The finger jab, the wag’s closest cousin, is like a stabbing motion. Not one of
the most conciliatory of gestures, use it at your peril.If you habitually point and beat your finger when speaking, make a conscious
effort to practise the palm-up and palm-down, fingers-loose positions. You find
that you can create a positive impact on people and a relaxed atmosphere.Hands Up! .....................................................................................................
Second only to your face, your hands are your most visually expressive fea-
ture and can be equated to your voice because they talk so much. They serve
as a substitution for words as well as supporting the spoken word by illus-
trating and amplifying what you’re saying. For example, when you’re giving
directions to someone who’s lost, you most likely use your hands to get her
back on the right path. When you’re emphasising a point your hands move in
time with your words. When you’re describing a shape or a particular scene
your hands create a visual picture of what you’re saying. These kinds of hand
gestures make complicated explanations more comprehensible.Hiding your hands ..............................................................................
When you conceal your hands by putting them behind your back or shoving
them in your pockets, it’s like keeping your mouth shut. What your hands are
saying is, ‘I don’t want to talk!’Take yourself back to your childhood. You’ve just been caught with your
hand in the biscuit tin. You quickly pull it out and stick it behind your back
while saying, ‘No! Honestly! I didn’t take anything!’ And all the time your hand
stays hidden.Fast forward to your life now. You’ve been out on the town with your pals,
you arrive home as the sun is rising, and your parent/spouse/partner asks
you where you’ve been. Rather than owning up to whatever minor, or major,
indiscretion you may have got into, if you’re a man you most likely shove
your hands into your pockets or cross your arms with your hands tucked
neatly away while coming up with a good excuse. If you’re a woman you busy
your hands with a flurry of activities. Either way your palms stay hidden.Chapter 9: It's in the Palm of Your Hand 145