The Nonverbal Advantage: Secrets and Science of Body Language at Work (Bk Business) (Paperback)

~ Carol Kinsey Goman Ph.D. (Author)
Key Phrases: nonverbal advantage, business gaze, neutral cultures, The Nonverbal Advantage, Selling Your Message, Reading the Whole Body (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The workplace is a "blink" world. Studies show we form opinions of one another within 7 seconds of meeting, and that 93% of the message people receive from us has nothing to do with what we actually say. Good nonverbal communication skills are therefore a huge professional advantage. Author Carol Kinsey Goman combines the latest research and her 25 years of practical experience as a consultant, coach and therapist to offer a fun and practical guide to understanding what we and the people we work with are saying without speaking. Goman writes in an informal, conversational tone, illustrating her points with cartoons, photos and anecdotes, and she includes dozens of simple and enlightening exercises readers can practice to gain control over the message their body is sending. The Nonverbal Advantage will help readers communicate far more effectively, understand those around them more completely, and project a more accurate picture of who they really are to their colleagues, clients and partners.

From the Publisher

Praise for The Nonverbal Advantage

"Given today's technology-driven communication systems, people have fewer face-to-face interactions. As a result, it is crucial to maximize their impact. Dr. Goman provides a valuable guide for doing just that by helping the reader understand how the nonverbal aspects of a conversation often say much more than the verbal ones."
--Jon Peters, President, The Institute for Management Studies

"The Nonverbal Advantage takes a fresh look at body language as an essential executive management skill. This is a must-read for anyone who is responsible for negotiating or facilitating change in their professional association."
--Alan Sauer, CAE, IOM, Fellow, American Society of Association Executives, and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management

"This book happens to hit on one of my hot buttons. I have made numerous speeches on communication, which I consider the common denominator of success or failure. Invariably, people do not reflect on body language as a means of communication until you bring it to their attention. The Nonverbal Advantage should be a great success!"
--Charles A. Lynch, Chairman, Market Value Partners Company

"Face-to-face communication takes on a new meaning in this much-needed and detailed treatise on nonverbal communication. Understanding how humans give silent clues--with eyes, hands, posture, and even feet--helps us become better speakers and better listeners."
--Wilma Mathews, ABC, IABC Fellow, Faculty Associate, Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, and Communication Consultant

"Carol Kinsey Goman shows you how to use body language skills to build stronger professional relationships. The Nonverbal Advantage is a must- read for anyone wanting to move ahead and stand out from the crowd."
--Robert L. Dilenschneider, Founder and Principal, The Dilenschneider Group, and author of Power and Influence: The Rules Have Changed

"In my global business dealings, I've seen negotiations fall apart when people gave the wrong signals and didn't respect cultural differences. The Nonverbal Advantage should be required reading for anyone in sales or negotiations--especially if they work internationally."
--Kimberly Benson, Vice President, Cange International, Inc.

"In a brave new world brimming with discovery and invention, we must remember to update our existing human-insights skill set. Now is the time to renew your toolbox by including knowledge of the nonverbal cues that will take center stage in business and in life. Carol Kinsey Goman's book is a timely read indeed."
--Watts Wacker, futurist and coauthor of What's Your Story? Storytelling to Move Markets, Audiences, People, and Brands

"The Nonverbal Advantage is a fresh look at employee communications management and the more subtle, but nevertheless important, cues of body language. Goman's analysis of interpersonal communication techniques, signals, and behaviors suggests that nonverbal signals are more important in understanding human behavior than words alone--the nonverbal `channels' seem to be more powerful than what people say. She is pointing the way for managers at all levels."
--Deborah Radman, APR, Fellow PRSA, Senior Vice President/Director, CKPR

"In the second half of my thirty-three year career in law enforcement, my interview ability and success took a definite upswing after taking training that addressed not only verbal deception but also nonverbal behavior. Carol's book takes many of the things I learned about body language and puts them in a form that any manager or business professional can use."
--Robert Baker, retired San Diego County District Attorney Investigator and San Diego County Sheriff Detective

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Product Details

• Paperback: 202 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers; illustrated edition edition (May 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576754928
• ISBN-13: 978-1576754924
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #36,345 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Rosetta Stone of Understanding Body Language! , May 14, 2008

By	W. H. McDonald Jr. "The American Author Assoc... (Elk Grove, CA USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Author Carol Kinsey Goman has added another remarkable achievement to her already significant reputation in the business world with her "must have book" on communications, "The Nonverbal Advantage: Secrets and Science of Body Language at Work". She demystifies some of the basic elements of everyday business communication with a well-written breakdown of human interactions dealing with body language. The book not only teaches but also enlightens the reader about what they and others are unconsciously communicating with their eyes, hands and feet positions and other body gestures and movements.

The book is written for the business world but what you learn can be applied in your own personal life as well. The first thing that you realize is that it is very difficult to fake and manipulate what your body is going to communicate. The book will not be very helpful for those seeking to learn how to use body language to give different or false messages than are in your heart. The book does give you greater insights on how to read others at meetings, or in one-on-one-situations. In some cases, this book will act like a Rosetta Stone for those who are clueless as to what the body is saying about each of us.

Goman uses wonderful personal examples that are easy to identify with. The reader will be able to recognize themselves and others as she takes them through a learning experience that will enrich their work and personal lives. The book is well written and easy to read. I could see this book being used for groups and companies as part of any communications-training program.

This book will change you and alter the way you look at people. It will make you think and reflect and perhaps wake you up and change how you perceive others and yourself. It is a profound work that is scientifically grounded and not some new-age feel good effort to say what has already been said. This book manages to break some new ground while pulling together lots of known and accepted theories of nonverbal communication.

This book receives my highest personal endorsement and recommendation. This book belongs on every serious business manager's office shelf.

The American Authors Association has selected this book for one of its annual Golden Quill Awards as "The Best Business Book of the Year - 2008".

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for any professional., May 10, 2008

By	Dr. Jose Lopez "basarav" (Boca Raton, Florida United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was found by luck at a bookstore, it has been one of the greatest books I have read on Body Language and communication. I think it can help any sales people or public speaker. It cover every possible body position and body part, includes many pictures to see what they are speaking about. Overall very good...

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully practical, May 11, 2008

By	Anne Weverka (Albany, CA) - See all my reviews

Far and away the best book I've read on the topic. In a book on nonverbal communication it helps to have examples, and the numerous illustrations really serve to underscore Carol Kinsey Goman's points--lots of photos that show exactly how body language works in the workplace. And the book is full of practical advice, little tips you can put into practice right away. One example that helped me: I have a bad habit of breaking eye contact when someone is talking to me, which conveys disinterest--bad nonverbal communication--when it's actually shyness. Goman suggested making a habit of simply noting the color of the person's eyes, which has worked very well for me. It enables me to maintain eye contact in a way that makes me much less self-conscious about it. Very psychologically astute.