Managers' Forum ~ Book Reviews
 

The DO's and TABOOs of Body Language Around the World is a guide to learning the complexities of international body language from hand gestures to eyebrow movements. This book is a tool to learn about the world's gestures; including what they mean, when they should be used, how to use them, and the reaction you may get when they are employed.

The book begins with several chapters dedicated to meanings of gestures worldwide. The book discussed the importance that gestures play in every conversation. It reviews those vastly different meanings that simple motions
can have in different countries. For instance, if an individual gives the "OK" sign to a coworker in the US, both might smile and go on with their work, if one coworker gave another the "OK" sign in Latin America, a brawl
might ensue. This book stresses the importance of knowing when to do each.

I believe the book did two things to make it a good tool. The first positive aspect is the drawings. As the saying goes "a picture is worth a thousand words." Although this might take an individual back to the days of reading
children's books, in this case the drawings help make an effective illustration. The second positive aspect of the book is its layout. The first half of the book is dedicated to stories and recommendations to the foreign traveler. The second half of the book is a quick reference guide to different countries. It gives recommendations for proper etiquette as you greet someone in a different culture and a short list of do's and don'ts when you are traveling within another country.

I was happy with the book. I think it will serve well as a quick reference guide to countries when traveling abroad. Very often, impressions are make in the first 30 seconds. Any advantage that can be gained is positive. It is
important to address the role of gestures in communication. The gestures between two people are often more meaningful than the words being exchanges. The language barrier makes international communication difficult enough. Anything to foster better communication is essential. This book helps foster those skills.

Axtell, Roger E., & Fornwald, Mike (illustrator) Gestures: The Do’s and Taboos of Body Language Around the World: John Wiley & Sons, 1998,  ISBN: 0471183423

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