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The Dictionary of Body Language
From former FBI agent and bestselling author Joe Navarro, a field guide companion to his classic What Every BODY is Saying, revealing the more than 400 essential body language indicators.A decade after his huge international bestseller What Every BODY is Saying, which has sold more than half a million copies in the U.S. and been published in dozens of foreign territories, retired FBI agent Joe Navarro offers its follow-up. The Dictionary of Body Language is a companion “field guide” to What Every BODY is Saying, expanding the original work with hundreds of additional behaviours, and presenting them all in an easy-to-reference format.Moving from the head down to the feet, Navarro explains the hidden meanings behind the many conscious and subconscious things we do with our bodies. We learn how to tell a person’s true feelings from movement and dilation in their pupils; what to watch for in the lips of a person who may be afraid, or lying; the many different varieties of arm-crossing, and what each one means; how the position of our thumbs when we stand akimbo reflects our mental state; and many other fascinating insights. The applications for readers are numerous, from the business environment to romantic relationships.After reading The Dictionary of Body Language, you’ll have a new ability to read other people’s true intentions, and to adjust your own body presentation so that you can convey the right messages.
208 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
About the author
Joe Navarro
56 books773 followersJoe Navarro is an author, public speaker and ex-FBI agent. Navarro specializes in the area of nonverbal communication or body language and has authored numerous books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
December 10, 2018
This book has well explained the meaning of body language, however, it is a slow read as it lacks images and as a reader, one has to imagine and decode body language together while reading it.
May 17, 2020
My boyfriend got me this book as a present and I feel a little bad for not liking this more. The topic, decoding body language, is really interesting to me, especially as someone who writes a lot of fiction and keeps using the same actions (everyone's always scratching their necks, shaking their heads and huffing, as one does). As a very broad overview of possible ticks and movements, this book is fine, but the commentary for 80% of these can be summed up as "People do X when they're nervous or anxious". Well, yes, obviously.
I would have hoped for some more insight. And the idea that the FBI decides who's guilty or not based on how they sit seems a little silly to me.
I would have hoped for some more insight. And the idea that the FBI decides who's guilty or not based on how they sit seems a little silly to me.
September 1, 2018
I loved Navarro's "What Everybody Is Saying" and I was eagerly anticipating The Dictionary of Body Language. The good and bad news is that it delivers as promised. It is bite-sized and still comprehensive in documenting the myriad aspects of body language and their possible interpretations. The disappointment, for me at least, is that there was no story-telling. The book is as dry as a standard reference manual, useful without being particularly interesting. I highlighted some pieces that I can see using ongoing, but I was just a little disappointed in the book relative to my own expectations.
March 23, 2019
After reading the author's "What every body is saying" I really started taking notice in body language, and that book was a very good introduction to the field for me.
This one is not good as an introduction: it lacks illustrations and describes body language literally from head to toes, rather than from basics to subtleties.
It's main purpose, I believe, is to refresh your memory. If you are not sure what a particular gesture or pose means, you can just look it up here. It's much easier to do it with this book, since it's content is categorized from upper to lower body. Plus it has more info than "What every body is saying" and no storytelling.
The book serves it's purposes very well.
This one is not good as an introduction: it lacks illustrations and describes body language literally from head to toes, rather than from basics to subtleties.
It's main purpose, I believe, is to refresh your memory. If you are not sure what a particular gesture or pose means, you can just look it up here. It's much easier to do it with this book, since it's content is categorized from upper to lower body. Plus it has more info than "What every body is saying" and no storytelling.
The book serves it's purposes very well.
February 24, 2023
(2.5⭐️) i love things related to body language and human behavior but this was so basic 🧍🏻♀️ it was all simple obvious information I feel like everyone already knows.
March 1, 2021
Absolutely dreadful. This book is only useful to someone who has no ability to recognize social cues whatsoever. Most of the information provided is simply common sense. To top that off, when talking about certain actions, the author tries to explain them in detail but fails miserably. Surely there must have been someone in the editorial process that suggested adding a few images to help make it clearer.
The only good parts of this book are the introductory paragraphs at the start of every chapter, too bad they only consist like five percent of the book. Given the author's life experience I was expecting a much more in-depth analysis of various non-verbal communications. What we are left with is the author simply laying out various actions and summing them up as being caused by stress 90 percent of the time.
It is called "The Dictionary of Body Language" so I was not expecting a literary masterpiece but the flow in this book is horrendous. You might as well pick up a real dictionary where you will actually learn a thing or two. Simply put, don't waste your money.
The only good parts of this book are the introductory paragraphs at the start of every chapter, too bad they only consist like five percent of the book. Given the author's life experience I was expecting a much more in-depth analysis of various non-verbal communications. What we are left with is the author simply laying out various actions and summing them up as being caused by stress 90 percent of the time.
It is called "The Dictionary of Body Language" so I was not expecting a literary masterpiece but the flow in this book is horrendous. You might as well pick up a real dictionary where you will actually learn a thing or two. Simply put, don't waste your money.
December 24, 2022
I think this book would have been better if it were a video series (ex. movie, tv, YouTube). This would provide actual (visual) examples of each social cue described in this book. I think people who struggle with understanding or reading social cues would benefit from this.
I think the author has a lot of information on body language but, this book was slow and boring for me. The majority of the social cues were basic.
I think the author has a lot of information on body language but, this book was slow and boring for me. The majority of the social cues were basic.
April 5, 2021
A really great practical guide that goes over small tics and movements in every part of the body and what they can tell you. I honestly have nothing bad to say about this book and it was a fun read.
April 13, 2020
(2.5 ) Was a very quick read but seemed very basic ... like .... well, duh yeah doesn't everyone know that?.... or maybe I am in the wrong career and I should be an FBI agent? 😋
December 31, 2022
Good book but almost every movement is explained as the person being anxious or nervous
July 17, 2023
The way it was formatted made it impossible to retain any information.
December 16, 2020
Тълкуването и разбирането на човешкото поведение чрез езика на тялото винаги ми се е струвало много любопитно (в университета имахме няколко лекции по темата, в които изследвахме държанието и жестовете на различни публични личности, политици, музиканти, актьори, което допълнително засили интереса към търсене на повече информация в областта).
Авторът Джо Наваро е специалист по невербално общуване, с 25-годишна кариера във ФБР (последните 13 г. от нея той прекарва в Национална програма по сигурност и поведенчески анализи) – определено това звучи впечатляващо и авторитетно и доведе до завишени очаквания към книгата. Честно казано по-скоро съм разочарована от нея – представях си доста по-задълбочен анализ, повече психология и базирани на това тълкувания, но може би тук ключовата дума е „речник“. По-скоро книгата е някак за -бърза справка-, представяща някак обобщени и основни значения, а някои от тях са описани малко повърхностно като от обща култура.
Първата книга на Наваро, която той издава скоро след пенсионирането си „Какво казва тялото“, вероятно е по-сериозна и подробна. Той твърди, че там цели да изясни произхода на универсалните модели на поведение, отдавайки значение на еволюционната биология и културния контекст, но като цяло „Речник на езика на тялото“ е малко отгоре-отгоре, макар все пак да има и интересни попадения.
Авторът Джо Наваро е специалист по невербално общуване, с 25-годишна кариера във ФБР (последните 13 г. от нея той прекарва в Национална програма по сигурност и поведенчески анализи) – определено това звучи впечатляващо и авторитетно и доведе до завишени очаквания към книгата. Честно казано по-скоро съм разочарована от нея – представях си доста по-задълбочен анализ, повече психология и базирани на това тълкувания, но може би тук ключовата дума е „речник“. По-скоро книгата е някак за -бърза справка-, представяща някак обобщени и основни значения, а някои от тях са описани малко повърхностно като от обща култура.
Първата книга на Наваро, която той издава скоро след пенсионирането си „Какво казва тялото“, вероятно е по-сериозна и подробна. Той твърди, че там цели да изясни произхода на универсалните модели на поведение, отдавайки значение на еволюционната биология и културния контекст, но като цяло „Речник на езика на тялото“ е малко отгоре-отгоре, макар все пак да има и интересни попадения.
October 13, 2020
This book piqued my interest after I watched an episode of Wired on YouTube, featuring the writer, Joe Navarro's. He's a retired FBI agent, and his explanation about body language makes it seem really intriguing.
.
After reading the book, I realized that some of the facts mentioned I have already known but always taken for granted; Such as "positive emotions drive gravity-defying gestures", some repetitive and stroking motions have soothing effect that help a person deal with stress, etc. There are also some new facts (for me) that are good to know.
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This book is easy to read. It's not loaded with medical terms about human body.
I can't say that after finishing this book you can be an expert on Body Language, but you'll certainly notice or pay more attention to small things people do--and understand what they mean.
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"If language was given to men to conceal their thoughts, then gesture's purpose was to disclose them."
--John Napier
.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐
This book makes me thinking "hey, maybe reading non-fiction books is not that boring."
.
After reading the book, I realized that some of the facts mentioned I have already known but always taken for granted; Such as "positive emotions drive gravity-defying gestures", some repetitive and stroking motions have soothing effect that help a person deal with stress, etc. There are also some new facts (for me) that are good to know.
.
This book is easy to read. It's not loaded with medical terms about human body.
I can't say that after finishing this book you can be an expert on Body Language, but you'll certainly notice or pay more attention to small things people do--and understand what they mean.
.
"If language was given to men to conceal their thoughts, then gesture's purpose was to disclose them."
--John Napier
.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐
This book makes me thinking "hey, maybe reading non-fiction books is not that boring."
May 9, 2021
A könyv nem csak a téma miatt tetszett, hanem azért is, mert Navarro eloszlat olyan tévhiteket, mint pédául hogy a félrenézés a csalás vagy a hazugság jele, amik annyira bevették magukat a közhiedelembe is, hogy én például akarva-akaratlanul próbálok ügyelni, hogy ne nézzek oldalra, holott ez csupán annak a leképezése, hogy a beszélő próbálja összeszedni a gondolatait (főleg mondjuk egy stresszes szituációban, mint egy állásinterjú vagy egy vizsga).
Persze a testbeszéd nem kontrollálható tudatosan, így pont emiatt lehet érdekes annak, aki nincs zavarban, ha másokat kell megfigyelnie, vagy éppen egy beszélgetés során képes a mozdulatsorokra is figyelni. A testbeszéd kézikönyvét kezdőknek és haladóknak is ajánlom nemtől- és kortól fügetlenül, főleg ha tömör információra van szükségük, és nem igazán szeretnének hosszú felvezetőket olvasni egy-egy jelentéshez kapcsolódóan (erre a bejegyzés elején linkelt kötetek tökéletesek).
Persze a testbeszéd nem kontrollálható tudatosan, így pont emiatt lehet érdekes annak, aki nincs zavarban, ha másokat kell megfigyelnie, vagy éppen egy beszélgetés során képes a mozdulatsorokra is figyelni. A testbeszéd kézikönyvét kezdőknek és haladóknak is ajánlom nemtől- és kortól fügetlenül, főleg ha tömör információra van szükségük, és nem igazán szeretnének hosszú felvezetőket olvasni egy-egy jelentéshez kapcsolódóan (erre a bejegyzés elején linkelt kötetek tökéletesek).
July 1, 2022
Нічого надзвичайно нового, хто цікавиться мовою тіла.
Але читається дуже легко і дійсно як словник - поділений за частинами тіла та по пунктах.
Перечитала із задоволенням, водночас виявивши в себе два нових жести й глянувши один жест знайомої людини, який мені здається дивним, але руки не доходили перевірити, чи правильно я його трактую.
Поставити на полицю й інколи заглядати, коли не впевнений, що розумієш поведінку людини правильно 😌
April 7, 2021
Somos todos una bolita de nervios, es un pensamiento que tal vez tengas por la cantidad de "pacifiers" que usamos en nuestra comunicación no verbal, cosa que me sorprendió y me dio alivio, por ejemplo saber que cuando cruzo mis brazos frente a mi pecho me estoy abrazando a mi misma, no significa que me esté cerrando a los demás, y viceversa. Es una guía clara y bien organizada para observar y leer a la gente.
Read
March 20, 2023Basically, it's a review of all the body parts that are used in body language, some of which I'm already familiar with and others of which I'm not. Because I'm somewhat interested in the subject, I found this to be fascinating.
And I believe that if I read his book What Everyone Is Saying first, this will go lot better.
And I believe that if I read his book What Everyone Is Saying first, this will go lot better.
June 12, 2019
As a writer I'm finding this book helpful in the art of showing vs. telling when it comes to the wide array of emotions of "body language".
I would recommend it for any writer to have on their shelf as a quick reference.
I most particularly like topic #111 (Tongue in Cheek). So many double meanings.
I would recommend it for any writer to have on their shelf as a quick reference.
I most particularly like topic #111 (Tongue in Cheek). So many double meanings.
September 23, 2020
I really enjoyed learning about body language. There was so much I didn't know and now I feel like I pay more attention to how people's bodies react and not just focus on their words. Highly educational. Would reccomend if you're interested in reading people.
July 14, 2021
A very concise, helpful read. Pretty short compared to his first book, with no pictures. Would recommend to an adult.
February 14, 2023
3.5-3.75?
It was genuinely like a dictionary so sometimes it felt dry, but it made me more aware and conscious of my body. If you’re neurotypical, this will feel like he is stating the obvious at times but there were good moments for introspection in this book as well.
It was genuinely like a dictionary so sometimes it felt dry, but it made me more aware and conscious of my body. If you’re neurotypical, this will feel like he is stating the obvious at times but there were good moments for introspection in this book as well.
September 16, 2018
Fine points-much of a bulleted summary of What Every Body is Saying. Good refresher if you need one.
Shelved as 'dnf'
June 7, 2022Dnf.
March 20, 2024
Denso para leerlo del tirón, pero en general interesante.
Read
May 25, 2019全文干条条，只有个别例子，另外还使用了几个表情符号。
所以需要动用自己的经验储备进行联想，读完后玩狼人杀会比较有用。
所以需要动用自己的经验储备进行联想，读完后玩狼人杀会比较有用。
May 3, 2024
boring
October 31, 2020
One-word summary: Disappointing.
While this dictionary delivers on explaining many non-verbals, most of them are very obvious to anyone with even an intermediate level of knowledge of human nature. It is nice to have them all in one place and reading them might make you pay more attention to them.. but that doesn't change the fact that at least 70% of this book were extremely obvious to me. A foot suddenly pointing towards the door might mean that the person is ready to leave? Avoiding eye contact can indicate shame or embarassment? Cut marks from self-injury can mean that the person's mental health isn't the best and they might need help? Who would've thought?
But there are also some very interesting things to be found. There were several instances where I thought to myself: "Yeah, that makes sense, I can see that." And there were even some things that I would probably never have thought of - but while the former was a breath of fresh air every now and again, the latter was an absolute rarity.
I didn't dislike it. Most of the time I actually enjoyed reading through it. But there were way too many instances where I asked myself the same question over and over again: "Would the book as a whole be more intriguing if this specific point wasn't included?"
While this dictionary delivers on explaining many non-verbals, most of them are very obvious to anyone with even an intermediate level of knowledge of human nature. It is nice to have them all in one place and reading them might make you pay more attention to them.. but that doesn't change the fact that at least 70% of this book were extremely obvious to me. A foot suddenly pointing towards the door might mean that the person is ready to leave? Avoiding eye contact can indicate shame or embarassment? Cut marks from self-injury can mean that the person's mental health isn't the best and they might need help? Who would've thought?
But there are also some very interesting things to be found. There were several instances where I thought to myself: "Yeah, that makes sense, I can see that." And there were even some things that I would probably never have thought of - but while the former was a breath of fresh air every now and again, the latter was an absolute rarity.
I didn't dislike it. Most of the time I actually enjoyed reading through it. But there were way too many instances where I asked myself the same question over and over again: "Would the book as a whole be more intriguing if this specific point wasn't included?"
February 22, 2019
I appreciated the brevity of this book - it will make it easier to go back and look for information when I want to. I also enjoyed how the author organized the behaviors he discussed by body part. There were some behaviors he wrote about that I wish he went into more detail on why humans do these certain actions, not just what the actions are.
August 19, 2021
This a more of a catalogue of thoughts about body movements. Nothing earth shattering here to read. Although the author has considerable experience, there are no real pieces of evidence here to support that. A catalogue of sorts without much substance. Was hoping for something more.
March 11, 2022
Interesting read to feed body language curiosity of mine - however, nothing new and most observations were generalized with “depends on context” I didn’t walk away with any new knowledge on the subject.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews