How to Learn Gestures

An Orangutan gestures like a human.

Gestures constitute a large part of non-verbal communication. Like speech, humans have an innate ability to learn gestures from their parents and other people in their environment. In fact, speech and gestures move in such tandem that gestures can enhance learning by speech alone, according to research done by Professor Susan Cook at University of Rochester. Although we process the meaning of gestures automatically, conscious learning to interpret gestures correctly can give important insights into a person's psychology.

Instructions

1. Observe primate behavior at the zoo. Research at Emory University on gestures used by Bonobos and Chimps--- two of human's closest genetic relatives --- reveals that many gestures such as the open-hand begging to ask for something are identical among all primates.

2. Pay attention to arms, hand movements and posture. Arms akimbo and hands crossed over the chest, for example, are examples of "closed" gesture that signal a person is guarded. Relaxed shoulders, on the other hand, signal a relaxed individual.

3. Note the position of finger and palm. An open palm is an universal sign of non-aggression. The position and direction of fingers, however, requires careful study of different cultural contexts. For example, a thumbs up is a sign of approval in the U.S. but in Greece, it's considered extremely rude.

4. Observe your own gestures. Notice how you use different gestures with different people in different situations. For example, observe your hand and body movements when you're talking to a child, your parents, an inferior person, a superior, a friend or your spouse.

5. Notice the gestures used by different personality types in a well acted play or a movie. The gestures of a shy and submissive person contrast sharply with that of a powerful person.

6. Watch television with sound turned off. You will be amazed how much information you can gather about the presenters from their gestures alone.

References

• Science Daily: Hand Gestures Dramatically Improve Learning
• National Public Radio; Primate Gestures May Be Clue to Human Language; Michelle Trudeau; May 2007
• Voice of America: Trying to Get a Grip on Gestures? Here Is a Handy Book

Resources

• Changing Minds: Body Language
• International Society for Gesture Studies