The Body Language Handbook: How to Read Everyone's Hidden Thoughts and Intentions

Really like the authors, have read their other books as well. The writing style is good, and while it seems to be rooted in a particular viewpoint ( that of the interrogator) it is clear that it has been couched in language that can apply some of the lessons to more diverse situations.That being said, this book really isn't that great. The authors consistently remind the reader that base-lining the subject is of utmost importance, and that you can't really know what you are looking at without context. All true statements, but if you are truly looking to learn to interpret body language, a book seems like a poor medium to study. The pictures are ambiguous, and looking at a picture doesn't give you the feeling or the context to understand what is being signaled by the subject.While understanding the psychology of body language and communication is discussed, it has all been covered before in their other books. You would be better off reading How to Get People to Do What You Want, or How to Spot a Liar, or even I Can Read You Like a Book. This one seems like another add on that doesn't really add much, and leaves the reader realizing that spending time out and about interacting with people, taking in the little details, is a better teacher for human behavior and body language than a book could ever be.

I thought this book was excellent. I was particularly struck by the analysis of individuality and culture it presents. I've lived in foreign countries so it makes sense to me that gestures are culturally influenced. In college, for example, I had a professor who taught both French and German. French students used to regularly visit his German classes (and vice versa) because he was so fluent that his gestures changed considerably when he switched languages. What fascinated me in this book, though, is how this combines with individual habits, limitations, etc. I've encountered people who have made me uncomfortable for reasons I couldn't quite explain. I got some insight into what might have been going on -- perhaps, for example, some slight physical limitation that altered the person's gestures or expressions and made them "feel" wrong to me. Also particularly interesting was the analysis of body language in the context of relationships between individuals.I didn't feel that this book contained "psychobabble". In fact, I would say the language was clear and specific, unlike a number of other books I've read (or attempted to read). The authors present a detailed method for understanding and evaluating body language and gestures. The case studies are very helpful in applying this.

Hello, everything was good Thank you

Hartley does a good job of describing basic non-verbal behaviors. For the new student or someone with a casual interest in the subject this tome is adequate. Of special note is the space given to non-verbal messaging from other cultures. I found this quite interesting and eye-opening. Who whould think I could be delivering a message of death by merely relaxing with my hands on my head!Photographs were of rather poor quality and the gestures in some of them were questionable. Improving these would have enhanced the quality of the book.Overall, a good read and an adequate review of basic non-verbal communication.

Good book. Easy read.

This was my first ever body language book and I was quite pleased. I still refer to it every now and again. If I were you, I'd buy this book.

Love it

Haven't quite finished it yet, but from what I've read so far, this guy is brilliant. His insights will change your life.

Very basic ideas of body language... I dont know why do I expect so much when I'm buying it... But seriously I wasted my time.