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The Power of Body Language: An Ex-FBI Agent's System for Speed-Reading People
Approximately 80% of communication is expressed nonverbally. When you know how to unlock the secrets of people's nonverbal cues, you'll always have the upper hand in any situation.
In The Power of Body Language, former FBI counterintelligence officer and recognized global expert on nonverbal behavior Joe Navarro teaches you how to "speed-read" decode sentiments and behaviors, avoid hidden pitfalls, and look for revealing behaviors. You will
*How the subconscious limbic system drives all body language
*Why the face is the least likely place to gauge a person's true feelings
*What thumbs, feet, and a simple handshake reveal about moods and motives
*The most powerful behaviors that reveal our confidence and true sentiments
*Simple nonverbals that instantly establish trust and communicate authority
*Why things taught about nonverbals in the 70s and 80s are incorrect
*And more!
Armed with this powerful information, you'll be able to sit in a business meeting and know what your boss and colleagues are really thinking and feeling... what your children are really saying when they come home from a friend's house... the perfect time to close the deal in sale or negotiation. You'll even learn how your own body language is influencing your boss, family, friends, and strangers.
Audio CD
First published December 4, 2012
39 people are currently reading
2196 people want to read
About the author
Joe Navarro
65 books952 followersJoe Navarro is an author, public speaker and ex-FBI agent. Navarro specializes in the area of nonverbal communication or body language and has authored numerous books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 28, 2016
I was a bit skeptical at first when I saw 'ex-FBI agent' on the cover, but hey, when you searched Audible for 'body language', this was the first result. It can't be that bad then, can it?
I was pleasantly surprised. For someone like me who find people incredibly dumbfounding, this is a great once-over of the subject.
What I liked most: everyone has some concept of face-reading and hand gestures and believe this to be most important. The book's chapters start at the feet, moves through legs, hips, and more, to finally arrive at the face and hands.
Not only does he explain signs and their meanings, but also explains the principles behind some categories and patterns in people's behavior, and how to look for 'clusters'.
The audiobook (yes yes, forgive me, book snobs) was narrated by the author and once again, I was surprised in that his narration felt more like he was comfortably explaining the subject to me, and not reading a script to a microphone.
This book comes well-recommended.
I was pleasantly surprised. For someone like me who find people incredibly dumbfounding, this is a great once-over of the subject.
What I liked most: everyone has some concept of face-reading and hand gestures and believe this to be most important. The book's chapters start at the feet, moves through legs, hips, and more, to finally arrive at the face and hands.
Not only does he explain signs and their meanings, but also explains the principles behind some categories and patterns in people's behavior, and how to look for 'clusters'.
The audiobook (yes yes, forgive me, book snobs) was narrated by the author and once again, I was surprised in that his narration felt more like he was comfortably explaining the subject to me, and not reading a script to a microphone.
This book comes well-recommended.
December 13, 2019
Very unusual from what I usually read, this isn’t fiction at all. Joe Navarro is a former FBI specialist, who knows how to read people. I was recommended this book by a colleague who said I’d probably find it interesting (which I did, not gonna lie), and I got it since it was on Audible.
Again, the subject is very interesting. Navarro clearly know a whole deal about how humans act and what the things we do with our body means, and he conveys that to the listener with interesting examples throughout the book.
But…
This is painful to read. I’d go as far as to say one of the worst books I’ve read this year, in DESPERATE need of an editor.
The beginning is the worst. There’s lots of idiotic examples of things that just can’t happen (I recall something about dogs not speaking English) and tons of unnecessary repetition (things like: “if you’re a father, or a mother”. Navarro, there’s a word for that: “parent”!)
And it’s constant! The audiobook is 7 hours I think, and you could easily cut the first 1, 1,5 and the you’d end up with the exact same book. Same with the ending, where there’s lots of repetition. I think the idea was that Navarro wanted to summarize, but he’s just repeating himself constantly.
I think the problem is that Navarro and whoever produced this, did it as a seminar instead of a book. It sound to me like they just put Navarro in a studio and let him talk, rather than have him read from something he’d written.
In conclusion: fascinating subject, awful book. Good case study of how not to write a book.
November 5, 2019
I enjoyed the content of this book. Especially that here I found interesting denials of our body language ‘known’ meanings and some scientific-biological explanations.
On the other hand the content is conveyed very poorly. There are lot of talking around, super many repetitions and too obvious examples (e.g. “dogs do not speak in English”) especially at the beginning of the book. Honestly, I think the first hour of a book can be skipped because there you can find only persuasion that body language is important. Since you already took this book because you agree to this and want to learn some concrete things - it is very frustrating to listen only abstractions about the importance. I really had doubts to continue listening this book after first chapter - 2x speed helped me and in the end I’m glad I completed it :)
On the other hand the content is conveyed very poorly. There are lot of talking around, super many repetitions and too obvious examples (e.g. “dogs do not speak in English”) especially at the beginning of the book. Honestly, I think the first hour of a book can be skipped because there you can find only persuasion that body language is important. Since you already took this book because you agree to this and want to learn some concrete things - it is very frustrating to listen only abstractions about the importance. I really had doubts to continue listening this book after first chapter - 2x speed helped me and in the end I’m glad I completed it :)
October 30, 2025
The only reason this is getting 4 is because one leads to another it’s to much all in one. Yes courses, a lifetime. As I said I would, I’m reading all his work, already purchased the books, watching all his YouTube videos. Reinforcement…. Never hurts or does it manipulation at its finest. Point those toes, tilt that head makes your brain feel love! Watch the results!
I did learn one very important thing that surprised me!
I did learn one very important thing that surprised me!
December 10, 2019
Amazing book on Body Language and I think it will pay great dividends as I continue in my career. It’s a tops 💚💚💚
June 5, 2022
A very informative book told by an expert.
February 2, 2026
very interesting look on how Body language tells us more than speech - A
June 17, 2025
This was really great. Extremely clear and it showed how Joe is a seasoned professor that isn't just an expert in his craft but also in the craft of teaching people too. I took notes for almost everything he said. No word or sentence was wasted. Masterclass of simple applicable set of guidelines.
It isn't overly comprehensive or complicated and he does explain the very nature of the subtlety and large margin of error. So it isn't like your doing some sort of magic. But it does enhance your perspective on people and see them in a completely different light. I felt like I said "hmmm yes of course!" to every bit of information and that I was probably the easiest person to read.
I would gladly like to explore more of his work.
It isn't overly comprehensive or complicated and he does explain the very nature of the subtlety and large margin of error. So it isn't like your doing some sort of magic. But it does enhance your perspective on people and see them in a completely different light. I felt like I said "hmmm yes of course!" to every bit of information and that I was probably the easiest person to read.
I would gladly like to explore more of his work.
July 21, 2018
The Power of Body Language is written and narrated by Joe Navarro, a former FBI counter-intelligence officer and expert on non-verbal communication. Sounds fascinating, doesn't it? Actually, this audible book was somewhat interesting but quite drawn out. I imagine it would be much more interesting to attend a lecture by Mr. Navarro and listen to him in person. I did pick up a few interesting facts about reading body language, but this seems to be very basic information starting with an explanation of how the brain works and then he proceeds to discuss body language starting with the feet and working our way up the human body. Many bits of information are repeated and not much seems to be conclusive.
When Joe Navarro stated that couples whose feet didn't touch at night were not content with each other (anyway I think that's what he said), it kind of got to me. I love my husband but he has poor circulation and his feet are icy cold. No way will I allow his feet to touch me at night!
I did find the foreign customs interesting. Not everyone worldwide greets people the same way and what may be considered normal here in the U.S. may be rude behavior elsewhere. Like I said, there were some interesting facts and I'm glad I listened to this Audible book, but I doubt I would recommend it unless someone wants a good basic start to reading body language and plans to study this subject further. My son, however, loved this book and highly recommended it.
When Joe Navarro stated that couples whose feet didn't touch at night were not content with each other (anyway I think that's what he said), it kind of got to me. I love my husband but he has poor circulation and his feet are icy cold. No way will I allow his feet to touch me at night!
I did find the foreign customs interesting. Not everyone worldwide greets people the same way and what may be considered normal here in the U.S. may be rude behavior elsewhere. Like I said, there were some interesting facts and I'm glad I listened to this Audible book, but I doubt I would recommend it unless someone wants a good basic start to reading body language and plans to study this subject further. My son, however, loved this book and highly recommended it.
March 23, 2015
Its a good starter for someone interested in non-verbal communications but if you understand the basics it does not go too in depth into the skill. Expected more details.
November 11, 2015
Great book very informative
October 4, 2024
3.5
This book had great information, that is overall well structured and delivered by a leader in the field, in a genuine, digestible fashion. That said, it is also teeming with unimportant and uninteresting side notes that distracts the audience from the actually vital key messages. This could have been a 4-5 star book with a better editor.
I enjoyed the main pieces of information as well as the explicit examples of how to employ those pieces of information! For example, Navarro tells us that's if in a business meeting, we read contract line by line, and observe someone's reaction to it, we can figure out which lines they have issues with. That's very useful practical advice! There's a few other gems in here, such as that people's noses flare right before physical activity, which is great practical self-defense knowledge to observe right before someone intends to strike you.
Unfortunately, unless you were taking notes right as these gems were told, you're going to have a hard time parsing back through the book for these useful tidbits, because they're curtailed with an excess of fluff. I know there is a short summarized version of this book available as well, but the chapters there a few minutes each. At times, this audiobook (how I consumed it) felt like a multi-hour Ted talk where the speaker didn't know how to discern how to cut to the chase with their content.
Is there some in between medium, where the chapters focus on each notable body part with useful examples, but no extra fluff? That's what this book could have been.
Either way, this book gave me tremendous respect for Joe Navarro and his attention to human behavior.
This book had great information, that is overall well structured and delivered by a leader in the field, in a genuine, digestible fashion. That said, it is also teeming with unimportant and uninteresting side notes that distracts the audience from the actually vital key messages. This could have been a 4-5 star book with a better editor.
I enjoyed the main pieces of information as well as the explicit examples of how to employ those pieces of information! For example, Navarro tells us that's if in a business meeting, we read contract line by line, and observe someone's reaction to it, we can figure out which lines they have issues with. That's very useful practical advice! There's a few other gems in here, such as that people's noses flare right before physical activity, which is great practical self-defense knowledge to observe right before someone intends to strike you.
Unfortunately, unless you were taking notes right as these gems were told, you're going to have a hard time parsing back through the book for these useful tidbits, because they're curtailed with an excess of fluff. I know there is a short summarized version of this book available as well, but the chapters there a few minutes each. At times, this audiobook (how I consumed it) felt like a multi-hour Ted talk where the speaker didn't know how to discern how to cut to the chase with their content.
Is there some in between medium, where the chapters focus on each notable body part with useful examples, but no extra fluff? That's what this book could have been.
Either way, this book gave me tremendous respect for Joe Navarro and his attention to human behavior.
February 1, 2019
Although it's not the most detailed book on body language I've read so far, it is quite comprehensive and, what's more important, very very logical. Navarro provides numerous examples that are generally quite common, easy to relate to (and thus remember) and practical. To illustrate this, the very first day I started listening to this book, I started noticing so much about interpersonal relations and communication and realized how much I have been missing out on.
Also, if you are considering listening to the book rather than reading it, let me assure you that this isn't an issue since all the poses and gestures that Navarro deals with are described so you can even act them out, or visualize them quite easily.
My most important take-away of the book is that many poses/gestures that we all think we know the meaning of really don't have to mean this one thing. Rather, every movement means something different depending on the context and a person's "default" behavior. Navarro explains this through examples as well and emphasizes it throughout the book lest the reader should forget that body language is not black and white. That being said, I learned that crossed arms don't necessarily mean a person is closed off and that putting your hands on your hips can have many meanings depending on their angle, exact placement and, of course, the context.
Also, if you are considering listening to the book rather than reading it, let me assure you that this isn't an issue since all the poses and gestures that Navarro deals with are described so you can even act them out, or visualize them quite easily.
My most important take-away of the book is that many poses/gestures that we all think we know the meaning of really don't have to mean this one thing. Rather, every movement means something different depending on the context and a person's "default" behavior. Navarro explains this through examples as well and emphasizes it throughout the book lest the reader should forget that body language is not black and white. That being said, I learned that crossed arms don't necessarily mean a person is closed off and that putting your hands on your hips can have many meanings depending on their angle, exact placement and, of course, the context.
August 8, 2020
Years ago, I read "What Every BODY is Saying" (clever title!). It's been a while, so I can't make a perfect comparison, but I would almost say this is the same book, the same content. Certainly many of the examples are the same. I'd advise going through one or the other, but I don't think there's much value in going through both.
Setting that aside, this is an excellent resource. I know "What Every BODY is Saying" is one of the books I most frequently recommended to people, after "Nonviolent Communication". This is appealing to general interest, for those curious and with an appetite for learning. It also has some helpful tips for how the way you comport yourself affects others, or what certain gestures might mean.
The author makes it very clear; his approach is based on decades of FBI experience, but also on science and studies. Some things just don't hold up to scientific scrutiny. Does it mean someone is lying if they look up and to the left as they talk? Nope. In fact, the author stresses that there is absolutely no reliable indicator of if someone is lying or not. Even police officers generally do no better than random chance. But you can certainly see indications of discomfort.
Setting that aside, this is an excellent resource. I know "What Every BODY is Saying" is one of the books I most frequently recommended to people, after "Nonviolent Communication". This is appealing to general interest, for those curious and with an appetite for learning. It also has some helpful tips for how the way you comport yourself affects others, or what certain gestures might mean.
The author makes it very clear; his approach is based on decades of FBI experience, but also on science and studies. Some things just don't hold up to scientific scrutiny. Does it mean someone is lying if they look up and to the left as they talk? Nope. In fact, the author stresses that there is absolutely no reliable indicator of if someone is lying or not. Even police officers generally do no better than random chance. But you can certainly see indications of discomfort.
April 28, 2025
Navarro, a former FBI agent and teacher of non-verbal communication, shares his knowledge of the ways the human body communicates. We do this by showing comfort or discomfort, and he gives a breakdown of each body part starting from the feet and ending with the face. However, the book is in need of an editor to refine his delivery, as it feels repetitive and more akin to a lecture than a guide.
Additionally, he doubles down on outdated science regarding the mind, specifically the triune mind, which has been disproven as an oversimplification as the mind is more of an interconnected web, but this may be showing the book's age.
Despite this, there are nuggets of wisdom here to put into practice. As when shaking someone's hand, he states, "that might be the only time you get to touch this person, make it count and do it right."
Realistically, if one wants to know how to read people, they have to make them comfortable and gain their trust. There's no one tell to see if someone is lying, and becoming an expert in non-verbals is possible without coercion. Practice makes perfect, after all.
3.4
Additionally, he doubles down on outdated science regarding the mind, specifically the triune mind, which has been disproven as an oversimplification as the mind is more of an interconnected web, but this may be showing the book's age.
Despite this, there are nuggets of wisdom here to put into practice. As when shaking someone's hand, he states, "that might be the only time you get to touch this person, make it count and do it right."
Realistically, if one wants to know how to read people, they have to make them comfortable and gain their trust. There's no one tell to see if someone is lying, and becoming an expert in non-verbals is possible without coercion. Practice makes perfect, after all.
3.4
August 23, 2018
Comunicação não-verbal é um troço que sempre me pareceu meio "óleo de cobra", mas apareceu nas recomendações e eu achei interessante o suficiente para experimentar.
O livro é *bem* introdutório. É bem simples e direto ao ponto, não vai ficar ensinando nada elaborado.
Gostei de entender que as reações que formam a comunicação não-verbal vem do Sistema Límbico e não podem ser evitadas, são naturais do ser humano. Dai se segue que:
1. Comunicação não-verbal não pode ser evitada. Uma pessoa pode ter um "poker face" mas nunca um "poker body",
2. Não existe "malícia" na comunicação não-verbal, ou seja, aquele papo de saber se uma pessoa está mentindo ou se ela se interessa por você é balela. O que dá para observar é Conforto/Desconforto, Desgosto e algumas coisas mais "low level". É colocando isso em contexto que é possível, embora nunca 100% preciso, entender o que está acontecendo.
O livro é *bem* introdutório. É bem simples e direto ao ponto, não vai ficar ensinando nada elaborado.
Gostei de entender que as reações que formam a comunicação não-verbal vem do Sistema Límbico e não podem ser evitadas, são naturais do ser humano. Dai se segue que:
1. Comunicação não-verbal não pode ser evitada. Uma pessoa pode ter um "poker face" mas nunca um "poker body",
2. Não existe "malícia" na comunicação não-verbal, ou seja, aquele papo de saber se uma pessoa está mentindo ou se ela se interessa por você é balela. O que dá para observar é Conforto/Desconforto, Desgosto e algumas coisas mais "low level". É colocando isso em contexto que é possível, embora nunca 100% preciso, entender o que está acontecendo.
February 9, 2019
Interesting topic, and the author is clearly an authoritative subject matter expert, but a mediocre book. Fundamentally this topic is visual, so a video or live/in person lecture is always going to be better, but the book (and especially audiobook) were below what was possible even given medium constraints — lots of repetition and general awkwardness.
The core message is that nonverbal cues can convey comfort and discomfort, as well as sometimes intentions. Some (feet, gross body positioning, etc) are more inherently truthful than others (some facial expressions.). Unfortunately there was really only about 2-3 pages worth of material here, expanded to book form. I listened to it at 3.5x during a flight and it didn’t feel at all too fast; a summary would have had all of the real information in the book. OTOH, I would still happily go to an hour or two lecture by the author.
The core message is that nonverbal cues can convey comfort and discomfort, as well as sometimes intentions. Some (feet, gross body positioning, etc) are more inherently truthful than others (some facial expressions.). Unfortunately there was really only about 2-3 pages worth of material here, expanded to book form. I listened to it at 3.5x during a flight and it didn’t feel at all too fast; a summary would have had all of the real information in the book. OTOH, I would still happily go to an hour or two lecture by the author.
September 26, 2025
A few issues here. First, this sounds like a recorded lecture, or a series of lectures, which isn't a bad thing in and of itself, but the author refers to some physical features and gestures he seems to be showing someone (presumably an audience), but which the audiobook listener has no way to see. Also, it isn't read, and some of the material, while well-rehearsed and understood by the author), sometimes suffers from what would have been considered a typo, had he written this out. It leads to some confusing turns of phrase when he seems to accidentally replace the intended word with a related word from a previous sentence. A PDF or list of some of these for reference would be useful -- and I don't recall my download mentioning or including them.
January 17, 2021
I found this book difficult to asses. On one hand, the author indeed discussed some tells or bodies radiate through each part. At the same time, most of it seems to be fall into 2 categories; expressing comfort or discomfort.
At several moments I found myself excited and hopeful to hear something concrete new to me, for example when it's mentioned that the human face display 5000 different things. Only to be left disappointed when this is not something actually discussed; which things, and how can they be identified? What can we do to help someone feel comfortable? Smile, be non threatening. This seems hardly a knowledge bombshell to me.
In one of the first chapters the author recommends to look for tell clusters. This seemed like an ideal topic for a chapter where such combinations are analyzed. I was surprised to miss good examples for this.
Perhaps my expectations were unjustified. I hoped to find and learn of specific clues and cues. Instead I received some descriptions of what actions indicate comfort or discomfort, most of which seemed trivial.
Lastly, hearing over and over how the author is an FBI agent and teacher seemed a redundant way to justify the validity of any claim. And the aggressive sales pitch at the end for an online tool felt highly out of place and disrespectful to the reader, like I paid for a long commercial in the first place.
At several moments I found myself excited and hopeful to hear something concrete new to me, for example when it's mentioned that the human face display 5000 different things. Only to be left disappointed when this is not something actually discussed; which things, and how can they be identified? What can we do to help someone feel comfortable? Smile, be non threatening. This seems hardly a knowledge bombshell to me.
In one of the first chapters the author recommends to look for tell clusters. This seemed like an ideal topic for a chapter where such combinations are analyzed. I was surprised to miss good examples for this.
Perhaps my expectations were unjustified. I hoped to find and learn of specific clues and cues. Instead I received some descriptions of what actions indicate comfort or discomfort, most of which seemed trivial.
Lastly, hearing over and over how the author is an FBI agent and teacher seemed a redundant way to justify the validity of any claim. And the aggressive sales pitch at the end for an online tool felt highly out of place and disrespectful to the reader, like I paid for a long commercial in the first place.
May 1, 2019
I already knew a little bit about kinesics, proxemics, and haptics from some writing courses I've taken around body language and physical cues. I was really interested by tidbits like cultural variences in handshakes, proxemics and such, as well as the many different body parts and pacifying behaviours. I've certainly got a lot more fodder for both my fiction and keeping my eye on people ;p A quick and informative read. I've already read it a second time.
October 2, 2017
The reviews were mixed and I expected a bunch of loose tips scattered amidst useless theory. It was more engaging than that. Around the third chapter author started talking about practical points and I loved some of them.
Overall, worth the read. Skip the first 2-3 chapters if you already know the science behind limbic system.
Overall, worth the read. Skip the first 2-3 chapters if you already know the science behind limbic system.
July 16, 2023
I found this book to be very insightful, as it provided a fresh perspective on how humans have been using their bodies to communicate emotions, thoughts, and intentions in an instinctive and uncensored way.
During my interaction, I noticed many nonverbal cues. Although not all of them matched what I had read about detention, they did provoke reflection and deeper interaction.
During my interaction, I noticed many nonverbal cues. Although not all of them matched what I had read about detention, they did provoke reflection and deeper interaction.
January 24, 2024
Really interesting. It's a recording of a presentation and it was hard to imagine some of the body signals he was talking about. Watching a video would be better (though long). The audible copy does come w/ a download w/ good pictures as examples. I tend to listen to books while I clean and drive, otherwise looking at that while listening would have been useful.
July 22, 2025
Painful read. Needs proper editing... Fascinating subject, not well covered unfortunately.
Could’ve just been called 'How to Pacify Yourself in Many Ways' - very few anecdotes that are there are hella boring. I wanted FBI drama. You’ll spend 48h analysing your own posture, then forget all the tips. If you know the basics, this doesn’t go much deeper/no value add.
Could’ve just been called 'How to Pacify Yourself in Many Ways' - very few anecdotes that are there are hella boring. I wanted FBI drama. You’ll spend 48h analysing your own posture, then forget all the tips. If you know the basics, this doesn’t go much deeper/no value add.
August 9, 2018
This (Audible version) appears to be a lecture version of the physical book, not a direct reading. It was pretty interesting though and more accessible/applicable than other ones I've listened to on similar topics.
February 8, 2019
Great book about body language and how we communicate 40-70% through our bodies. Gives tips and guidance on underatanding one's own body language and that of others. Worth the read if interested in body language
February 13, 2019
I've read several books on body language and this is the best one for reading other people. If you've read zero books on body language you may want to learn about baseline and micro expressions because adding that knowledge to this book exemplifies what Navarro teaches more efficiently.
September 13, 2019
Really interesting and something I'll probably revisit. From the feet to the eyes the author has a different section for each body part.
One aspect of the book that still sticks out are the feet. One way you can tell if two people are interested in each other is to see if their playing footsie!
One aspect of the book that still sticks out are the feet. One way you can tell if two people are interested in each other is to see if their playing footsie!
March 5, 2020
Really enjoyed Navarro's willingness to share the knowledge he's accumulated over his years of experience. He states facts and supports them with relatable examples and practical applications. Excellent book. 10/10.
March 29, 2020
I previously read Joe Navarro’s book, What the Body is Saying” and I’m irritated this is practically the exact same book, but read (audiobook) by the author. This recording was torturous. He uses colloquial speech throughout, we becomes tedious to listen to as the book progresses.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews