Body Language For Dummies

Are your words and your body telling the same story? Discover the impact that nonverbal behavior has on communication

Much of a message’s meaning comes through what’s not being said. To master the art of clear communication, you need to be able to read others’ body language and remain mindful of the messages your own gestures, movements, and facial expressions are sending. Body Language For Dummies shows you how to interpret nonverbal cues at work and in your personal life. With the help of this easy-to-follow Dummies guide, you can navigate the gap between words and meaning—even in multicultural settings. Plus, this updated edition goes virtual, with new insights demonstrating the significance of facial expressions and body language in online vs. in-person meetings.

• Gain insight into other people’s thoughts, feelings, and intentions
• Develop an awareness of how your body language influences others’ opinions
• Make the camera your friend during virtual meetings
• Learn tips and tricks to uncover people’s real attitudes and motivations

If you want to better understand others and improve your own communication skills (and who doesn’t?), this is the Dummies book for you.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Body Language 7

Chapter 1: Exploring the Fundamentals of Body Language 9

Chapter 2: Looking Closer at Nonverbal Behavior 33

Part 2: Starting at the Top 47

Chapter 3: Heading to the Heart of the Matter 49

Chapter 4: Watching Facial Expressions 65

Chapter 5: Eyeing the Situation 81

Chapter 6: Mastering Lip Reading 99

Part 3: Letting the Limbs Do the Talking 115

Chapter 7: Taking It from the Torso 117

Chapter 8: Arming Yourself 137

Chapter 9: Letting Your Hands Do the Talking 153

Chapter 10: Standing Your Ground 175

Chapter 11: Playing with Props 187

Part 4: Putting the Body into Social and Business Context 199

Chapter 12: Being Aware of Space and Distance 201

Chapter 13: Rating, Dating, and Mating: Sensual and Sexual Body Language 219

Chapter 14: Interviewing, Influencing, and Playing Politics 237

Chapter 15: Crossing the Cultural Divide 257

Chapter 16: Communicating in Challenging Circumstances 275

Part 5: The Part of Tens 289

Chapter 17: Ten Ways to Read Other People 291

Chapter 18: Ten Ways to Demonstrate Confidence 299

Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Improve Your Nonverbal Communication 305

Elizabeth Kuhnke is the founder of Kuhnke Communication, which specializes in interpersonal communication. Elizabeth runs workshops, training courses, and coaching programs as well as speaking at business conferences and international events. She is the author of Body Language: Learn How to Read Others and Communicate with Confidence and Communication Skills For Dummies.

Communication is about more than what you say

Sure, you’re listening when others talk, but do you know what they’re really telling you? Without an understanding of body language, you’re missing a big chunk of the picture. Body Language For Dummies fills in the gaps, so you can tell what people are thinking and feeling just by observing them. You’ll also discover what you might be communicating with your body language, helping you get along better with others at work and in your personal life. This fun and informative book covers all the nonverbal cues, from head to toe.

Inside…

• Demonstrating confidence
• Reading ambiguous situations
• Interpreting facial expressions
• Paying attention to breathing patterns
• Nonverbal cues in dating
• Body language across cultures
• Deciphering the meanings behind physical movements
• Appropriate social distance