ABSTRACT

First, body language is not causal; there is no 'if A then B' relationship. Fire a gun and the bullet (A) will travel where the barrel is pointed (B). These causal relations where 'A' causes 'B' and 'B' can be reasonably accurately predicted only exist in the world of inanimate objects. However, with body language, an 'A' will not automatically cause a 'B'. Body language conveys a hefty heritage of variables as we shall discover when we review the basic myths about body language and review the topic. However, what is possible and constructive is to conceptualise the 'rules' as if they were a flexible code of practice. A code provides an indication but it is not binding since every applicant is unique as is the environment and the interviewer; there are even more exceptions in body language than there are irregular verbs in classical Greek.