The best 28 Body Language books

Body language is a powerful form of nonverbal communication that can reveal our thoughts, emotions, and intentions. By understanding and mastering this subtle language, we can improve our interpersonal skills and navigate social situations with ease. That's why we've curated this insightful list of books on Body Language.

These books will help you decode the hidden messages behind gestures, facial expressions, and postures, enabling you to enhance your communication skills and build stronger connections. So, let's unlock the secrets of body language and embark on this fascinating journey!
  1. 1What Every Body is Saying

    What Every Body is Saying

    Joe Navarro

    An Ex-FBI Agent's Guide to Speed-Reading People

    4.0 (515 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:48

    What's What Every Body is Saying about?

    This book is all about the hidden meanings we can find in our body language. Our brains control our body movements without us being conscious of it, and sometimes those movements can be very revealing. This book goes into detail about the ways you can train yourself to become an expert in observing other people’s nonverbal cues and uncovering their meaning.

    Who should read What Every Body is Saying?

    • Anyone interested in psychology
    • Anyone who wants to improve his or her observational skills
    • Anyone who wants to get better at understanding people’s true thoughts and intentions
  2. 2Emotions Revealed

    Emotions Revealed

    Paul Ekman

    Recognizing Faces and Feelings to Improve Communication and Emotional Life

    3.7 (65 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:49

    What's Emotions Revealed about?

    Emotions Revealed (2003) puts emotions under the microscope, revealing where they come from and how to recognize them, whether they’re yours or someone else’s. If you’ve ever wanted to know if someone was being dishonest or trying to deceive you with a friendly smile, these are the blinks for you!

    Who should read Emotions Revealed?

    • Law enforcement officers who need to recognize the emotions of criminals and victims
    • Therapists and psychologists who want to help patients cope with their emotions
    • Empathetic people who want to connect more effectively with others
  3. 3Unmasking the Face

    Unmasking the Face

    Paul Ekman (Author), Wallace V Friesen

    A Guide to Recognizing Emotions From Facial Expressions

    3.4 (29 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:52

    What's Unmasking the Face about?

    Unmasking the Face (2003) is an illuminating read about the subtleties of facial expressions. From the dynamics of surprise, fear, anger and happiness, to the eight styles of facial expression, these blinks shed light onto the complexity of an everyday skill that deserves more attention: reading other people’s emotions.

    Who should read Unmasking the Face?

    • Readers interested in the psychology of social interaction
    • Professionals who deal with displays of emotion on a daily basis
    • People who want to gain insight into how they’re perceived by others
  4. 4How to Talk to Anyone

    How to Talk to Anyone

    Leil Lowndes

    92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships

    4.1 (4,710 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    01:08

    What's How to Talk to Anyone about?

    How To Talk to Anyone (1998) is an indispensable guide to improving your conversations and becoming more graceful and effective in your social interactions – no matter the situation. Leil Lowndes offers readers a treasure trove of techniques and tips that will help any socially awkward individual gain more confidence in workplace environments, meetings, their private lives and at parties.

    Who should read How to Talk to Anyone?

    • Businesspeople who want fantastic working relationships
    • Readers looking for better ways to communicate with their partners
    • Awkward folk who’d like to improve their social skills
  5. 5If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look On My Face?

    If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look On My Face?

    Alan Alda

    My Adventures in the Art and Science of Relating and Communicating

    3.7 (81 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    01:12

    What's If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look On My Face? about?

    If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look On My Face? (2017) explains how improvisation techniques, as practiced by actors and comedians, can be used as training methods for better communication. Alda uses illuminating examples of miscommunications from his own life to show how we all can be better at relating and talking to one another.

    Who should read If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look On My Face? ?

    • Anyone whose job involves communicating complex ideas to various and varied audiences
    • Leaders who want to improve their interpersonal skills and learn about empathy
    • Non-actors who want to learn how the craft really works
  6. 6He Comes Next

    He Comes Next

    Ian Kerner

    The Thinking Woman's Guide to Pleasuring a Man

    4.5 (413 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:55

    What's He Comes Next about?

    He Comes Next (2006) is the ultimate guide to understanding the desires of men and the intricacies of their sexual response process. This understanding that can help bring more pleasure than your male sexual partner has ever experienced before. These are tips that can help you touch his heart and know what to do when you’re touching his other parts.

    Who should read He Comes Next?

    • Couples who want to improve their love life
    • Readers hoping to send their male partners into sexual ecstasy
    • Men who are curious about their sexual topography
  7. 7Captivate

    Captivate

    Vanessa Van Edwards

    The Science of Succeeding with People

    4.0 (340 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:44

    What's Captivate about?

    Captivate (2017) is your guide to human behavior and social success. Whether you’re trying to connect with others at home, at work or out in the world, Van Edwards set about breaking down the mechanics of how to capture people’s attention and engage in meaningful interaction.

    Who should read Captivate?

    • Young people who want to improve their social skills
    • Singles looking to become dating pros
    • Managers and entrepreneurs who want their employees to do their best
  8. 8The Power of Nunchi

    The Power of Nunchi

    Euny Hong

    The Korean Secret to Happiness and Success

    4.3 (172 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:48

    What's The Power of Nunchi about?

    The Power of Nunchi (2019) is an introduction to the subtle Korean art of gauging other people’s moods and thoughts in order to create trust, connection, and harmony. While nunchi has its roots in Korean culture, its lessons are applicable to contexts far beyond Korea. That’s because nunchi is a social skill that’ll empower you to read a room and understand others so that you can improve your relationships, get ahead at work, and influence people in any context and place. 

    Who should read The Power of Nunchi?

    • Employees who want to get ahead at work
    • Wellness seekers who want to better connect with others
    • Korean culture enthusiasts
  9. 9Presence

    Presence

    Amy Cuddy

    Bringing your Boldest Self to your Biggest Challenges

    4.3 (305 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    00:49

    What's Presence about?

    Presence (2016) takes a valuable look at the relationship between our mind and body, and how it can influence our psychology and ability to communicate effectively. By examining body language and postures, author Amy Cuddy reveals some simple tips that can transform the lives of shy and self-conscious people into confident powerhouses. 

    Who should read Presence?

    • Anyone wishing to up their communication skills
    • Anyone who wants to be more confident in life
    • Anyone who hasn’t yet experienced the benefits of power posing
  10. 10Words Can Change Your Brain

    Words Can Change Your Brain

    Andrew Newberg, M.D., Mark Robert Waldman

    12 Conversation Strategies to Build Trust, Resolve Conflict, and Increase Intimacy

    4.4 (613 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    01:05

    What's Words Can Change Your Brain about?

    Words Can Change Your Brain (2012) is an easy-to-follow guide on the art of effective and compassionate communication. Informed by the brain’s natural behavior and responses, these blinks outline measures we can take to become better at listening, expressing ourselves, and fostering trust and cooperation with others. 

    Who should read Words Can Change Your Brain?

    • Anyone who wants to improve their communication skills
    • People who’d like to approach difficult conversations with confidence
    • Those curious about the science of communication
  11. 11Don’t Take Yes for an Answer

    Don’t Take Yes for an Answer

    Steve Herz

    Using Authority, Warmth, and Energy to Get Exceptional Results

    4.5 (121 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    01:04

    What's Don’t Take Yes for an Answer about?

    Don’t Take Yes for an Answer (2020) identifies why some people consistently achieve career breakthroughs, while others struggle to reach their potential. By adopting an attitude of continual self-improvement and learning three crucial communication skills, you can achieve exceptional results, regardless of your field.

    Who should read Don’t Take Yes for an Answer?

    • Ambitious employees who are trying to land promotions
    • Underdogs seeking a breakthrough
    • Aspiring advocates who want to inspire others
  12. 12Digital Body Language

    Digital Body Language

    Erica Dhawan

    How to Build Trust and Connection, No Matter the Distance

    4.4 (268 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    01:55

    What's Digital Body Language about?

    Digital Body Language (2021) is your rulebook to clear online communication. Combining cutting-edge research with personal know-how, it demystifies the digital signals that so often stand in for traditional body language.

    Who should read Digital Body Language?

    • Leaders and employees seeking more streamlined digital collaborations
    • Virtual workers who want to improve their online tone and clarity
    • Anyone who’s struggled to convey what they really mean from behind a screen
  13. 13Read the Face

    Read the Face

    Eric Standop with Elisa Petrini

    Face Reading for Success in Your Career, Relationships, and Health

    3.4 (190 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    01:09

    What's Read the Face about?

    Read the Face (2021) is a beginner’s guide to the millennia-old art and science of physiognomy, or face reading. It provides a brief history of the practice, outlines techniques and methods, and includes insightful case studies.

    Who should read Read the Face?

    • Anyone curious about physiognomy
    • People eager to understand themselves and others better
    • Couples interested in finding out about love compatibility
  14. 14Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People

    Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People

    Renée Evenson

    Over 325 Ready-to-use Words and Phrases for Working with Challenging Personalities

    4.2 (648 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    01:00

    What's Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People about?

    Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People (2013) provides practical tactics for navigating tough conversations at work. Along with over 325 phrases, it includes dozens of sample conversations that show the phrases in action.

    Who should read Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Difficult People?

    • Anyone dealing with difficult coworkers or bosses
    • Employees looking for practical guidance on how to talk to colleagues
    • People interested in conflict management
  15. 15I Don't Agree

    I Don't Agree

    Michael Brown

    Why we can’t stop fighting – and how to get great stuff done despite our differences

    4.0 (260 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    01:50

    What's I Don't Agree about?

    I Don’t Agree (2020) is a practical guide to improving your conflict resolution skills. Disagreement is seen as bad, and even scary. But, actually, conflict can be a powerful engine for growth if you know how to deal with it effectively. I Don’t Agree provides ten practical strategies that will help you become an expert in dealing with conflict in all areas of your life.

    Who should read I Don't Agree?

    • Employees seeking to improve their collaborations
    • Anyone wanting to resolve a bitter argument
    • Parents who want to learn how to teach conflict resolution skills to their kids
  16. 16How to Be a 3% Man

    How to Be a 3% Man

    Corey Wayne

    Winning the Heart of the Woman of Your Dreams

    3.9 (393 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    01:12

    What's How to Be a 3% Man about?

    How to Be a 3% Man (2013) provides straightforward practice methods, tips and guidelines for meeting and dating women. It teaches you what to say to women, when to say it, and what her responses mean.

    Who should read How to Be a 3% Man?

    • Men who have a hard time approaching women.
    • Anyone looking for dating advice.
    • People hoping to improve their relationship.
  17. 17Cues

    Cues

    Vanessa Van Edwards

    Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication

    4.5 (661 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    01:06

    What's Cues about?

    Cues (2022) is about the signals we send unconsciously and how they affect the way others perceive us. The book is geared toward improving your professional life by managing the cues you send and responding appropriately to the ones you receive. 

    Who should read Cues?

    • Professionals looking to achieve their goals
    • Those interested in the science of communication
    • People who want to improve their professional relationships
  18. 18Read People Like a Book

    Read People Like a Book

    Patrick King

    How to Analyze, Understand, and Predict People’s Emotions, Thoughts, Intentions, and Behaviors

    3.9 (955 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    02:07

    What's Read People Like a Book about?

    Read People Like a Book (2020) unravels the complex tapestry of human behavior, guiding readers to decipher verbal and non-verbal signals broadcast by people 24/7. Marrying scholarly wisdom to sly real-world tales, the book presents the art and science of people-reading with both flair and finesse. Dive in, and soon you'll be navigating human interactions like a seasoned anthropologist.

    Who should read Read People Like a Book?

    • Story seekers eyeing deeper connections
    • Negotiators seeking an edge
    • HR specialists scouting the right talent
  19. 19Emotional Intelligence Habits

    Emotional Intelligence Habits

    Travis Bradberry

    Change Your Habits, Change Your Life

    4.2 (441 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    01:32

    What's Emotional Intelligence Habits about?

    Emotional Intelligence Habits (2023) is a comprehensive guide to cultivating the emotional intelligence (EQ) skills essential to both personal and professional success. It covers 35 habits that underpin the highest EQ scores and offers practical exercises to get you on your way today. 

    Who should read Emotional Intelligence Habits?

    • Professionals seeking a competitive edge
    • Anyone wanting to improve their interpersonal relationships
    • Individuals interested in becoming better people and leaders
  20. 20The Power of Not Thinking

    The Power of Not Thinking

    Simon Roberts

    How Our Bodies Learn and Why We Should Trust Them

    4.0 (192 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    01:09

    What's The Power of Not Thinking about?

    The Power of Not Thinking (2020) explores the concept of embodied knowledge – information unconsciously stored by our bodies. It explains how this tacit knowledge influences our decision-making and actions across various aspects of life, challenging readers to trust their instincts and physical intelligence.

    Who should read The Power of Not Thinking?

    • Business leaders navigating complex industries
    • Those who marvel at artists’ and performers’ ability to improvise
    • Anyone interested in the body’s role in cognition
  21. 21How to Speed Read People

    How to Speed Read People

    Patrick King

    Think Like a Psychologist, Analyze Human Behavior, and Decode Emotions

    4.0 (187 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    02:14

    What's How to Speed Read People about?

    How to Speed Read People (2020) teaches you how to interpret the body language and emotions of others quickly, enabling you to understand unspoken cues and enhance your interactions. By mastering these skills, you can build stronger relationships, improve communication, and influence others effectively.

    Who should read How to Speed Read People?

    • Professionals seeking stronger communication and interpersonal skills
    • Leaders aiming to better understand and motivate their teams
    • Learners exploring personality, behavior, and emotional intelligence
  22. 22You Say More Than You Think

    You Say More Than You Think

    Janine Driver, Mariska van Aalst

    A 7-Day Plan for Using the New Body Language to Get What You Want

    3.9 (9 ratings)

    Listen to the Intro
    01:27

    What's You Say More Than You Think about?

    You Say More Than You Think (2011) reveals the hidden language your body speaks before you even open your mouth. Your success in every interaction – from first dates to high-stakes negotiations – depends far more on unconscious signals than you realize. Master these secret codes of human behavior and you'll gain an almost supernatural ability to read and influence anyone you meet.

    Who should read You Say More Than You Think?

    • Professionals looking to enhance communication and negotiation skills
    • Leaders aiming to strengthen their influence and social connections
    • Individuals curious about nonverbal cues and body language insights
  23. What's Winning Body Language about?

    Winning Body Language by Mark Bowden explores the power of nonverbal communication and how it can be used to influence and persuade others. Through real-life examples and practical tips, the book teaches readers how to master their body language to project confidence, build rapport, and achieve their goals in both professional and personal settings.

    Who should read Winning Body Language?

    • Individuals who want to improve their nonverbal communication skills

    • Professionals looking to enhance their leadership presence and influence

    • People who want to better understand and interpret body language in various social and professional settings

  24. 24Without Saying a Word

    Without Saying a Word

    Kasia Wezowski

    What's Without Saying a Word about?

    Without Saying a Word by Kasia Wezowski delves into the fascinating world of nonverbal communication. Through real-life examples and scientific research, the book uncovers the hidden messages we convey through our body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. It offers valuable insights on how to interpret these cues and use them to improve our relationships and interactions with others.

    Who should read Without Saying a Word?

    • Individuals who want to improve their non-verbal communication skills

    • Professionals in sales, negotiation, or leadership roles

    • People who are interested in understanding human behavior and body language

  25. What's The Power of Body Language about?

    The Power of Body Language by Tonya Reiman explores the impact of nonverbal communication on our everyday interactions. From job interviews to romantic relationships, Reiman delves into the subtle cues and signals that can greatly influence how we are perceived by others. Through real-life examples and practical tips, this book offers valuable insights into harnessing the power of body language to achieve success in various aspects of life.

    Who should read The Power of Body Language?

    • Individuals who want to improve their communication skills

    • Professionals looking to enhance their presence and influence in the workplace

    • People interested in understanding and interpreting nonverbal cues in various social interactions

  26. What's Definitive Book Of Body Language about?

    The Definitive Book of Body Language by Allan Pease explores the power of nonverbal communication and its impact on our daily interactions. Through real-life examples and practical advice, the book uncovers the hidden messages behind gestures, facial expressions, and body movements, helping readers to better understand and interpret the unspoken language of others.

    Who should read Definitive Book Of Body Language?

    • Anyone interested in improving their communication skills and understanding nonverbal cues

    • Professionals who want to enhance their body language for business and networking

    • Individuals who want to become more aware of their own body language and its impact on others

  27. What's The Dictionary of Body Language about?

    The Dictionary of Body Language by Joe Navarro is a comprehensive guide that decodes the hidden meanings behind various body movements and gestures. Through real-life examples and practical tips, Navarro helps readers understand the nonverbal cues people exhibit in different social and professional situations. This insightful book can enhance your communication skills and improve your ability to interpret the unspoken language of the body.

    Who should read The Dictionary of Body Language?

    • Individuals who want to improve their communication skills and understand nonverbal cues

    • Professionals in fields such as sales, negotiation, or leadership

    • People who are curious about human behavior and psychology

  28. 28Definitive Book Of Body Language

    Definitive Book Of Body Language

    Barbara Pease and Allan Pease

    What's Definitive Book Of Body Language about?

    Definitive Book Of Body Language by Barbara Pease and Allan Pease is a comprehensive guide to understanding the unspoken language of the body. The book delves into various aspects of body language, including facial expressions, gestures, and posture, and explains how to interpret and use these cues to communicate effectively and understand others better. With real-life examples and practical tips, this book offers valuable insights into the hidden messages we convey through our bodies.

    Who should read Definitive Book Of Body Language?

    • Individuals who want to improve their communication skills and understand nonverbal cues

    • Professionals looking to enhance their body language for business and networking

    • People interested in psychology and human behavior

Related topics

Frequently asked questions about Body Language

While choosing just one book about a topic is always tough, many people regard What Every Body is Saying as the ultimate read on Body Language.
Blinkist curators have picked the following:
  • What Every Body is Saying by Joe Navarro
  • Emotions Revealed by Paul Ekman
  • Unmasking the Face by Paul Ekman (Author), Wallace V Friesen
  • How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes
  • If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look On My Face? by Alan Alda
  • He Comes Next by Ian Kerner
  • Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards
  • The Power of Nunchi by Euny Hong
  • Presence by Amy Cuddy
  • Words Can Change Your Brain by Andrew Newberg, M.D., Mark Robert Waldman
When it comes to Body Language, these are the authors who stand out as some of the most influential:
  • Joe Navarro
  • Paul Ekman
  • Paul Ekman (Author), Wallace V Friesen
  • Leil Lowndes
  • Alan Alda