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

[What is Real]

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?

[paragon]

Yeah I have the same book. You mean there's a more advanced book on the subject??

[Replicon]

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).

[Zhaylin]

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.

[Sisyphus50]

'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.

[What is Real]

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.

[Sisyphus50]

I'd also recommend on a slight tangent to this, that people read the book 'The Game' by Neil Strauss. It takes recognition of body language and tells to a whole new level, and introduces you to the art of pick-up (picking up women). Amazingly powerful material, and a fantastic book to read.

[Jhony]

Sorry to bring this topic back, but I was wondering if there was any good books, videos that can provide more information on detecting body language. After reading this thread I too had became a follower of this interesting topic. I watch Lie to Me now too to see if I can be able to detect any micro expressions. It is a great show.

[Sisyphus50]

The five or so in my other post weren't good enough?

[Jhony]

The five or so in my other post weren't good enough? They were great, I was just asking if they are any others beside cold reading. Maybe some ideas of games that involve body language so I can mess with my friends. I was thinking of trying this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFKif3R0FEE but I need to know the signs she makes for the suites and how to play the trick.

[Sisyphus50]

I can't say for sure how she guesses the numbers, but for the suits she's just saying them outloud and looking for the confirmation response. - clenching jaw - pupil dialation - sharp intake of breath (or holding of the breath) - a breaking of eye contact

[Jhony]

I can't say for sure how she guesses the numbers, but for the suits she's just saying them outloud and looking for the confirmation response. - clenching jaw - pupil dialation - sharp intake of breath (or holding of the breath) - a breaking of eye contact All the signs I can maybe recognize more after I study micro expressions, but the pupil dilation may be a problem because of my sight (I wear glasses, but my vision isn't that great where I can see if their pupil expands or not).

[What is Real]

Yeah, a lot of people have trouble with pupil dilation, especially if the subject has dark irises, close to the color of pupils. By the way, the reason blue eyes are attractive is because they make dilation, a sign of attraction, easier to subconsciously notice. Anyway, it's usually part of a larger cluster, so oftentimes you can make do without it.