How This Book Is Organised...........................................................................
The cool thing about the For Dummies books is that you can dip in and out
as you please. You don’t need to read the first chapter to understand the last
and if you read the last chapter first you won’t ruin the story. The table of
contents and index can help you find what you need. If you prefer to just dive
in, please do – there’s water in the pool. Read on for what lies ahead.Part I: In the Beginning Was the Gesture .............................................
In this part I explore the foundations of body language, the silent communica-
tor. You discover the origins of body language, how it evolved, and the
impact it has on all your communications and relationships.Part II: Starting at the Top .....................................................................
Focusing on the head and its parts and positions, I continue exploring body
language and the messages it conveys. You discover how the tilt of your
head, the lift of your brow, and the tremble of your lip reveal more than
the words that tumble from your mouth.Part III: The Trunk: Limbs and Roots ...................................................
In this part I explore the impact of your posture on your thinking, attitudes,
and perceptions. You see how feelings, behaviour, and perceptions are inter-
twined. I look at the body’s limbs, its arms, legs, feet, hands, and fingers, and
how their movements reflect inner states and create impressions. Finally, you
see how your accessories add to the picture of who you are.Part IV: Putting the Body into Social and Business Context .............
In this part you discover how to gesture effectively and appropriately accord-
ing to the situation you’re in. You find out where to place and position your-
self for greatest effect. You discover how to read and reveal signs of interest
and dismissal and how to engage with a possible romantic partner. Back at
the office you discover the power positions and how to demonstrate confi-
dence and positive impact.Introduction 3
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