talkmagic.co.uk

How to Read a Person Like a Book
by Henry Calero & Gerald Nierenberg

what's it all about:
Learn How to Interpret "Body Language" Skills, understanding and appreciation.

where to buy:
http://www.amazon.com
and numerous other sources no doubt.

how much:
US$3 - $9
various prices at Amazon.

They Say:
Decipher the unspoken vocabulary of body language. A tilt of the head, the crossing of legs, the buttoning and unbuttoning of a jacket, and other gestures can speak volumes about what a person is thinking or feeling. By learning to spot hidden emotional, social, and sexual messages, you can tell how a person is reacting to you, respond appropriately, and influence the outcome of any situation. Detect and send messages of friendliness and flirtation. Gain and maintain the upper hand in negotiations and arguments. Determine whether someone is lying, recognize boredom, and overcome defensiveness. By interpreting nonverbal behavior, you can improve your control over job interviews, business meetings, parties, chance encounters, and other everyday situations.

My Thoughts:
I have been interested in Body Language for some time. Having recently read Corinda's 13 Steps, and just about to start Pure Effect, followed up by Trick of the Mind (both by Derren Brown) I can see many benefits in improving my concious understanding of body language.

My personal reasons are to contribute to and help expand my knowledge and understanding of mentalism, however i can see significant benefit for all magic effects. Select a more "suitable" spectator to assist you. Glean early who may try and "catch you out" during performance. Determine the Spec who is likely to give you the biggest "WOW" reaction... There are many reasons for everyone to better appreciate body language.

So, about this book. ground breaking? no. Interesting? absolutely! a great (and very affordable) foundation for one to begin the learning process.

The following topics are well covered;
Aquiring the skills for reading Gestures.
Materials for gesture reading.
Openess, Defensiveness, Evaluation & Suspicion.
Readiness, Reassurance, Cooperation, Frustration.
Confidence, Nervousness, Self Control.
Boredom, Acceptance, Courtship, Expectancy.
Relations & Circumstances.
Understanding in an Environment.

Filled with 186 easy to read pages and EXCELLENT drawings that are logically refered to, this book will help you understand the subtle messages people convey without them necessarily knowing it.

My Rating:
As an overall initial "body language course" 7/10.
As a foundation on which to begin one's understanding 9/10.

overall, an enjoyable read I have gained much benefit from and would recommend to anyone as a helpful guide.

Nice review

You might be interested in Desmond Morris book 'Peoplewatching' which is one of the best I've come across on the subject.

It's also important to bear in mind that not every gesture means the same thing for everyone.

I'm definitely buying this. I've been interested in body language and human nature since I was a kid, and this seems like just the thing to quench my thirst for knowledge in the subject.

I probably won't ever use this for magic, but it sounds very interesting.

I would add Sleight of Mind by Harling and Nyrup. There are some real good nuggets in this book that complement the others cited here.