Communication Skills and Body Language  - Reading Hand and Arm Gestures

Part of good communication is understanding what is not said ... well, at least not voiced with words.  Body language is a silent partner in communication that can help you understand what is really being said.

The Unspoken Language of Hand Gestures

Hand and arm gestures express many feelings. For example, we see people rubbing the palms of their hands when they expect something good to occur. The waiters at restaurants will often rub their palms in expectation of some tip or reward.  At the same restaurant, we may rub our palms in expectation of a delicious meal.

Rubbing a thumbnail against an index finger is one of the most common signs of asking for money.

When a person has loosely clenched hands, it often indicates confidence and a relaxed state of mind. Tightly clenched hands reveal that a person is frustrated or has a hostile attitude. Loosely clenched hands in front of the facial area or on the table may reveal that a positive state of mind, while tightly held hands below the stomach area may represent that the person is negatively thinking.

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People who have a "know it all" attitude or who enjoy giving orders sometimes express their attitude with their hands.  The corresponding fingers of both palms touching the other palm, forming something of triangle with their thumbs, and index finger, may represent the know it all attitude. Palms facing upwards could also be an indication that the person has a know it all attitude. If the palm faces downwards, it can indicate that the person is willing to listen and take orders.

Gripping the Hands, Arms and/or Wrists

A high-ranking official is often seen walking with his head up, chin out and one palm gripping the other behind his back. This gesture signifies superiority and confidence. A person walking in this manner often exposes his stomach, chest, and throat region to others, which is an act of fearlessness. Adopting such a gesture in a stressful situation can help a person feel more at ease and boost confidence. Similarly, a palm-in-palm gesture and hands on hips can indicate superiority and confidence.

Arm Gestures 

When a person firmly folds his arms about the chest, he may be feeling threatened.  This gesture signifies a nervous, negative, or defensive attitude. When combined with crossed legs, it indicates that the person is quite tense.

People who fold their arms but keep their thumbs out indicate superiority. Some people fold their arms while keeping their fists firmly clenched to indicate hostility.

The partial arm cross gesture in which one arm swings across the body to hold or to touch the other arm to form a barrier is often made by a person when he lacks confidence.

"Communication Skills and Body Language  - Reading Hand and Arm Gestures" contributed by Ruth Alexander