Customer Reviews

You Don't Say: Navigating Nonverbal Communication Between the Sexes

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This won't be very long, since I am not overly concerned with being critical of this book. However, the five-star rating is somewhat misleading.

Nelson's book is essentially a 323 page list of female nonverbal communication patterns and behaviours, contrasted with a list of male nonverbal communication patterns and behaviours. The first 100 or so pages provide a psychological analysis of the reasons for the communication patterns the author discusses. The extent to which the author "moves beyond" simply stating the differences between genders, is a "Gender Rx" at the end of every chapter, that basically tells women to use more "male nonverbal behaviour" and vice versa for males. Not an extremely useful book if you have studied nonverbal communication at any length.

This isn't a terrible book by any means; however, it is completely undeserving of a five-star rating.

A great insight as to why men and women "hear" things differently from one another. It's fascinating to realize that the sexes approach communication from completely different sets of perspectives. This book has given me insight into my own inabilities to make myself understood by the women who surround me, at work and at home.
I would recommend it especially to managers and employers seeking to integrate a more holistic approach to communication between the sexes in the workplace.

Nelson has tried to show that it isn't necessary to attribute blame when "the message" isn't as clear as it could be. She offers insights into how to develop a way of listening that facilitates better understanding and dialogue.

Nelson's text is a welcome addition to the offerings available on gender and nonverbal communication. Where many publications are either too academic and dry or purely anecdotal and lacking in empirical support, Nelson offers a rich middle ground. I have been teaching nonverbal communication at the college level for the past few years and am thrilled to offer my students an accessible, practical and fascinating companion book to their textbook. Nelson's move beyond the descriptive (men do 'y' and women do 'x') to more hands on applications of concepts makes the book a worthwhile investment.

what else can i say? the title says it all. this is a very informational at the same time educational book. you will find out that you are strange to this world, strange to the human race after you read it. there are so many ways of communications that happen around us and that were simply neglected, obscured, exaggerated or even distorted because so many of us didnt know the real meaning, well this book, will turn the lights on for you and help you explore the gestures, body languages, actions and some other things that only your unconsciouness will notice.

Audrey Nelson, in a very personal way, has laid out many aspects of communication and behavior between the sexes that I had not acknowledged. This excellent book increased my awareness about different facets of communication that are obvious (and some not so obvious), that I had not previously given recognition or attention. "You Don't Say" has helped me professionally in my project management consulting career, as well as personally in my daily interactions with my family, friends, and colleagues. I recommend this provocative and personably written book, full of colorful stories and examples, to everyone I know. Audrey's useful portrayal of this topic is applicable to anyone who has to communicate with males and females. I look forward to her next book!

The issue of gender and nonverbal communication is complex. Dr. Nelson provides an analysis of nonverbal communication as it relates to gender in a way that sufficiently captures its complexity. Drawing on research and anecdotes from her own experience and that of others, she provides information about this issue in a sophisticated way. But she doesn't stop there. She goes on to suggest how to make use of this information to improve personal and professional communication. I found the book very useful.

I have read a great deal on the topic of gender communication. This is the most exhaustive, and well-researched, but also entertaining, treatise on the methods that men and women utilize to communicate non verbally. A balance of research and real-life stories make this an easy, eye-opening read which brilliantly exposes the importance of our non-verbal communications. Finally, this book provides easy to apply prescriptions for improving cross-gender interactions, for individuals on the sending and receiving end of communication!! I am already putting her suggestions and observations into practice both in my personal and business life, and highly reccommend then to all readers!!