Essential but not particularly enjoyable reading: According to recent studies, only 30% of all communication is verbal. The other 70% is made up of the non verbal signals and gestures that come from the rest of the body (in other words body language). Assuming this to be true, it's therefore important for anyone interested in communicating effectively to fully understand the implications of body language and learn how to use it to effectively interact with all types of people.

The Definitve Book Of Body Language by Allan and Barbara Pease is the international bestseller on the subject of body language and therefore a good place to start. The first 100 pages of the book are great and a journey of discovery into the the world of body language, with every page revealing something new. Many of the points made are logical and obvious if thought about hard enough but it is still fascinating to read how the way we use our body in everyday situations can be interpreted and ultimately influence the outcome of our interactions with others.

The book uses a number of real life examples to highlight the points it makes, some of which provide a shocking insight into events and situations of the past 10 years. One example that springs to mind and thta is regularly referred to in the book is that of Bill Clinton when he was going through the scandal of his affair with Monica Lewinski. The book manages to pin point various moments during that time where the body language of the former US president communicated a resounding "I did it".

After the first 100 pages the book becomes a little bit repetitive and was more of an obligation than a pleasure to finish. Nevertheless I would still recommend it to anyone interested in communicating effectively, whether it be to better manage business situations or to attract more women. During the two weeks I was reading the book I became very ware of both my own and other people's body language and a number of the lessons taught in the book I still use on a regular basis.