Now, when you’re speaking and want to say something accurately or deli-
cately press your fingers and thumb together in a similar position with your
palm facing towards you. Presto! Your listener understands that you’re rein-
forcing what you’re saying with great precision and accuracy.To focus your listener’s attention and be seen as authoritative place your
index finger against your thumb in the ‘okay’ gesture with your palm facing
outward and your fingers softly rounded. This way you avoid intimidating your
audience and you’re likely to be perceived as thoughtful and goal oriented.
This gesture is a favourite of modern politicians. Gosh, what a surprise!In some countries the okay signal is considered rude. Before making any defi-
nite gesture find out what is acceptable behaviour and what may cause
offence. (You can read more about the use of the okay signal in Chapter 15.)When you ask a question or are feeling uncertain about a point you’re making
or responding to, you may well find that your thumb and index finger are
almost – but not quite – touching (see Figure 9-8). Funny how that happens,
as if the fingers know that the answer isn’t quite there. When the fingers do
come together in a definite grip it’s as if they’ve grabbed the information and
are holding onto it.Figure 9-8:
The thumb
and
forefinger
not quite
touching
shows
hesitancy or
uncertainty.
Chapter 9: It's in the Palm of Your Hand 151