Widely used gestures include actions such as pointing at something or someone (this is one of the few gestures whose meaning varies little between countries), and using the hands and body in sync with the rhythms of speech to emphasize certain words or phrases. Many seemingly similar gestures have different meanings in different countries. The same gesture may be harmless in one country and vulgar in another. In addition, even the same or similar gestures may differ slightly in different countries. For example, when a Russian counts something on his fingers, he, as a rule, bends his fingers inside his palm, while a typical American, on the contrary, straightens his fingers when counting.
Classification of gestures[ | ]
There are three main types of gestures:
- flirting gestures;
- lying gestures;
- gestures of aggression.
Gestures of aggression- hands clenched into fists and rested on the sides. Showing thumbs means: “I’m in charge” or “everything’s okay.” Hands back or the policeman's gesture means: "I'm not afraid of you." Arms crossed on the chest mean protection. A slouched back means an inferiority complex. Sitting astride a chair with the back of the chair in front means protection. The V-shaped sign with the fingers, when the hand is turned with the palm facing the interlocutor, has an offensive meaning - “shut up.” When the back of the hand is turned towards the interlocutor - “victory”. A long gaze in places of deprivation of liberty in combination with narrow pupils (a “snake” gaze) means anger.
Heinrich Hans Schlimarski "Coquette" (1913)
Not only animals, but also humans have their own protective zones and territories that they are ready to defend. There are four zones in humans:
In order not to cause aggression from your interlocutor, you need to keep your distance. The dimensions of the personal spatial zone are determined by national traditions, for example, the Japanese are accustomed to overcrowding and have a smaller personal zone than Americans, therefore, in the case of a conversation between a Japanese and an American, the Japanese will constantly approach the American at a distance unacceptable for the American, as if they were dancing. Police investigators often use special techniques based on penetrating the criminal's intimate area during interrogation in order to break the criminal's resistance. The aggressiveness of the crowd is a consequence of the crowding of people in the crowd. The inevitable crowding of people in transport, elevators, and so on leads to invasion of each other's intimate areas. There are a number of unwritten rules of Western man in these conditions:
Mirroring or repeating the interlocutor's gestures means agreeing with the interlocutor's opinion. This technique can be used to achieve mutual understanding with your manager. Turning your body and legs during a conversation shows the direction of your interlocutor's real interest, for example, towards an attractive woman, or towards the exit from the room, in these cases you need to end the conversation on time. The location of the interlocutors at the table says a lot. Friends sit across the corner of the table in case of casual conversation. Close friends or co-authors sit next to each other at the table. Rivals sit opposite each other at the table. People who do not want to interact sit opposite each other diagonally on the table.
Handshake [ | ]
Peoples and gestures [ | ]
Yemen. City of Al-Mukalla. When bargaining and discussing, the local population uses gestures.
As a rule, the further south you go, the more animatedly people gesticulate, the richer their facial expressions and body language. In Europe, Italians use the most gestures: for example, they express admiration for female beauty in no less than five ways.
Even among neighboring peoples, many gestures have exactly the opposite meaning. In Bulgaria they shake their heads in agreement, and nod - vice versa. Similar behavior is also characteristic of the Greeks, Romanians, Macedonians and Indians.
Gallery of gestures [ | ]
Research [ | ]
Allan Pease on body language[ | ]
The purpose of studying the issue of sign language is to learn to understand the relationships between people that are expressed in this language, you need to learn to see when your interlocutor is lying, flirting or threatening. This skill can be useful in business, teaching, intimate relationships and anywhere
Gestures are a complete means of communication. With the help of gestures we can communicate without knowing the language, enhance the meaning of what is said, convey feelings when words are not enough. By learning to understand body language, you will begin to understand people better.
Sign language is the most ancient. People used it to express themselves before they learned to speak and write, as some scientists believe.
However, it is interesting that people gesticulate mainly when speaking, and very rarely when listening. This suggests that gestures are an integral part of speech. Let's try to talk about a topic that worries us with our hands tied - and we will immediately begin to “gesticulate” more expressively, to help ourselves with our heads and bodies.
Thanks to gestures, we can understand people of different nationalities without knowing their language. However, you have to be careful here because the same gesture in different cultures can have opposite meanings. If we nod our heads affirmatively in response to a Bulgarian’s proposal, he will understand this as a refusal, and if we shake our heads from side to side, he will decide that we agree.
The “Ok” gesture, when the thumb and index finger form a ring, will be indecent in, and. The French will also be offended, understanding it as “You are a complete zero, nonentity.”
By giving a thumbs up in approval in or Iran, we are the inhabitants of these countries. For them, it will mean the same thing as the middle finger raised up in Europe.
In Australia, Ireland and the UK, you should not show the V-shaped gesture for victory if your palm is pointed at the person - he will understand it as “Get out of here!”
Temperamental Latin Americans, Italians, Spaniards, and French actively gesticulate when talking - this is the norm for them. Among northern peoples, a person who waves his arms too much during a conversation may be called ill-mannered, although he may simply be very excited and excited. True, in this case you want to stay away from him until he cools down.
“He who lies in the language of words betrays himself in the language of gestures, to which he does not pay attention,” said the German philosopher Oswald Spengler.
Many people don't even realize how much their gestures can reveal about themselves and their intentions to an observant person.
For example, a person comes and wants to work as the head of the sales department. And he brings with him, where it is written how effective it is and. The recruiter looks at him and sees that he is sitting with his legs tucked under him and his arms crossed over his chest. “Yes, he has problems with communication!”, the recruiter thinks and politely refuses.
Or a new neighbor comes to meet us. There is a smile on his face, but we notice his hands clenched into fists. “Eh, he’s not as friendly as he wants to seem!” we conclude.
Our potential competitor, greeting us, firmly shakes our hand. So much so that his palm is on top. “He wants to dominate, he shows who is in charge,” we understand.
With the help of some gestures we can arouse antipathy in people and push them away from us, and with the help of others we can earn a reputation as an interesting person with whom we can be friends and do business.
Knowing sign language, we ourselves will be able to better understand people, understand their actions and predict their actions, because not all of them can control their gestures as much as speech. Words can say one thing, but gestures can say something completely different.
The above applies to gestures unconscious, subconscious that most people don't manage. And it is these gestures that can tell us a lot about the interlocutor. (After all, there is still a language conscious gestures, with the help of which deaf and mute people communicate.)
There are also ritual gestures. One of them is a handshake. This simple gesture can express a lot: the one whose hand is on top will certainly occupy a dominant position in the negotiations, he is the unofficial winner; and the one whose hand is at the bottom has almost lost.
Australian writer and business coach, author of the book “Body Language. How to read the thoughts of others by their gestures,” advises: in order to put yourself on an equal footing with your partner from the very beginning and not allow him to dominate, you need to extend your hand for a handshake, holding your palm vertically. In this case, it is easy to control, and if necessary, its position can be adjusted. In addition, when shaking hands, you need to feel the pressure of your partner’s hand and apply the same amount of pressure with your own hand.
Thanks to a handshake, we can form an impression of a person in the first minutes of meeting him.
What do gestures tell you?
Knowing how to interpret this or that gesture is required of top managers of large companies, and in the West, also of middle managers.
- About a person who, during a conversation, does not know where to put his hands, as if they are bothering him, we can say that he is shy, nervous, and feels awkward.
- Examines his pimples and scratches - busy with his thoughts, withdrawn into himself.
- Pulls his ear or the tip of his nose, twists the tip of his mustache or hair - he is skeptical, he doubts.
- Scratching his chest and stomach - very self-confident.
- Shakes or shakes a leg, taps a hand on the table, plays with fingers, twirls objects in his hands, cracks his joints - is impatient, cannot concentrate, or is bored.
- Anyone who quite often rubs his temples, forehead, stretches, stretches his legs and arms, lacks vital energy. He is passive and dreamy.
- Chewing on a pen? He is in a state of internal conflict and is afraid of something.
- Are your hands clasped behind your back and your chin pointing up? Before us is a man who is used to commanding, authoritarian.
- Are your hands clenched into fists? He is aggressive, but restrains himself.
- Did you place your elbows on the table and cover your mouth with intertwined fingers or fists? “Hidden off” from others.
Alan Pease, who wrote Body Language, has been called "Mr. Body Language." He knows everything about how to decipher people's thoughts and feelings from their gestures. He also tells “How to learn to speak body language” and even how to fake it and “tell a lie without revealing yourself.”
Experienced speakers use these techniques and, with the help of gestures, win over listeners, evoking certain emotions in them.
So there must be gestures soft, “rounded”. Hand movements are symmetrical, the breadth of gestures of both hands is approximately the same. It’s a mistake to gesture with one hand while the other is tucked into your pocket or hanging along your body. A broad gesture will show that the speaker is a confident person. Uptight - that he is shy and complex.
However, measures are needed here too. Excessively broad and active gestures in speakers who are excited and have poor self-control. It is appropriate to resort to broad gestures in front of a large audience. In a small company, active gestures will look like awkward waving of your arms. However, in countries where people with hot temperaments live, this will not surprise anyone.
You can practice symmetrical gestures, when both hands are equally active, using left-handed exercises. From the name it is clear that we must imagine ourselves as a left-hander, and all the work that was previously done by the right hand will now be done by the left. This exercise is also useful for the formation of new neural connections. The main thing is not to be lazy, and then soon we will be able to control even a computer mouse with our left hand.
Gestures must be open - palms turned towards the listeners. The mistake is to hold them with the back to them or hide your hands behind your back, in your pockets. Since ancient times, closed gestures have been perceived at the subconscious level as danger: who knows what is in your hands - maybe a stone. An open gesture shows that I have nothing to hide, here I am, in front of you, all in full view.
Exercises for training gestures
The following exercises will help you make your gestures clear, vivid and imaginative.
1. Guess the word
Here you need a company of at least three or four people. One person comes up with a word (or phrase - such as a proverb) and "shows" it using gestures. The rest must guess what the word is;
2. Mirror - imitating an experienced speaker
On the Internet, you can also find many speeches by speakers with expressive gestures. For example, the same, or, or. We watch the recording and “make monkeys” - we copy the facial expressions and gestures of our model. It is recommended to devote at least half an hour a day to this exercise;
3. Gentle gestures
First, we stretch the wrists of each hand, shake them, relax them, and then write figure eights with our hands and make waves;
4. Stroking movements
We touch all objects softly, affectionately, as if we were picking up not a teapot, or a book, or a cup, but a small, fragile kitten;
“An orator who does not know what to do with his hands should shut his mouth with them,” - “Pshekruj.”
Maybe it’s easier to give up gestures altogether, if it’s so difficult to gesture correctly? But then we need to be prepared for the fact that the listeners will not remember most of our speech, for which we diligently prepared. Without reinforcing gestures they will learn 40 percent, and with it - all 80.
It is unlikely that we will impress them either. And we will not be destined to become a speaker who gathers full houses. “If you think it's going to be easy, just forget about it. And never even try to be successful,” says motivational speaker Eric Thomas. - “When you want to succeed as much as you want to breathe, then you will succeed.”
Facial expressions
Facial expressions - the movement of facial muscles, reflecting the internal emotional state, can provide true information about what a person is experiencing. Facial expressions carry more than 70% of the information, i.e. a person's look and face can say more than spoken words.
According to its specifics, the view can be:
business when it is fixed in the area of the interlocutor’s forehead, this implies the creation of a serious atmosphere of business partnership;
secular, when the gaze drops below the level of the interlocutor’s eyes (to the level of the lips), this helps create an atmosphere of secular, relaxed communication;
intimate, when the gaze is not directed into the eyes of the interlocutor, but below the face - to chest level. Experts say that such a look indicates greater interest in each other during communication; a sideways glance indicates a critical or suspicious attitude towards the interlocutor.
To make your facial expressions expressive, systematically pronounce several phrases of varying emotionality in front of the mirror. Watch how your facial expressions change and whether they convey the appropriate emotion.
The famous ancient orator Demosthenes, when asked what a good speaker is, answered “Gestures, gestures, gestures!”
Language is taught from childhood, and gestures are acquired naturally, and although no one explains or deciphers their meaning in advance, speakers correctly understand and use them. This is probably explained by the fact that the gesture is most often used not on its own, but accompanies the word, serves as a kind of support for it, and sometimes clarifies it.
For example, Russians shake their heads back and forth as a sign of agreement, and Bulgarians shake their heads left and right. In Australia, New Zealand, and Great Britain, “V” serves as a sign of victory. But if you turn your palm towards you, the gesture becomes offensive (Go away!). Residents of Europe perceive this gesture as a sign of victory, regardless of where the palm is facing. If an Englishman makes an offensive gesture, the European will not understand what kind of victory we are talking about. And “V” also means the number 2 in many countries. A possible situation: an Englishman dissatisfied with the service “V” with his palm turned towards himself is an offensive sign, and the bartender in response pours two glasses of beer.
Too frequent, monotonous, fussy, sudden movements of the hands are unpleasant, boring, boring and irritating. A gesture clarifies a thought, enlivens it, in combination with words enhances its emotional sound, and contributes to a better perception of speech.
The main function of the gesture is visually promote better speech perception.
Not all gestures make a favorable impression. Indeed, it is bad if the speaker pulls his ear, rubs the tip of his nose, straightens his tie, twirls a button, that is, repeats some mechanical movements not connected with the meaning of the words. Mechanical gestures distract listeners’ attention from the content of speech and interfere with its perception. They are often the result of the speaker’s excitement and indicate his lack of self-confidence.
It is customary to highlight the following types of gestures:
Ø rhythmic gestures;
Ø emotional gestures;
Ø pointing gestures;
Ø figurative gestures;
Ø imitative gestures;
Ø symbolic gestures.
4.Etiquette(from French label, label).
The term “etiquette” was introduced by the French king Louis XIV, and it was he who brought the procedure of ceremonies to perfection. Later, etiquette “emerged from the royal chambers”, becoming part of the life of all levels of society. Etiquette is a conservative, historical concept. Some of its moments are accepted by people simply as a given, as something undeniable and obligatory.
The first attempts to formulate rules of conduct in Rus' were made in Domostroy, but the code of official conduct appeared in Russia under Peter I. In 1717. On his order, a translated book, “An Honest Mirror of Youth, or Indications for Everyday Conduct,” was published, which contained rules of behavior at home and in society. And in 1720 and 1722. two books appeared that laid the foundations of modern official etiquette: in 1720 - the “General Regulations”, which was, in fact, the etiquette of the state civil service, and in 1722 - the “Table of Ranks”, which laid the foundation for a strict system of ranks, ranks, titles and etc., the use of which was mandatory (almost without changes) until 1917. In 1889, the book “Rules of Social Life and Etiquette” was published in St. Petersburg. Good manners”, which has gained particular popularity, despite the presence of quite a large amount of literature devoted to the rules of behavior in society, and has not lost its relevance in many respects to this day.
So what is it culture of behavior? This is human behavior in accordance with the norms and rules that a given society has developed and adheres to. These are certain manners, accepted ways of handling and communicating with others, the ability to behave correctly in various situations.
The norms of cultural behavior include:
politeness- goodwill in the process of relationships with other people;
correctness - the ability to behave within the framework of generally accepted decency in any situation;
tact - a sense of proportion that must be observed in conversation, personal and work relationships; the ability to “feel the boundary”, after which our words and actions can cause offense among others. Tact is an inner sense that allows you to accurately feel the reaction of another person;
delicacy - the ability to identify and take into account the individual characteristics of people, but show greater attention to a specific person;
modesty - lack of posturing, the ability to remain oneself in all situations and not play a role that is not typical for oneself;
simplicity - not a rejection of generally accepted norms of etiquette, familiarity, but communication in which people do not think about who is “higher” and who is “lower” on the social ladder;
obligation - the ability to keep one’s promises, which indicates not only honesty, but also the reliability of a person.
Of course, the culture of speech behavior is formed in a person in combination with the listed norms.
Speech etiquette- these are the norms of speech behavior accepted in a given society; these are nationally specific rules of speech behavior.
Speech etiquette verbally serves the etiquette of behavior and constitutes a system of stable communication formulas. There are more than 40 greeting expressions, many forms of farewell and other models for various situations. The choice of one form or another depends on specific communication situation, Moreover, all extralinguistic (or pragmatic, i.e. non-linguistic) factors are taken into account: the addresser (the one who speaks or writes), the addressee (to whom the speech is addressed), the communication situation (where and when communication occurs), the communication channel (direct or indirect ) form of communication (oral or written), the presence of other participants in communication (personal communication or public speaking), etc.
Linguistic scientists reduce the signs of the situation to the formula “who - to whom - about what - where - when - why - why.”
Almost any communication, except letters and telephone conversations, begins before a person utters his first words. That is why it is important to know, take into account and skillfully use communicative norms of speech behavior. Each nation has developed its own traditions, rituals and norms of speech behavior. It is known that Italians gesticulate strongly and speak loudly, the British, on the contrary, are distinguished by restraint in expressing their feelings, Americans often smile, do not tolerate cramped spaces at all, adore free poses, the Japanese do not look into the eyes of their interlocutor, as they consider it impudent and indecent , never say “no” and so on.
The peculiarities of Russian national etiquette are most clearly manifested in speech etiquette - in the sphere of addresses and naming persons.
Russian society has adopted a three-name system for naming people: surname-first name-patronymic. This naming system is unique; it was formed in the Middle Ages under the influence of Byzantium, but is now preserved only in Russian culture. Etiquette dictates that in official documents, as well as in oral official communications, it is imperative to indicate your full name. any citizen.
Unfortunately, this rule is often violated in the media. Under the influence of Western culture, where a two-name official designation (first and last name) is accepted, our journalists are actively introducing this method of naming that is alien to us, thereby destroying their own traditions.
The most vulnerable area in our etiquette is the sphere of addresses, and primarily because we do not have a single address, as in other countries: Mr. - Mrs., Dad - Mrs., Señor - Señora, etc.
The word “comrade”, which has long existed as a universal official address, is losing its former neutrality, it becomes a symbol of a certain era, a certain system, acquires socio-political overtones and is often used with a negative evaluative meaning. In this regard, the scope of its use has sharply narrowed. The address “comrade” has been preserved among the military and is used in factory teams and in communist party circles.
Attempts to make the address “master” (“mistress”, “mister”) unified and universal have not yet been successful. If in the official business sphere and among the intelligentsia the address “gentlemen” is perceived as completely normal and is widely used, then individual addresses “gentlemen” and “mister” are used very limitedly - mainly in diplomatic circles, the central government apparatus, among businessmen, when communicating with foreign partners. In addition, these addresses are used only in combination with a surname or position: Mr. Sergeev, Mr. Director, Ms. Solovyova.
There are also linguistic (language) difficulties. For example, if a woman holds a position designated by a masculine word - director, dean, professor, - then when addressing her, awkward, unusual combinations such as “Madam Director”, “Madam Professor”, “Madam Dean” arise.
Currently, in our society, stratified into rich, poor and beggars, a single appeal is hardly possible. At this stage of development of society, the coexistence of several addresses is quite justified: “gentlemen”, “comrades”, “friends”, “colleagues”. Each social group chooses its own treatment. There are already official addresses that unite everyone: “fellow citizens”, “compatriots”, “Russians”.
In an official setting, you should always address your interlocutor as you, regardless of his social status, age and your personal relationship with him (even if he is a close, well-known person or relative). This etiquette rule is often violated.
Friendly (informal) You-communication is permissible in the workplace only if there are no urgent matters or the need to resolve official issues.
Communication with “you” involves addressing by name and patronymic any adult who has reached a certain position, graduated from a university or technical school (college), most often from 22-25 years old. Etiquette dictates that older people should be addressed by their first and patronymic names, regardless of their position.
You can address a teenager or young man who does not yet have his own professional status by name, but you.
An official setting requires two-way communication in any social and age group (with the exception of children). It is completely unacceptable for a younger person (by position, age) to address him as You, and for an older person to address him as You.
Questions for self-control:
1. Name the postulates of communication.
2. Name the types of speech activity.
3. Through what channels is communication carried out? Describe each of them.
4. What phenomena should be classified as norms of cultural behavior?
5. What is speech etiquette?
What is gesturing and how the most influential and charismatic people use gesturing in specific patterns. Now let's look at the 13 most popular hand gestures that will help reinforce your message.
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Gesticulation: A Complete Guide to the Hand Gestures You Should Use to Communicate. And if you analyze the most popular speeches, you will find that they follow an amazing pattern: all speakers connect their words with hand gestures.
This brings up the questions:
- Why is it so important to use gesturing?
- What are the most popular hand gestures?
- How to use hand gestures to get your message across to more people?
And after a detailed analysis of the most popular speeches, we were able to select 13 main gestures that you should use.
A few facts about hand gestures
We are given to gesticulate from birth.. Scientists have found that babies who use gestures in conversation grow up with more developed communication skills. Gesticulation generally speaks of developed intelligence.
Using gestures increases the value of your message by 60%!
Gesticulation helps to attract and maintain attention, and also pays attention to the acoustics of speech. Therefore, hand gestures are not just a small addition to speech.
Nonverbal explanations help you understand more.
Gestures: how to use when speaking
Before we break down the top gestures you can use, let's talk about using your hands.
Be careful when using gestures in conversation
Respect the boundaries of the “box”. Imagine that in front of you is a box, height from your waist to your upper chest. Now you must remember and make sure that your gestures do not go beyond the imaginary box.
If you go outside of that box, it's distracting and has the opposite effect.
Gesticulation: division into a spectrum
The smoother the better. People love smooth gestures. And rigid and prepared movements like a robot (Look at the photo above, where I’m in the conductor’s pose. How hilarious!) - on the contrary, they distract. Practice talking with your hands until it feels natural.
Film yourself. Try recording your conversation on video. A regular phone will do for this. You might be surprised how many gestures you already use. Also, ask your friend or colleague for feedback on your gestures.
Be careful with gestures in other countries. Remember that each country has its own cultural characteristics. Not all gestures you are familiar with may mean the same thing.
Gesticulation: 13 Hand Gestures You Should Use
While watching the best speakers from around the world perform, short videos of the most popular hand gestures were recorded. Remember your hand gestures and compare them with those presented below:
1. Transfer
The easiest and simplest gesture is a number one. Every time you say a number or quantity, show the corresponding gesture.
This will make it easier for your listener to remember and reinforce this information as a nonverbal anchor.
2. A little
Every time you want to describe something small, like something that is not usually taken too seriously - show it!
3. Listen!
This is a very strong gesture, so use it carefully. Finger snapping and movement attracts attention and tells people, “What I’m about to say is important!”
4. Everything is wrong
Do you want to make a big gesture? Which, you decided to dismiss all the proposed ideas. Here he is:
By the way: on developing effective communication skills. Free for now: 
5. Large, medium, small
A very easy to use gesture that you can use to show the level of something. For example, using this gesture you can indicate how big or small an object is.
6. Let me tell you
This finger pointing should be used with caution. Nobody wants to have fingers pointed at them because... this can be considered an accusation. You can point at someone to get their attention or literally point someone out.
This gesture goes well with phrases like:
- By the way, I remembered something important...
- And here's something else...
- Let me tell you something...
On a note
Where to begin?
Firstly. Don't try to use all types of gestures at once. Try 1-2 first.
Secondly. I would first use them on the phone when no one can see you. This way you can practice and not worry about how you look from the outside.
7. Part of something
This gesture can be used to demonstrate a very specific part of an idea. In your story, this gesture may indicate that it is something separate.
8. Generosity
With both arms spread and palms facing the audience, it is a very generous posture. Use when you want to make a big gesture.
9. You
Every time you talk about someone who is standing next to you, show this gesture. It can be shown with an open hand or palm.
This gesture is also intended to make someone feel included in the conversation or to emphasize something that is relevant to that person. This gesture is very good at capturing the attention of your interlocutor.
10. I
When we bring our hands to our heart or chest, we usually want to point to ourselves. Point to yourself when you say something positive. But... use it carefully!
11. This and that
When we want to separate two different ideas or things, we can use our hands to symbolically represent them. For example, using the left hand to show that “we” are completely different from them. This is a great way to indicate the distance between two things.
12. Association
When you join both hands, it is a gesture of unification. A great way to symbolically show two forces joining together. You can even clasp your hands to show complete compatibility.
13. Nothing to hide
When your hands are palms up at a 45 degree angle, you are being open and honest.
Practice using gestures
I hope you have found at least a few useful gestures that you can use in the near future. This is useful for all kinds of communication.
- To sell your ideas or products to clients, partners and investors
- When exchanging ideas with work colleagues
- At your next presentation or public speaking
conclusions
Gesticulation is given to us from birth, but not everyone uses it
Respect the boundaries of the “box”
The smoother and more natural your gestures are, the better.
According to various sources, we convey approximately a tenth of the information in words, more than half is in gestures, the difference is in intonation. The percentage numbers may be slightly different, but the proportion remains the same. This means that gestures play a dominant role in communication. Therefore, they need to pay close attention.
They say that in order to correctly assess a person, the first 10 seconds of communication are enough, during which we seem to “scan” the interlocutor. And if the gestures do not correspond to his words, we intuitively feel it. This explains the moments when we cannot understand why this or that person is so unpleasant to us.
According to the classification, gestures are divided into generally accepted, emotional (they correspond to the level of culture of the country of residence), ritual (such as greeting) and individual.
Thanks to gestures, we can communicate vividly and emotionally, understand foreigners without knowing the language. As an exception, some gestures are interpreted differently in different countries (a nod, which in our country is regarded as “yes”, in Bulgaria, Turkey and Greece means “no” and vice versa).
If you close your index finger and thumb in a ring, in America it means “OK”, in the French it means “zero”, in the Japanese it means money.
In France and here, a finger put to the temple means stupidity, and in Holland it is a sign of high intelligence.
In Greece, do not wave your hand as a sign of farewell - the Greeks consider this gesture obscene.
About bad habits
"Sign Language"
Psychologists around the world have been studying the meaning of gestures for half a century and have already made many conclusions by observing people and their manner of behavior. Anyone can take advantage of their advice; fortunately, there are plenty of books on this topic.
But when trying to “unravel” a person, one must take into account external factors so as not to make a mistake in judging what is on the interlocutor’s mind and whether he is sincere. If we see a person crossing his arms over his chest in 20-degree frost, this will mean an attempt to somehow warm up, and not at all wariness and hostility. By the way, such a gesture is typical for creative natures in the process of creating their creations or in a state of deep thought.
The meaning of gestures
Handshake
By shaking a person's hand, you can learn some aspects of his character. For example, powerful men often extend their hand with their palm down.
A hand with the palm up indicates the interlocutor’s compliance and willingness to give primacy to the partner. People who respect each other give each other their hands edge down. A firm handshake with a fully straightened arm indicates aggression. Psychologically weak people with low self-esteem usually shake hands weakly.
Open gestures
Open gestures are those in which the arms are spread to the sides or the palms are shown. These gestures indicate that the person wants and is ready to make contact. It has been noted that unbuttoned jackets more often lead opponents to an agreement than buttoned jackets.
Gestures are closed
Closed gestures are those with the help of which we block ourselves in every possible way, fence ourselves off from the interlocutor, block our body with foreign objects or hands. They indicate that we are not quite ready to trust others. An attempt to hide something from a partner or a feeling of disappointment is expressed by clasped fingers.
Clasping your hands behind your back or placing your palm on your palm signals high self-esteem and a sense of superiority over others. This discovery has helped many people gain self-confidence with the help of an exercise: try putting your hands behind your back - and you will immediately feel lighter and more confident, the tension will immediately go away.
If your hands are in your pockets and your thumbs are sticking out (a gesture more typical for men), this means a domineering nature or an aggressive mood.
Face touching gestures
Touching your nose, ear or neck should alert you - your interlocutor is most likely lying (unless, of course, he has a cold!). At the same time, he can still rub his eyes.
People who constantly keep their fingers near their mouths need approval, protection, and support from others.
Those who like to prop up their cheek or chin are usually people who are very passionate about something.
A sign that a person is contemplating some important decision is when he rubs his chin.
Gestures of impatience
We show our impatience by rubbing our hands or tapping our fingers, stamping our feet, etc.
Protective gestures
When confused or unsure, people tend to clasp one hand over the other.
Flirting gestures
Readiness to flirt is signaled by touching your hair, straightening your clothes, or putting your fingers in your belt. Excessive gesticulation is possible, which indicates agitation, excitement or uncertainty.
To prevent excessive gesticulation from irritating others, try to overcome it or reduce such gestures to a minimum and try to make them smoother. Several exercises will help with this:
- Talk to your reflection in the mirror. At the same time, watch your gestures, catch yourself making those that you don’t like and that you want to get rid of. Repeat your monologue to the reflection again, but consciously watching your gestures. Practice this daily until you achieve the result you need.
- Imagine that you are a dramatic actor who must play a role while avoiding unnecessary body movements. The purpose of this exercise is to tell a story to the audience, colorfully and at the same time simply standing still.