Thread: Tell me (or ask me) about body language/microexpression

I bought the book The Definitive Book of Body Language by Barbara and Allen Pease about a year ago, and although it's not the most advanced book on the topic, I've gotten quite good if I do say so myself. Anyone else into this sort of thing?

Yeah I have the same book.

You mean there's a more advanced book on the subject??

What are your thoughts on learning the micro-expressions peacemeal (oh, there's a slight discoloration in the corner of his eye, etc.) versus just opening up and getting a holistic feel for the overall vibe, without being conscious about all the micro-expressions (remember, you can only consciously track 5-9 pieces of information, so that's not a very scalable strategy).

I'm definitely going to have to try to find that book at my library!!

I'm a natural when it comes to reading people. In fact, it's the only "skill" I have that I am truly proud of (that and my empathy).
Have you ever seen the new show "Lie to Me?" It is awesome and it's gotten me very curious about the science behind reading people.

'Lie To Me' is a fantastic show that I can't get enough of.

I also recommend the following which I have as e-books:

'Wonder Readings' - Kenton Knepper & Rex Steven Sikes
'Red Hot Cold Readings - The Professional Psuedo Psychic' - Dewey & Seville
'The Art of Cold Reading' - Nelson
'Sequel to The Art of Cold Reading' - Nelson
'The Gentle Art of Cold Reading' - Lee Earle
And pretty much any book you can find on supressing or reading tells in poker games.

The best thing about learning about microexpressions, emblems and gestures is their origin in biology. Snarls are embedded in our deep biological past as a form of showing off your teeth. It's basically an offensive 'LOOK AT MY SHARP WEAPONS' sign. In the last few months I've made this a hobby of mine and it's utterly fascinating to go to a party, sit in a corner and just absorb the multitude of information that people broadcast about their attitudes, moods and very thoughts. In my free lessons at Uni I can just sit in a square or plaza and be entertained without anything else to do.

I'm yet to put it to the ultimate test of picking up a random girl just based on her body signals. Slowly working my way up to that one as I grow more confident in my newfound abilities.

Yeah, Lie to Me rocks. I always spend more time trying to make the catches before the characters do then actually paying attention to the plot! And Alextanium, just about everything in your post goes for me as well.