What I liked most were the many illustrations demonstrating the authors' points throughout the book. Read the text though--there is so much more to this book. The author's sense of humor, though a little dry, added entertainment to an already enlightening read. I especially liked the courtship section. It is amazing that women send signals an average of 5 times before the men they are interested in respond. It just shows you how dense we men are. I found it unsettling that if you are interested in another woman at a party, the woman you are with will pick up your signal is a New York minute. And, if another woman starts flirting with you from across a room, the woman you are with will send recognizable body language to the other female: "hands off, he's mine--you're looking at trouble."
After reading this book, I guess I will never go into another meeting without subconsciously, or consciously, trying to recall the lessons in this book. I hope someone in the Harvard business school considers teaching this text in a course.
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