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Body Language in Business
Book

Body Language in Business

Decoding the Signals

Adrian Furnham and Evgeniya Petrova
Palgrave Macmillan, 2010

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Editorial Rating

7

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  • Applicable

Recommendation

Body language and other forms of nonverbal behavior are the subtext of all communication. Becoming fluent as a receiver and a sender is a necessary business skill. Authors Adrian Furnham and Evgeniya Petrova set out to debunk popular myths about body language, particularly any promises that you can learn to “read people like a book.” They examine different aspects of body language, such as facial expression, gesture, touch and eye contact. They also explain ways that body language provides cues and, in some cases, can mislead. Lastly, they offer practical strategies to consider in using your body language as well as decoding others’ signals. Furnham and Petrova broaden their examination of nonverbal communication to include other subjects, including feng shui, public speaking and bullying. Body language enthusiasts seeking detail will find this all-encompassing analysis insightful. For the less committed, the book’s aerial view of so many facets of this subject might muddy the waters. However, getAbstract considers this an essential read for those wishing to sharpen their “soft” skills or raise their emotional intelligence.

Take-Aways

  • Nonverbal communication includes body language as well as statements made via appearance, behavior or possessions.
  • Nonverbal behaviors reinforce, emphasize, punctuate or even contradict the spoken word.
  • Understanding nonverbal behavior is a crucial business skill.

About the Authors

Adrian Furnham, a psychology professor at London’s University College, has written more than 60 books and 800 articles. He contributes to the Financial Times and the BBC. Psychologist, researcher, ballet dancer and scholar Evgeniya Petrova has won several Russian literature prizes.

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    T. H. 1 decade ago
    This abstract provides a powerful understanding of "Non-Verbal Communication". It's about far more than how you cross your legs, or avert your eyes. Its how you smell and dress etc.