When we think of communication, we automatically think of the spoken or written word - but body language actually accounts for 90 per cent of how we interact.

Bucks Fress Press journalist Michelle Fleming recently found out more when she met body language expert Richard Newman, who took her through the art of people-reading.

To help demonstrate his theories Richard set Michelle a series of challenges, including a test of her presentation skills, and after learning a few tricks of the trade, she revealed all to her readers.

Michelle said: "Richard tells me I enter the room well and appear confident - but then it all goes pear-shaped.

"My stance, with feet and legs tightly together, reveals my inner desire to appear small.

"I shrink back in the hope that nobody notices me (some hope, as I'm 6ft tall!).

"Despite my smile, my body language reveals the not-too-confident interior and the blithering mess that really stands before them.

"Next big give-away is my hands. I'm naturally quite a fidgety person and as I gave my speech on the joys of being a journalist, I wrung my hands.

"That's another no-no as far as trying to appear confident goes."

Richard also revealed that a good way of breaking down an unco-operative subject is to mirror their body language - creating the illusion that you are both on the same wavelength.

Michelle said: "As the conversation wore on I was becoming increasingly aware of my own movements and wondered what "unsaids" I was giving away by the minute.

"It was exhilarating, yet tiring. All of this attention to controlling one's behaviour can be draining.

"Arriving back to the office, I gushed to my colleague Kelly about my afternoon.

"Much to the annoyance of those around, we gabbed for half an hour before I noticed Kelly was listening intently with her legs crossed and her hands cupping her chin - just as I was.

"I always knew she was a natural at the journalism game."

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