The Real Secret of Body Language Body language is a feedback system of unwitting "telltales" that subjects exhibit and can be read. Serious students of persuasion must become proficient at reading these postures, so that judgments they are making concerning their subject's state-of-mind can be as accurate as possible. "The Body Never Lies!" Here is a short list of gestures and postures that must be looked for and read. (Note: All body language is considered a guideline, not an absolute.) 1.   The hand to the mouth. ------------ The subject is not at ease. 2.   Arms folded across the chest. --- Major defensive posture. 3.   Hands on hips ------------------------- Combative stance, watch out! 4.   Eyes moving back and forth. ----- Subject thinking up stuff. 5.   Eyes looking up to the right. ----- Subject trying to recall real memory. 5a.  Eyes looking up to the left ------- Subjects making it up as they go along. We believe having a working knowledge of these six classic postures gives you an edge in any interaction with people who have no conscious undertsanding of the telltales they are exhibiting. That being said, this subject is simply too vast and too important to cover in a format like this -- other than very briefly. So, I am going to suggest that you RTFM. There is a plethora of good books written on this subject, but one author comes to mind as having a superior command and an easy way of writing for understanding. Mr. Julius Fast He has written at least 6 books on Body Language and how it effects the workplace and persuasion. Go pick one up. Read it. All serious students must read at least one book carefully.  Additional Information  Back to the Syllabus