The Definitive Book of Body Language
by Allan Pease, Barbara Pease · first published 2004
100% recommend
Why HN recommends it
A broad, practical guide to reading gestures and nonverbal cues. It helps improve everyday communication and social skills, and pairs well with books on persuasion.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
This book isolates and examines each component of body language and gesture and makes you more aware of your own non-verbal cues and signals and demonstrates how people communicate with each other using them.
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Mentions per year
What Hacker News says
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Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion http://www.amazon.com/Influence-Psychology-Persuasion-Busine... The Definitive Book of Body Language http://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Book-Body-Language/dp/05538... +1 to How to Win Friends & Influence People
on “Ask HN: Sales book recommendation?” ↗I found "The Definitive Book of Body Language" very helpful. (http://www.amazon.com/Definitive-Book-Body-Language/dp/05538...)
on “How to gain respect through body language” ↗I found the book "The definitive book of body language: How to read others's thoughts by their gestures" by Allan and Barbara Pease to be a great read. The greatest show on Earth - Richard Dawkins was an excellent read. Surely you're joking Mr Feynman…
on “Ask HN: What are some Good Books you have read in past one year or so..” ↗Two books that also help: How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Carnegie The Definitive Book of Body Language, by Pease Those two books basically cover verbal and nonverbal communication.
on “Social Anxiety” ↗The Definitive Book of Body Language - How to win friends and influence People - Think and Grow Rich - Self Discipline in 10 days
on “Ask HN: Which books have you re-read the most?” ↗The book mentioned in the article, "Definitive Book of Body Language" is an excellent resource. However, it is more of an encyclopedia - comprehensive, but lacking in context. I began this journey some years ago and found Navarro's "What Every Body is Saying" a more helpful…
on “How Studying Body Language Changed the Way I Socialize” ↗…classes specifically for these things. In addition to the parent comment, there are many books to supplement the development of one's communication skills. Some that I've read and found useful include The Definitive Book of Body Language and How To Win Friends And Influence People.
on “Ask HN: How to talk smart?” ↗I also recommend "The Definitive Book of Body Language"
on “Ask HN: How to learn social skills; is this the curse of being a hacker?” ↗The tilting of the head notably exposes the neck, which is the most vulnerable part of the body. As I recall from The Definitive Book of Body Language, this demonstrates trust and reduces tension for better social engagement (and is an especially attractive signal from a woman).
on “A tilt of the head facilitates social engagement” ↗