We all express our feelings and aspects of our underlying thoughts through subtle gestures associated with our bodies, such as what we do with our hands when we are talking, how we position our bodies during a conversation, subtle expressions on our face.  These gestures provide a form of 'Non-Verbal Communication' which have a consistency that means they can be interpreted by persons skilled in reading them.

The contribution of body language to effective face to face communication should not be underestimated. A number of studies have investigated the process of communication in general and it is generally accepted that, with respect to face-to-face communication, non-verbal aspects of the communication are usually far more important in getting the message across than simply the words themselves. This is particularly the case when meeting someone with whom you do not have regular contact.

Those skilled in Body Language can not only read other people's un-intentional signals, but can also to some extent deliberately send out non-verbal signals to other people without them being aware of it.

Being better skilled in Body Language is something we can all do and will significantly improve our ability to understand and interact with others.

Introduction

Some Background to Body Language and why it is possible to learn it
Why you should learn Body Language
Examples of Body Language
Tips on Use of Body Language
Learning Body Language

Breakdown structures are used as a project and system engineering management and control tool. They are simply what they sound like are, ie. hierarchical breakdowns of something. 

If applied effectively they are a useful and important aid to organising and managing system projects.  However they are not as easy to apply effectively as might first appear, and their poor application is common, and makes system projects harder than they ought to be.

Introduction

Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)
Generic WBS
Alternative WBS Breakdowns
The WBS is not a CBS, an OBS, or a PBS
Meaning of Higher Level Boxes in WBS Hierarchy
Level of Detail to which WBS is broken down
How to Derive a WBS
Should change in the WBS become necessary once already in use
The importance of trying very hard to get the WBS Right First Time
Generic Titles for elements within a WBS hierarchy
The WBS Crossing Contract Boundaries
Task Sheets for lower level items on WBS
Numbering WBS elements
Product Breakdown Structure (PBS)
Organisational Breakdown Structure (OBS)
Resource Breakdown Structure (RBS)
Contract Work Breakdown Structure (CWBS)
Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS)
Some Generic Notes on Breakdown Structures and their use