Use the

Appropriate
Gestures
(Hand, Face and Body)
 Gestures and Body Language
Gesture was defined in Merriam Webster Dictionary as a movement usually of
the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea, sentiment, or attitude raised
his hand overhead in a gesture of triumph and the use of motions of the limbs or body
as a means of expression. It is important factor in public speaking. When speaker
delivers his message with his body and hands. Natural gestures used freely can add to
the effectiveness of the message. It could be in the form of moving the head, face, and
hands or any part of the body while speaking should be done in proper timing to
effectively deliver a message. Every speaker gives two kinds of communication – one
with words and one with action.

Gesture is a combination of the actions including the whole body – hand, body
and face; however, if the movements of these body parts are used with exaggerations,
there is a tendency that the listeners may get confused. The correct and proper gestures
can build confidence and help the audience get the message more clearly.
 Basic Hand Gestures
Pointing
01 The pointing of index finger is usually done by a speaker to locate or identify a thing or an
idea.

Dividing
02 The hand extending with fingers close together and making a chopping motion or moving
the hand from side to side which indicates separation or distinction of a series of facts or
idea.

Describing or imitating
03 Both hands or sometimes one hand is used to describe certain size, shape or movement of
things such length, height, round, curvaceous, winding or zooming.

Approval or disapproval
04 The simple gesture of nodding the head suggests approval and shaking the head to suggest
disapproval may be done in varying degrees of vigor. This idea can also be shown by the
hands. A clenched fist with the thumb up suggests approval; with thumb pointing downward,
this gesture suggest disapproval.
 Giving and Receiving
05 The gestures are made by extending either both hands with fingers not too close together
nor spread out palms upward or toward the audience.

Rejecting or restraining
06 The hand or hands are extended in front at shoulder height, sometimes with a sweeping
motion, palms turned down facing the audience and away from the speaker.

Emphasizing
07 The speaker’s fist is clenched with the row of knuckles parallel with the shoulder, and the
wrist is slightly bent.
 Facial Expressions

Think for a moment about how much a person is able to convey with just a facial expression. A
smile can indicate signal disapproval or unhappiness.

In some cases, our facial expressions may reveal our true feelings about a particular situation.
While you say that you are feeling fine, the look on your face may tell people otherwise.

Emotions that can be expressed through facial expressions include:

• Happiness • Sadness Anger • Surprise • Disgust
• Fear • Confusion • Excitement • Desire • Contempt

Facial expression can even help determine if we trust or believe what the individual is saying.
One of most direct and obvious body language signals is Gesture. Waving, pointing, and using
the fingers to indicate numerical amounts are all very common and easy to understand
gestures.
 Posture
Posture can convey a wealth of information about how a person is feeling as well as hints about
personality characteristics, such as whether a person is confident, open, or submissive. Sitting
up straight, for example, may indicate that a person is focused and paying attention to what's
going on.

Sitting with the body hunched forward, on the other hand, can imply that the person is bored or
indifferent.

When you are trying to read body language, try to notice some of the signals that a person's
posture can send.

Open posture involves keeping the trunk of the body open and exposed. This type of posture
indicates friendliness, openness, and willingness.

Closed posture involves hiding the trunk of the body often by hunching forward and keeping
the arms and legs crossed. This type of posture can be an indicator of hostility, unfriendliness,
and anxiety.