Looking to Explore Body Language? Here's a list of the perfect books to start out with!

So a lot of people really want to know what they can read in order to learn the basics of Non-Verbal Communication. I am all for that and there are some amazing writers who have contributed both directly and indirectly to the understanding of Body Language. So, here I have included a list of the basics you need to begin your journey.

Before we move on, I want to remind you something that has come to me over the past few years. As someone who learns and applies new waves of thinking and various approaches to my own life, I must state the importance of putting what you know to practice. If you do not begin to apply what you know, you will not make anything out of Body Language or any other skill for that matter; you may be able to talk about it intelligently when the topic comes up, but that is about it. In order to really know and apply the information given to bring out any kind of lasting change, we need to begin to really assimilate what we learnt and make lasting changes to the way we view our world. I do that by constantly going back and forth from various texts and translate what I am experiencing based on what I have read or learnt about.

Phew! I just needed to get that out there, very relieved now. Here we go:

PeopleWatching: The Desmond Morris Guide to Body Language: 

This is the Bible of Body Language. The beauty about Morris’ Approach is that he brings in all his experience as a Zoologist and an Evolutionary Biologist. This approach is reflected in his behavior emphasized approach. The initial section of the book starts out with defining the various types of movements and goes on to speak about various types of gestures and signals. This is a great book to read, to go back to and to just have on your shelf. It is huge, expansive and it seems that this work comes not from Desmond Morris’ need for putting something out there but rather a collection of his enthusiastically noted observations throughout his career. Read it, you’ll see what I mean; there is just so much information there. Only drawback: if you like to know the sources of information through citations like I do, you will be a little disappointed. Although Morris does speak about where he gets his information from at times, this book would not be considered accurate or scientifically viable.

What Every BODY is Saying by Joe Navarro and Marvin Karlins: 

This is a great book. I love reading books written by those whose job involves scrutinizing or exploring body language. Joe Navarro is a former FBI agent and writes about body language from the prism of his varied and voluminous experiences. What’s more awesome is that he keeps himself up to date with all the theory involved as well. So essentially this books is a good mix of perspectives that come from knowing both theory and practice. A very unique section on the body language of the legs is included. The first chapter is great too. Just a great read, very informative, entertaining and fun.

You know what? To start out with, cut out all the other books that you may find. You may find some good books, and if you like them go for it. However, this is ALL you need to start out with. I ran a search of books on Body Language on Amazon.com and Peoplewatching didn’t come up for a few pages. They probably want to promote the new-age Business-Centric books. Nothing wrong with that. My issue is that most of these books come from individuals who may not take a large enough step back to approach an issue. If you don’t believe me, read either of these, and THEN read any of the myriad of books available on the topic.

Happy Reading friends!