The Secret Language of Business: How to Read Anyone in 3 Seconds or Less

Chapter 13. Practical Applications

Here we are, at the final chapter of this book. I am confident you have learned a great deal about body language and nonverbal behaviors so far, and have also gained insight on practical applications for the knowledge you gained.

Practical applications are vital to the study of body language and nonverbal behaviors because they bridge the gap between scientific research and real life. Because of this, I have chosen to close out with an emphasis on practical applications in several situations and circumstances.

Academia

In the academic world, there is a great deal of interaction among and between people with different cultural backgrounds. It is a world where cultures and expectations come together in close quarters and for the purpose of education and study. The pursuit of knowledge, then, is well served when body language and non-verbal behaviors are respected and understood.

Among faculty members, respect for differences is vital for success and focus within and among departments. When professors of different cultural backgrounds work closely together they have an opportunity to learn from each other and influence each other's perspectives.

For instance, I know of a university where the new chair of the communications department was from Japan. He had the credentials and prestige for the position he held, but his cultural background created some initial difficulties for his interactions with department faculty. Faculty meetings prior to his arrival ...