russia has launched a full-scale war in Ukraine. Donate to support Ukraine and protect the world’s peace.

What Every Body Is Saying

summary ofWhat Every Body Is SayingBook by Joe Navarro, Marvin Karlins

9 min
00:00
/
00:00
Get full summary

You’ll learn

  • To spot who is lying in the room
  • Ways to predict actions from silent signals
  • About the link between body language and success
  • How feet reveal a person’s true feelings

first KEY POINT

Read people like a book

Nonverbal communication, often called body language or non-verbal cues, involves sending messages through gestures, body movements, posture, and other forms of expression that do not rely on verbal speech.It is often considered the most honest form of communication because people don't realize they're sending nonverbal cues. As a result, intelligence agencies use it during high-profile investigations to gain insight into people's true feelings, motivations, and thoughts.In his book Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman asserts that people who understand nonverbal communication will enjoy happier relationships and be more successful.One of the fascinating things about nonverbal behavior is its widespread applicability, offering reliability and universal appeal. Once you can interpret a specific nonverbal behavior, you can use it in many different ways and circumstances.

Look at people's arms and legs to detect if they are lying; liars tend to gesture and move their bodies less.

Despite the widespread use of texts and video calls, in-person meetings are still important today. Face-to-face communication allows people to see and express nonverbal signals that are impossible to fully convey through screens.Developing the ability to pick up on nonverbal cues enhances environmental awareness, elevates social intelligence, and fosters more effective communication. This summary will provide the fundamental communication principles for interpreting nonverbal cues, followed by insights into diverse body movements and their meanings. The best part is that you can apply what you learn here to any situation or setting.

second KEY POINT

Six essential tips for success

As you practice, you will be able to interpret others' thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Now, let's discuss some essential principles to help you better understand nonverbal cues. Over time, these six principles will become second nature in your interactions if you incorporate them into your daily routine.• First Commandment: Be an attentive observer of your surroundings.
• Second Commandment: Context is the key to understanding nonverbal behavior.
• Third Commandment: Identify and interpret universal nonverbal behaviors.People often exhibit similar body movements that express their feelings. For example, tightly pressed lips generally signify discomfort or upset — a gesture known as “lip compression.”

book cover

Continue reading with Headway app

Continue reading

Full summary is waiting for you in the app

first KEY POINT

The secrets your feet and legs keep

second KEY POINT

Detecting the first signs of cracks in your relationship

third KEY POINT

Be the first to spot abuse

fourth KEY POINT

Create a strong impression of yourself

fifth KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

Joe Navarro is an ex-FBI agent and expert in nonverbal communication. His co-author, Marvin Karlins, is a renowned psychologist.

Join 55+ million learners worldwide

172K 5 reviews on App Store and Google Play

Get started

Frequently asked questions

What is What Every Body Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Speed-Reading People about?

What Every Body Is Saying is written by Joe Navarro, a former FBI agent who specializes in nonverbal communication. The book reveals techniques to interpret body language and understand the unspoken messages that people convey through their physical cues.

Is What Every Body Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Speed-Reading People worth reading?

Yes, this book is considered highly valuable for anyone interested in improving their interpersonal communication skills. Joe Navarro shares practical insights and real-life examples that help readers navigate social interactions by effectively reading people's body language.

How many pages is What Every Body Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Speed-Reading People and when was it published?

What Every Body Is Saying has 336 pages and was published on March 1, 2008. This comprehensive guide offers a wealth of knowledge for those looking to enhance their understanding of human behavior.

What are the key takeaways from What Every Body Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Speed-Reading People?

Key takeaways from the book include recognizing the importance of nonverbal signals, understanding the basic emotions that trigger specific body language, and applying these insights in various situations to enhance communication and relationships.

Why should I learn about body language in What Every Body Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Speed-Reading People?

Learning about body language, as explored in Navarro's book, enhances your ability to connect with others and effectively interpret their feelings. By understanding these cues, you can improve your personal and professional relationships, making it a worthwhile investment for personal growth.