Nonverbal Communication from the Other Side: Speaking Body Language

In this Article, Professor Barkai highlights the relationship between nonverbal communication and the legal profession. The author notes that lawyers are quickly realizing importance of nonverbal behavior in determining the nature of communication and the relationship between the communicators. As such, he sets out to define a broader and more universal role for conscious nonverbal communication in law. His analysis covers the mechanics of body language and the importance of nonverbal communication in the law office whether dealing with other attorneys, witnesses, or clients.

Using research drawn from the social sciences, the author concludes that lawyers can consciously speak body language by adopting certain body postures during interviewing and may be able to improve their rapport and better represent their clients.