Communicate without words: the best books on body language
Body language is one of the most common forms of non-verbal communication. Throughout the centuries, it has been used in art and education to convey thoughts and feelings without the need to utter any words. Over time, anthropologists, psychologists, scientists and teachers realized that this type of language offers much more than just a resource.
Humans are designed to recognize movement patterns in other people: the furrowed eyebrow that reflects annoyance or worry, the restless hands that show nervousness or the hunched posture that can represent sadness or tiredness. To better understand how it works, we leave you a list with the best books on body language.
Best books to understand body language
Non-verbal communication (1976), by Flora Davis
In this case, the author studies the vast world of body language and its impact on human interaction. Based on pioneering research in psychology and sociology, the author reveals how gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice and postures convey information as powerful as words, often unconsciously.
The book examines different aspects of non-verbal communication, from the role of emotions from body language to cultural influences on gestures and proximity between people. Through concrete examples and scientific studies, Davis demonstrates how this type of communication affects our personal, professional and social relationships.
phrase from Flora Davis
- "What are we, after all – our actions, our perceptions – but firing nerves, rhythms?"
I know what you're thinking: Use the four codes of body language to improve your life (2003), by Lillian Glass
Communication expert Lillian Glass presents an innovative method based on four body language codes to accurately interpret the thoughts and emotions of others. With a practical and accessible approach, The author explains how to decipher non-verbal signals in the voice, facial expression, body movements and posture, allowing a deeper understanding of human communication.
The book offers resources to identify sincerity, detect deception and improve persuasiveness in different areas, from the workplace to personal relationships. Through clear examples and applicable advice, Glass helps the reader develop skills to read and influence everyday interactions, strengthening trust and empathy.
Lillian Glass Quotes
- "A toxic man is one who makes a woman feel bad about herself, makes her feel less than she is, doesn't support her, and makes her life difficult."
- "The jealous competitor always tries to get the better of women by questioning almost everything they say."
Non-verbal communication (2008), by Teresa Pont
In her book, Teresa Pont addresses how gestures, facial expressions, postures and other non-verbal elements influence the way we relate to others. To explain this, The author uses a didactic approach, analyzing how these signs communicate emotions, intentions and attitudes, often more effectively than words.
The book delves into different aspects of non-verbal communication, from its role in everyday life to its impact on areas such as education, work and relationships. Pont also employs practical examples and studies on the interpretation of body language, in this sense, she helps the reader to develop a greater awareness and understanding of this type of communication.
You speak, I'll read: The keys to non-verbal communication (2019), by Jose Luis Martin Ovejero
Non-verbal communication specialist José Luis Martín Ovejero reveals how to interpret gestures, expressions and postures to better understand what people really convey, beyond their words. The author uses an accessible approach packed with real-life examples to explain how body language influences our daily interactions, and how we can use it to improve our communication.
The material explores the impact of non-verbal communication in different areas, such as politics, leadership, negotiations and social ties. It also provides tools to perceive lies, interpret hidden emotions and enhance one's own image by controlling body language.
Nonverbal communication in the doctor-patient relationship (2017), by Beatriz Molinuevo Alonso
Beatriz Molinuevo Alonso delves into the importance of body language in the healthcare field, highlighting how gestures, facial expressions and posture can influence trust, empathy and treatment effectiveness.
Through an approach based on scientific evidence and clinical practice, the author analyzes how health professionals can improve their communication with patients, fostering a more human and closer relationship. In addition, The book offers tools for interpreting non-verbal signals in medical contexts, helping to detect emotions such as fear, anxiety or pain.
Nonverbal behavior: Beyond communication and language (2016), by Rafael M. Lopez Perez, Fernando Gordillo Leon and Marta Grau Olivares
This book offers an in-depth analysis of nonverbal behavior from a multidisciplinary perspective, covering fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and communication. The authors, Rafael M. López Pérez, Fernando Gordillo León, and Marta Grau Olivares, explore how gestures, facial expressions, posture and other non-verbal elements influence human interaction beyond spoken language.
Through scientific studies and practical examples, The work unravels the role of non-verbal behavior in emotional communication, interpersonal relationships, and the professional sphere. It also examines how these signals can be interpreted and used strategically in different contexts, from job interviews to everyday interactions.
The Body Language Bible: A Practical Guide to Interpreting People's Gestures and Expressions (2010), Judi James
Judi James provides a practical and accessible guide to interpreting body language and using it effectively in everyday communication. Through clear explanations and numerous examples, The author breaks down how gestures, postures, facial expressions and movements can reveal thoughts, hidden emotions and attitudes.
The book covers different contexts in which body language plays a key role, such as job interviews, negotiations, personal relationships and public presentations. In addition, provides strategies to improve one's nonverbal expression and project confidence, persuasiveness and authenticity.
