Non -Verbal Communications for Cops, Villains  and Writers. A recap of Lynda Fryant’s  3-part article posted during Summer of 2010.

93% of all our communication is non-verbal. Dr Phil and law enforcement and behavioral experts have made similar claims in articles, books and on National TV . . .  Since about the mid-seventies, law enforcement officers have been using the more scientific art of reading body language rather than the application of brute force when trying to ascertain the truthfulness of a person’s statements . . .  Nowadays police can’t even legally use the time honored smack in the face or the Billy club to extract the “truth” from a suspect.  And that’s where body language comes in.

Writers can now use the same subtle tools  and clues to give our readers information  that will have them thinking that they are smarter than we are (which guarantees that they will keep reading your work to see if they are right). Body language is wonderful writing tool that uses the technique of “show, don’t tell” to draw the reader in to the story . . . When the body language in your novel or short story is appropriate, you can communicate information and character traits to your readers without them even knowing it . . . They have gleaned a piece of information that makes them want to know more.

For more details read post #2 and post #3.

Linda Fryant was an investigator for the State of Washington Department of Revenue for over 17 years. She has written articles and taught classes about body language, how people lie, and how to create “Villainous Villains.” She currently works for Washington Public Employees Association, a Union representing state workers. Linda was a Teacher’s Assistant to Pam Goodfellow at the University of Washington.