The Definitive Book of Body LanguageSalespeople are taught to use the palm rub gesture when
describing products or services to prospective buyers, and to
use a fast hand action to avoid putting buyers on the defensive
When a buyer quickly rubs his palms together and says, 'Let's
see what you have to offer!' it signals that he's expecting to see
something good and might buy.
'Have I got a
deal for you!'Always remember context: a person who rubs his palms
together briskly while standing at a bus terminal on a cold day
may not necessarily be doing it because he's expecting a bus.
He does it because his hands are cold.
Thumb and Finger Rub
Rubbing the thumb against the index finger or fingertips is
commonly used as a money expectancy gesture. Its symbolism
is that of rubbing a coin between the thumb and fingertips. It
is often used by the street vendor who says, 'I can save you
40%,' or by the person who says to his friend, 'Can you lend
me fifty pounds?'
'We can make
money out of this!'