274 I Can Read You Like a Book
Second, keep your eyes open. Never take anything for granted.
Simply because you see particular bodyd language on one person
does not mean the same will represent the same thing on another.
Gender, age, culture, and context play an important part in the body
language from person to person.Points to remember
ƒ Culture is pervasive. You cannot overestimate its im-
pact on body language and on your objectivity in read-
ing body language.
ƒ Long-term relationships are microcultures that create
the most blinding of filters.
ƒ False cognates exist in body language, as well as
spoken language.
ƒ Look for what is normal for the individual first.
Baseline.
ƒ Build your own list of strategies and mood indicators.
Those I listed are just the beginning. You have the
tools to create your own tables and models for ready
reference when you R.E.A.D.
ƒ Context is everything.
ƒ These skills require practice. Go practice.
ƒ Learn to turn the skills off when you do not need
them.