TV Review: Secrets of Body Language

“Are you talking to me? Are you talking to me?” If you are, then I, or anyone else you might talk with, will only receive seven percent of your message from the actual words you use. Seven percent? According to experts, the other 93 percent consists of nonverbal cues.

Secrets of Body Language premieres on the History Channel Monday, October 13 at 9 PM Eastern Time/8 PM Central Time. In this two hour program, video clips of events in political and pop culture history are deconstructed by a handful of experts. Famous events such as the speech Britain’s ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair made upon Princess Diana’s tragic death are examined in stop motion; famous figures are examined, their hidden emotion and sincerity weighed skeptically.

Take, for example, the WWII-era conference at Yalta. We’re told who was the “real leader” and who followed upon their every motion; and who merely sat there looking emasculated. Perhaps because of the upcoming U.S. Presidential elections, we are shown clip after clip of Presidents and politicos. President Bush is not shown in a flattering light — some of his more embarrassing moments on camera are chosen — but the comments given his clips are ironically affectionate. Turns out his body language denotes "alpha male."

President Richard M. Nixon’s body language, as studied here? Defensive and anxious, but most of what we’re shown happened around the time of Watergate. His earlier, televised debate with then-Senator John F. Kennedy is also shown. This event is widely held as a turning point in the role television plays in politics. The peaked-looking, sweaty Nixon fared badly against the poised, tanned Kennedy. Some of the facts surrounding that are explained. Nonverbal communication counts for a lot, and ever since television replaced the hearth in our society, no one running for public office today can afford to ignore its power. The visual communication from that 1960 debate is still seen as costing Nixon the election.

We also see the impact of nonverbal communication outside the political arena. Sadly, we’re shown footage from a "bad traffic stop" in which an officer was killed. Although the death happens out of camera range, some viewers may feel upset by this. An expert uses this video in a class he teaches to illustrate the danger of an officer ignoring physically aggressive body language. Police officers are taught to pay close attention to a subject’s body language, where the person looks, and whether they are listening to the officer. According to the expert, there were several indicators this subject was dangerous and planned to do the officer harm. The expert stops the tape at each point to explain what those indicators were. Fifty-five percent of communication is in body language and facial expression; that's a large broadcast of intentions to those who are aware and alert to its importance. These are important lessons for those who must make split-second decisions, such as police and military personnel. We are also shown an example in which fast and accurate reading of body language saved a life.

Article Author: Brandy

Visit Brandy's author page