Constantine - The Complete Idiots Guide to Reading Body Language

Reading
Body
Language

by Susan Constantine

A member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

With all my love I dedicate this book to my beautiful daughters Madison and McKenzie. You both are my reason to take a breath each day. I love you, Mom

ALPHA BOOKS

Published by Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

Penguin Group (USA) Inc., 375 Hudson Street, New York, New York 10014, USA Penguin Group (Canada), 90 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4P 2Y3, Canada (a division of Pearson Penguin Canada Inc.) Penguin Books Ltd., 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England Penguin Ireland, 25 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland (a division of Penguin Books Ltd.) Penguin Group (Australia), 250 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, Victoria 3124, Australia (a division of Pearson Australia Group Pty. Ltd.) Penguin Books India Pvt. Ltd., 11 Community Centre, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi110 017, India Penguin Group (NZ), 67 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, North Shore, Auckland 1311, New Zealand (a division of Pearson New Zealand Ltd.) Penguin Books (South Africa) (Pty.) Ltd., 24 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg 2196, South Africa Penguin Books Ltd., Registered Offices: 80 Strand, London WC2R 0RL, England

Copyright 2013 by Alpha Books

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the authors rights. Purchase only authorized editions. No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the information contained herein. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher and author assume no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of information contained herein. For information, address Alpha Books, 800 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240.

THE COMPLETE IDIOTS GUIDE TO and Design are registered trademarks of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

ISBN: 978-1-61564-337-0
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2012951747

15 14 13 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Interpretation of the printing code: The rightmost number of the first series of numbers is the year of the books printing; the rightmost number of the second series of numbers is the number of the books printing. For example, a printing code of 13-1 shows that the first printing occurred in 2013.

Printed in the United States of America

Note: This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the author and publisher are not engaged in rendering professional services in the book. If the reader requires personal assistance or advice, a competent professional should be consulted.

The author and publisher specifically disclaim any responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.

Most Alpha books are available at special quantity discounts for bulk purchases for sales promotions, premiums, fundraising, or educational use. Special books, or book excerpts, can also be created to fit specific needs. For details, write: Special Markets, Alpha Books, 375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014.

Publisher:Mike Sanders

Executive Managing Editor:Billy Fields

Senior Acquisitions Editor:Tom Stevens

Development Editor:Susan Zingraf

Senior Production Editor:Kayla Dugger

Copy Editor:Tricia Liebig

Cover Designer:William Thomas

Book Designers:William Thomas, Rebecca Batchelor

Indexer:Johnna VanHoose Dinse

Layout:Brian Massey

Proofreader:Jeanne Clark

This is where it all began over a decade ago. I bought my first book on how to read body language. As a jury consultant, I wanted to know how to read jurors better.

Armed with my new knowledge, I watched the prospective jurors as they entered the courtroom, single file, and filled the gallerypierced tattoo guy, the CEO in his pressed navy-blue suit, the football coach, the homemaker, the cash-strapped single mother, the retiree, the grandmother, the woman who looked like shed had a really tough life, the small business owner, the college student, the military retiree the list goes on.

We had to pick 12, but which ones? I listened carefully as each juror gave a five-minute rundown of their life and worldview. I paid attention and made notes on their tone, voice inflection, punctuation, and how well they articulated their words.

Their facial expressions were a newly opened book to me as the judge styled the case and read the chargemurder in the first degree! I could actually see their feelingssome surprised, others saddened; one had a smirk on her face, another scratched his neck.

I felt like Sherlock Holmes with his magnifying glass, examining every facial tic, and the way each prospective juror held his or her hands, arms, and legsall clues to what they might be thinking and feeling.

Applying what Id learned, I made my juror selections, marveling at how much my new knowledge of body language helped the pieces fall into placerevelations I cant wait to share with you.

As your body language mentor, I will guide you through as we embark on this journey together in the amazing study of human communication. Many of the scenarios are true experiences drawn from my mediation practice, my time in the courtroom, my own family, and stories I have heard from clients who have attended my training seminars.

This is not the quick fix or seven-day plan that promises your life will forever be changed if you follow these steps and techniques. Rather this book is based on the realities of everyday life, remaining authentic and true and based on solid research, not merely subjective opinion.

How This Book Is Organized

Part 1, Silent Messages, begins with a body language boot camp. Youll learn the truths and myths about reading body language in a fun, easy-to-read format that will keep you engaged. Youll learn how to build and maintain rapport with anyone and have them eating out of your hands. Youll learn why you missed the clues and our natural ability to retain, capture, and store information in our brains. Youll learn how to read the muscles in other peoples faces that are dead giveaways to know how they are feeling, a powerful negotiation skill in every walk of life. Youll discover how your first impression sends a strong message about your character, abilities, and trustworthiness. What you wear can expose your age, income, and secrets you might not even know about yourself. Well share the dos and donts when applying for a job interview or going on a date, as well as the meaning behind different handshakes.