Body Language at work by Peter Clayton is about Read the signs and make the right moves. The fact of life he states in one line. “I can’t give you a sure-fire formula for success, but I can give you a formula for failure: try to please everybody all the time.” – Herbert Bayard SwopeThe Book and the stuff. The book is not too extraordinary. You may or may not read it. Depending on your choice. But as such it does not deliver much on the subject. It is more generic and subjective in nature. Being subjective is ok.
Actually, these sort of books can never be objective. But most of the stuff you already know. And in fact, that usually happens in many management, communication and mannerism books. Where while reading you discover you know most of the stuff already. So precisely you don’t get anything extra out of it. Or not much of value addition.
No, don’t go by the words. Have your own opinion. But the book is quite costly (around Rs. 1000/-). It is published by Om Books International. In addition, printed and bound in China. The author is one of the renowned Behavior, Management Trainer, Consultant in the UK.
Body Language at Work by Peter Clayton – Book Review
What is body language in Body Language at Work by Peter Clayton: Normal conversation speed is around 100-120 words per minute. In the same amount of time, the average person can “think” about 800 words. Body language is the outlet for this huge mass of unspoken thoughts and feelings.
Usual Stuff in Body Language at Work by Peter Clayton: Mostly it talks about body language at work. It also tells that if you have an intimacy with an office mate. And you speak a different body language or are closer outside office. It reflects into your office body language too. Basically in any conversation there are three zones. Firstly, Outer Zone or the Business Zone. Secondly, Middle Zone or the Personal Zone. And thirdly, Inner Zone or the Intimate Zone. Read in the book about their qualities. Further it talks about Positive and Negative Body Language during various activities. The activities like Handshakes, Presentations, Negotiations, Delivering Lectures, Office communications and after hours speak a lot.
Body Language at Work by Peter Clayton – Book Review
Unusal Stuff (Something different) in Body Language at Work by Peter Clayton: The last three chapters are very different and most useful. First is “Men attracting women”. That talks about – Stomach in Chest out, Holding the gaze, Preening, Ready to go, following her around etc. Second is “Women Attracting men”. That talks about – Glancing sideways, Ambiguous gestures, Curtain Up, Looking over a shoulder, legs twined, legs crossed so a knee point, Mouth and lips, Crossing and uncrossing the legs. And the third is really exceptional and that is “International etiquette” that talks about all countries in the world and their behavior and customs. It tells where to meet people the first time. Or otherwise in what manner, what to do, what not to do.
Some Tips about Body Language at Work by Peter Clayton:
Tip 1: If two persons meet a third person and this third person faces and talks to only one of the two persons. It denotes the third person does not know him. Or the third person does not want to talk to him. And/or the third person does not feel comfortable with him.
Tip 2: If you are talking to a lady in the personal zone or intimacy zone. While talking if she holds her bag or folder or file between you and her. Or keeps hands in her pocket. Then beware, she is not interested to be in intimacy zone. Don’t invite problem. Similarly, many more important tips are there in the book.