Body language: Is there anyone here who can teach me how to read body language?

Philippines
December 30, 2010 1:29am CST
I am a human resource specialist. I try to understand people and see how I can make them more effective at work. It would be helpful if I develop my skills not only in listening but also on reading body language. Is there anyone here who's an expert on Body language? Can you give me reading materials about it?
3 responses
@Trav135 (25)
• Cambodia
7 Jan 11
Just remember two things Reading Body Language is something we all do naturally - use your own instinctive knowledge in addition to your reading Secondly a little knowledge can be dangerous - body language is very complex - using simplified rules can be very misleading & lead to wrong assumptions. ie not holding someones gaze when talking is often interpreted as the person having something to hide - but it could be many things, shyness, insecurity, sexuallity etc
• Philippines
10 Jan 11
Thanks for the input. It would take time for me to develop expertise on reading body language. There are times that I refuse to acknowledge innuendos or looks that seems malicious. Maybe I would need to be tougher to actually observe people without getting affected. Also, I need to socialize more to meet different people. Happy mylotting.
@rosdimy (3926)
• Malaysia
30 Dec 10
Learning body language has some similarities with learning a verbal language. Even though there are universal signs, there are also signs or movements which are culture specific. For example looking into the eyes of the listener may indicate telling the truth, but is considered to be rude among certain people. There are a lot of information on body language on the Internet, and most people can learn the basics on their own. What need to be remembered is cultural and/or religious influence on the actual meaning of certain movements.
• Philippines
31 Dec 10
Thanks rosdimy. I have a few reading materials which I have sourced from the internet. I may need to see its application on actual situation. I will keep in mind what you have just advised... considering the cultural differences. Happy mylotting and happy new year.
@zaga_cleuth (1407)
• Philippines
30 Dec 10
I hope this article could help. My friend is studying body language now and he's reading a lot of books and articles. And one of his recommended article is this one. http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Phipps3.html
• Philippines
31 Dec 10
Hi Zaga_cleuth. Thanks for the link. I will read it later. Just dropped by to check the responses of our fellow mylotters. Happy New Year. Happy mylotting.