Emotional Intelligence For Dummies
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Studies show that your body language communicates up to 50 percent of what you want to say. Paying attention to a person’s body language can help you begin to understand what he or she might really be feeling. Here are some important body-language signs to watch for:

  • Anger: Hands on hips posture or arms folded, pounding heart, sweating and rapid breathing, fists clenched, eyes staring

  • Happy: Relaxed body, smiling, open arms and legs, relaxed and prolonged eye contact

  • Anxious: Restlessness, pounding heart, rapid breathing

  • Interest: Leaning forward

  • Fury: Cold focused stare, loud and rapid speech

  • Sadness: Drooping body, downcast eyes, mouth turned down

  • Surprise: Eyebrows up, wide eyes, mouth open, movement backward

  • Embarrassment: Red or flushed face, looking away from others, avoiding direct eye contact, false smile or grimace

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Steven J. Stein, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and CEO of Multi-Health Systems (MHS), a leading international test publishing company. A leading expert on psychological assessment and emotional intelligence, he has consulted to military and government agencies, including the U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy; special units of the Pentagon; and the FBI Academy; as well as corporate organizations, including American Express, Canyon Ranch, and professional sports teams.

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