Reading Body Language

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Body Language For Dummies
Chapter 2: Looking Closer at Non-verbal Gestures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
The History of Body Language .....................................................................33
Aping our ancestors.............................................................................34
Gestures first, language second .........................................................34
The Nuts and Bolts of Body Language ........................................................35
Kinesics: The categories of gesture ..................................................36
Inborn responses..................................................................................38
Learned gestures ..................................................................................39
A Final Word on Non-verbal Gestures..........................................................40
Part II: Starting at the Top...........................................43
Chapter 3: Heading to the Heart of the Matter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Demonstrating Power and Authority ..........................................................45
Signalling superiority...........................................................................46
Demonstrating arrogance....................................................................46
Displaying aggression ..........................................................................47
Showing disapproval............................................................................48
Conveying rejection .............................................................................49
Catapulting for intimidation................................................................50
Tossing your head in defiance............................................................50
Beckoning with your head ..................................................................50
Touching someone on the head .........................................................50
Showing Agreement and Encouragement: The Nod ..................................51
Encouraging the speaker to continue................................................51
Showing understanding.......................................................................52
Micro nodding.......................................................................................53
Displaying Attention and Interest ................................................................53
Tilting and canting ..............................................................................53
The head cock.......................................................................................54
Sitting tête à tête ..................................................................................55
Indicating Submissiveness or Worry ..........................................................55
Dipping and ducking ............................................................................56
Cradling for comfort ............................................................................56
The head clasp......................................................................................57
Showing Boredom ..........................................................................................57
Showing You’re Deep in Thought.................................................................58
Head resting on hand...........................................................................59
Chin stroking ........................................................................................59
Chapter 4: Facial Expressions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61
Communicating Feelings When Words Are Inappropriate........................61
Recognising Facial Expressions that Reinforce the Spoken Message .....63