Archive | Random Thoughts

Whenever somebody says to you, “that’s a good question,” what they’re really saying is that they don’t have a good answer.  In my lectures and seminars I put a lot of emphasis on the power of the first impression.  I try to stress that first impressions are formed subconsciously, and once made they are very […]

I love getting questions from readers.  Talking about body langauge in the abstract is so much less interesting than seeing how it plays out in real-world situations. A while back a reader sent me the following email: Ricky XXXXXXX () wrote: Is she interested: body language I was out on a date recently and noticed that my […]

Entire industries have been built upon pointing out the differences between men and women.  Films have been made, plays written, pop psychology books penned, studies conducted, comedy routines performed, all revolving around the many ways the genders fail to understand the way each other thinks and behaves.   It should come as no surprise that men and […]

I was hoping to do a series on the body language of the upcoming presidential debates, but it turns out I’ll be working during each one.  Luckily, there are plenty of body language watchers out there who are planning on covering it.  With that in mind, here’s a preview of what to look for.

I had a great question from a person who had recently seen one of my shows.  He wanted to know how it would be possible to use people-reading skills during my routine where I have audience volunteers duct-tape my eyes  shut.  I explained that “people reading” included not only body language, but also listening.  Indeed, […]

Most people seem to understand the value of non-verbal communication skills, but occasionally I am confronted by a person who has that “what’s in it for me?” attitude.  While thinking about that question recently, I happened to recall the day I bought my current car.  Michael, the salesman who sold my by Acura, is a great example of […]

The rule is that 95 percent of everything is crap.  And at least one celebrity blogger has learned that this is particularly true of so-called “celebrity body langauge experts,” who analyze photos of stars on the red carpet. Since I have almost zero interest in celebrities or red carpets I’m not familiar with Jenni Maier, […]

I was hard at work on a post about body language for job interviews when I saw this.    Her suggestions are both simple and powerful.  If you’re not familiar with Ms. Goman’s work, make it your job to follow her posts on Forbes.com.  She also has a great book out on body language in the workplace.

I get to a lot of office Christmas parties.  Of course I’m there as an entertainer, so I always have to be using my best body language.  But since I don’t know anybody or have any particular allegiances, I also get to ply my favorite hobby:  watching people.    It always amazes me how many employees […]

You’re sitting across from a person you’re trying to persuade in some way.  Maybe it’s a job interview, and you’re trying to convince him to hire you.  Maybe you’re in sales and you’re trying to convince him to buy your product.   Maybe you’re negotiating to buy something and you’re trying to convince him to bend […]