KINESICS - Thumb and fingers

KINESICS - Thumb and fingers

Thumbs and finger have also important roles in non-verbal communication. These shall be discussed separately although briefly.

(i) Thumbs display

Thumbs display strength of character and ego of a person. Thumbs displays are positive signals. „Cool‟ managers, courting men in the company of their female partners and persons wearing rather attractive, fashionable clothes use these postures often. A few popular postures are:
(a) Hands in the pocket of waistcoat or cardigan with thumbs outside
Thumb displays indicate a sense of superiority. They are positive signals and if used intentionally, can give incorrect signals.
(b) Person holding robe / jacket in one hand & thumb pointing upwards
A person like an advocate addressing a jury may use very apologetic and humble form of address but if he is holding his robe or jacket with one hand with its thumb pointing upwards, it conveys a contrary message of speaking from authority and vanity. It he wanted to match his words, he should have taken one foot forward, with his jacket open and open palm pointing upwards and stooping forward a bit.
(c) Both hands in trousers‟ pocket (back / front) & thumbs protruding out
This gesture is common among both men and women and people use it to hide their domineering attitude. Women have adopted this male gesture over time.
(d) Arms folded in front with hands under armpit & thumbs pointing upwards
This is double signal – it is defensive or negative approach owing to folded hands but thumbs pointing upwards indicate a superior attitude.
(e) Thumb pointing to another person
This is a symbol of disrespect or ridicule. People use it for persons they do not like.

(ii) Finger movements

These can also be observed fairly quickly and are useful cues of body movements:
(a) Index finger pointing
Several interpretations are:
 If index finger is pointed to someone, it is considered an accusation and should be avoided.
 Ifit is accompanied by heated arguments, it is a negative signal.
 A simple finger pointing is usually associated with authority, parents and preachers.

(b) Steeple-like fingers
Several meanings are:
 Fingers not pointing to anyone in particular convey confidence, egotistic, pontifical or a proud gesture. Such persons are very sure and have a sense of superiority.
 A raised steeple pointing upwards implies that he is giving his opinion while speaking.
 A lowered steeple means he is listening.

KINESICS - Arms

KINESICS - Arms

Arms are often used as barriers to defend ones‟ position or to hide self. A few common gestures involving arms are as below:

(a) Standard arm-cross gesture

When both hands are folded across the chest, attempt is to hide from unfavourable situations. It is a universal gesture signifying negative or defensive attitude. When a person is among strangers in a public meetings, queues, cafeterias, lifts etc, people feel uncertain and insecure.
A simple but effective method to avoid this is to hand the person a pen, a book or something that forces him to open his arms. Another method is to reach him and ask if he wanted to ask a question. Successful salespersons do not proceed with the presentation about their product until they have uncovered the reasons for customer folding his arms.

(b) Reinforced arm-cross gesture

If in addition to the above he has clenched his fists with a red face, a verbal or physical attack is imminent. A submissive palm open up approach is required to discover the reason if it is not known already.

(c) Arms folded and gripping the upper arms

Often the arms are gripped so tight that fingers and knuckles turn white because the blood circulation is cut off. This gesture is common among people waiting in doctors‟ / dentists‟ clinics. A first time traveller prior to plane taking off also exhibits this gesture as it shows negative restrained attitude.

(d) Arms folded in front and thumbs pointing vertically upwards

When a young executive among unfamiliar people does a handshake with the top boss and then stands aside with arms folded with thumbs pointing vertically upwards, it represents a defensive gesture but with a cool approach. It reflects self confidence with folded arms giving a sense of protection

(e) Arms folded partially in front with one hand in the other

This is a partial arm-cross barrier and often seen in meetings among strangers. It is a common gesture used by people who stand before a crowd to receive an award or give a speech. This gesture reminds people of their childhood days when parents held his hand under fearful circumstances!

(f) One arm swings across the body to hold or touch the other arm in normal position

This is also a partial arm-cross gesture 

KINESICS - Double handshakes

KINESICS - Double handshakes

These are also happening with a great deal of regularity. A few of the gestures fall under the intimate level of relationship and may not be useful in business and formal arena. A few well know ones are:
(a) Glove (politician) handshake
The gesture means that the receiver of handshake holds your hand with both the hands. The person is trying to give the impression that he is sincere and trustworthy. However, if this is done with someone who is not known, the person should become cautious and suspicious.
(b) Left hand on the wrist while shaking with the right hand
Left hand is used to show sincerity, trust and depth of feelings.
(c) Left hand on the forearm near the elbow while shaking with right hand
Higher the level of point at which the left hand is while shaking with right hand, more intimate and intense are the feelings being conveyed.
(d) Left hand on the upper arm while shaking with the right hand
This takes the handshake in to the area of personal / intimate zone. It may not be used in business and other similar interactions.
(e) Left hand on the shoulder while shaking with the right hand
This takes the person in to more personal and intimate zone.

KINESICS - Handshakes

KINESICS  -  Handshakes

Shaking hands is a relic from the old caveman age. Whenever they came out of their cave and saw others, they shook their hands to let the other persons know that they are not carrying arms. Over time, this got modified in to a handshake that involves interlocking and shaking of palms. Internationally, this has become a popular way of greeting on meeting and once again, when departing excepting some older civilizations as in India where „namaskar‟ is still popular.
There are several types of handshakes:
(a) Normal (Equal) handshake with thumbs pointing sideways
It indicates good grip with a good degree of professionalism in approach. It reflects equality in attitude and in behaviour. All managers and leaders must learn how to do handshake professionally.
(b) Handshake with your thumb on top of the other person‟s hand
It suggests you are in control of the situation
(c) Handshake with other person‟s thumb on top of your hand
It means that the other person is in control
(d) Handshake with person offering hand with open palm pointing downwards
It suggests that the person is presenting a dominant handshake. To counter it, the other party should catch the hand from the top and shake it. With this, the other party becomes the dominant partner!
(e) If offered a dominant handshake, step forward with left foot
When the second party steps forward on the left foot, it allows him to strengthen the handshake position. The second party can even turn other person‟s hand in to submissive position.
(f) Handshake with right foot forward
Most persons are right footed and they move forward to the right to shake hands. It enables the person to step into the other person‟s intimate zone and brings the handshake to a vertical position for equal exchange
(g) Knuckle grinding (tight) handshake
It is a tight handshake and indicates rough and tough guy. It should be avoided in social interactions.
(h) Dead-fish handshake
It is an uninviting handshake – the hands are cold, sweating and lifeless. Such persons are weak and socially not groomed. It gives one the feeling of dampness and being uncomfortable. Many persons using this handshake are not aware of it. They should ask their friends before deciding which one to adopt as a habit.

KINESICS - PALMS

KINESICS  -  PALMS

Human palms are used to give one of the most powerful signals given by human palms. Some of these are:
(a) Open palm gesture while talking or speaking
This stands for openness and frankness. It is very valuable when you are making an oral presentation. It shoes a positive personality.
(b) An open palm pointing upwards
It indicates submissiveness, as if asking for alms.
(c) An open palm but pointing downwards
It reflects authority. The person is in command. If request is given to subordinate, it is acceptable. However, if request is given to a colleague with open palm pointing downwards, he may feel annoyed.
(d) Palm closed in to a fist but forefinger pointing
By this gesture, the speaker is beating his listener in to submission. It is one of the most irritating gestures a speaker can use. If you are a habitual finger pointing type, try palm up or palm down positions. These lead to more relaxed attitude that has a more positive effect on others.

KINESICS - HANDS

KINESICS  -  HANDS

Hands, palms etc form visible parts of the upper half of the body. They are used more frequently than the other parts and are detailed below:
(i) Hands
A few common movements are:
(a) Clenched hands in a sitting position
It normally signifies determination. However, in interviews, it is a sign of nervousness.
(b) Hands inter-locked at crotch level
Such a posture is meant for statues; it should not be used at all.
(c) Slashing / jabbing the air and then pointing forefinger to someone
It is a strong warning or making an accusation on someone.
(d) Hugging of the self
When some one is hugging self with arms and hands, it conveys uncertainty and lack of confidence
(e) Arms folded in front of the chest with thumb pointing upwards
The individual has closed personality and closed mind. He suffers from a superiority complex.
(f) Holding hands in front of the abdomen
It has two interpretations depending upon the position of hands:
 If the left hand cups the right hand, the individual is of artistic bend of mind – related to the right side of the brain.
 If the right hand cups the left hand, the individual is of logical mind – related to the left side of the brain.
(g) Clasping of the hands behind the back
It implies that the individual is very confident of himself. He is not used to taking orders and is in the habit of issuing directions.
(h) Either hand behind the neck
The individual is trying to analyze the problem and evaluating the proceedings of the interaction. The other person should be careful in interactions as the issues are being evaluated.
(i) Both hands clasping behind the neck
It is a danger signal because it means as if the spine or backbone is being straightened before the final plunge!
(j) Both hands behind the head
Positioning of both hands behind the head is a gesture of superiority, confidence and possible arrogance. This gesture if combined with the expression on the face and eyes can be interpreted as under:
 If the individual maintains eye contact, he feels superior and is confident.
 If the individual turns his head away but continues to position his hands behind the head, he is dismissing your position without much ado. It is pointless to continue further interaction with the person.
(k) Scratching the head
As is the proverb, individual is confused and would like to sort things out as they are causing a lot of discomfort.
(l) Stroking the chin
It implies that the ideas brought up in the discussions are being pruned and being given due consideration. Issues will be taken to their logical conclusions.
(m) Scratching or lightly rubbing one side of the neck
Rubbing one side of the neck may involve one or two fingers only. It means the individual is insecure and is looking for some kind of assurance that he would get from stroking the self or being in close proximity of his own self.
(n) Clenching of hands
It conveys different meanings if the person is speaking and listening:
 If speaking, it implies frustration about the issue and also uncertainty about how long the interaction would continue
 If listening, it means that he is responding rather negatively to whatever is being said.
(o) Thumbs hidden inside the fists
This gesture implies that the person is not able to resolve the issue or reach an amicable solution. Additionally, if the thumbs are well covered, it means the person is depicting his inability to face the situation or come up with a satisfactory solution.
(p) One or both the hands on the hip
If a person is standing erect with one or both the hands on the hip, it denotes two things – either it is a habitual gesture or one that implies authority or royalty and the person is a monarch of all he surveys!
(q) Hands down and fists clenched
It means that the person is getting ready for a quarrel and is ready for the final outburst. The other person can give him a break before he lets off his steam because, otherwise, he is likely to be very aggressive and hostile.
(r) Rubbing hands
There are several interpretations:
 If the rubbing of hands is quick, it implies that the person is excited about something that is satisfying too.
 Slower the rubbing of hands, more dangerous is the implication. It indicates that some kind of deception is going to take place. It also implies that something is going on in the mind of the person that needs close watching.
 Still slower rubbing of the hands similar to when they are cleaned or washed, indicates that the individual is deciding to steer clear of the situation.
(s) Pressing the hands in front of the body like Indian namaskar
The gesture indicates that the individual should be given a chance to present and defend his case. In such gestures of persuasion, there is an element of request that implies that he is in desperate need of having his case heard.
(t) Stapling of the fingers and thumbs together
This gesture signifies that the person is of a very confident nature and is certain of the opinions he wants to put across in the interaction. Being a person of extreme strength and convictions, little can shake his confidence in whatever he wishes to convey.
(u)Leaning forward with head supported by one or both the hands
This has two variants:
 If accompanied with enthusiastic looks in the eyes, it shows interest in the listener
 If it is coupled with bored look on the face, it implies the listener is bored or tired of the interaction.
(v) Person holding his ears with both hands
Although not very common, it implies that the person is sorry and apologetic for what he has done.

KINESICS-Gaze behaviour

KINESICS-Gaze behaviour

Real process of communication gets established when people make eye to eye with other individuals. This is known as gaze behaviour and its important features are:
(a) Some people can make you feel comfortable when you are conversing with them by their gaze behaviour.
(b) Some people can make you feel ill at ease with their gaze behaviour when conversing with you.
(c) When a person is not maintaining eye contact and the duration of eye contact is less that one-third of the time, they arouse a feeling of untrustwortiness in them as they seem to be holding back information and are not honest or forthright.
(d) When the gaze continues for more than two-third of the time, it can imply one of the followings:
 If the gaze leads to dilated eye pupils, it means the other person finds you interesting
 If the gaze leads to contracted eye pupils, it means the other person is hostile to you.
(e) Gazing helps to build rapport with colleagues, subordinates and bosses. If gazing continues for more than two-third of the total time, it leads to positive results. If a person continues gazing for over two-third of the time with the boss, he can win his confidence.
(f) A nervous person who holds the gaze for less than one-third of the time cannot be trusted.
(g) Some gazing is culture-centric. South Europeans gaze longer that may be offensive in some cultures. Japanese gaze at the neck rather than at the face!
(h) The geographical area on which the gaze is focused has profound meaning especially during negotiations:
 If directed at the other person‟s forehead, it creates serious atmosphere and the other person can sense you mean business. If the manager wants to reprimand his subordinate, gaze will focus on the forehead.
 If gaze does not drop below the eye level, person is able to maintain control over the interactions.
 When gaze falls below the eye levels, it leads to creation of social atmosphere.
 It the area of focus is across the eyes and below the chin of the other person, it is an intimate gaze.
(i) If salespersons can find out what is on customers‟ mind, it is valuable to them:
 If prospects‟ eyes are downcast and face is turned away, he is shutting you away.
 If prospects‟ eyes engage yours for several seconds at a time, he is weighing your proposal.
 If prospects‟ head is shifted to the same level as yours, the sale is virtually made.
(j) Gaze plays a big role in courtship:
 Signals are exchanged when they meet each other‟s gaze
 Girls use makeup to emphasize their eye display
 If a girl likes the boy, her eye pupils dilate and get properly decoded
 With partially drooped eyes, girl will hold boy‟s gaze just long enough for him to notice and then quickly turn her gaze away
 A girl can convey coy looks by blinking quickly 2 to 3 times in a short span of time
 If a girl‟s gaze is accompanied by dilation of pupils, it shows she is interested

KINESICS - Eye contacts including gazing, glancing and eye blocking

KINESICS - Eye contacts including gazing, glancing and eye blocking

(i) Reading eyes
Eyes form the focal point of the face and body movements. Proper reading of the eyes can reveal the following states of mind:
(a) Positive feedback
If the eye contact gives a positive feedback to the speaker, it boosts his confidence and imparts a new zeal to the presentation.
(b) Negative feedback
If the feedback through the eye contacts is negative, it leads to demoralizing of the speaker, resulting in his faltering and fumbling.
(c)Positive eye contact
A positive eye contact especially during gatherings like seminars, meetings etc, makes them interesting and lively.
(d) Blank looks
A person with a blank look, when eyes do not blink, appears to be bored. It means he is not listening.
(e) Avoiding glances
Generally people do not exchange glances with the strangers to avoid opening of any conversation or contact with them.
(f) Avoiding eye contact
A person avoiding eye contact may not be feeling comfortable or he may be attempting to deceive or hide something. He may have guilty conscience.
(g) Indifference
Eyes can easily give the idea whether the person is showing indifference to the topic being discussed or happenings in the vicinity.
(h) Index of state of mind
Eyes can effectively reveal anger, authority, fear, disgust, timidity, confidence, love, intimacy etc
(i) Index of emotional state
Eyes can also convey the emotional states of happiness, sadness, surprise, fear, disgust or pain.
(j) Staring eyes
Although people do not like staring, a person in love stares often.
(k) Sidelong glances
A person engaged in sidelong glances may be suspicious, doubtful or distrusting of what is happening around.
(l) Concentrated eyes
A person with concentrated eyes, accompanied by lowering of eyelids, is not concealing the eyes; instead, he is focusing on some interesting object as is often used by artists and lovers.
(m) Wearing glasses on eyes
It does not come in the way of reading the eyes. On the contrary, it may yield additional information to the watcher. A person removing glasses and then wearing it again quickly wants quick decisions.
(n) Eyes lighting up
Eyes light up when one is happy or excited about something or when he wants to share someone‟s happiness.
(o) Eyes welling up
When a person empathizes with another individual, eyes well up.
(p) Dilation and contraction of pupils of the eyes
If a person is very excited, the pupil can dilate up to four times its normal size. Contracted eyes make them look beady or like snake eyes that shows anger. Babies and small children use dilation of pupils to gain attention. Dilation of pupil by kids makes them appear more desirable.
(q) Expression of anger and hostility through eyes
The expression of anger and hostility through other parts of the body is largely controllable but it is very difficult to control the anger and hostility through the eyes. It invariably leads to serious conflicts.
Almost every adult must have experienced:
 „A look that would kill‟
 „A come-hither look‟
 „I am available look‟
 „A fist eye‟
As a rule, successful managers develop a good understanding with their subordinates through eye contact. It leads to better rapport between the manager and his subordinates. This kind of relationship with subordinates enhances human potential, their output and productivity.
Eye movements form the lifeblood of Indian classical dances – they use a permutation and combination of eyebrows, eyelids, eyelashes and pupil and make eyes the potent instrument for suggestions and other emotional feelings.
In most situations of business interest, managers should look in to the eyes when they are talking to someone. It is interesting to note that the late A Onassis, a Greek shipping magnate who often emerged as a successful negotiator of deals, wore dark glasses while negotiating!

KINESICS - Eye contacts including gazing, glancing and eye blocking

KINESICS - Eye contacts including gazing, glancing and eye blocking

Although eyes are a part of the face and can be read along with many other facial expressions, they have a crucial role in body language and hence, merit special treatment. Owing to the critical importance of eye movements and their impact on facial expressions, this area has developed in to a science called „occulesics‟ – study of eye language and its grammar. Following features of the occulesics highlight their role:
 Eyes have been referred to as „the mirror of the soul‟. They express innermost thoughts of a person. Knowing them by looking at the eyes can be a very rewarding skill and ability.
 Eyes react instantaneously to any external stimuli. They react faster than other parts of the body, Actions and contents of speech can be „faked‟ quickly but it is very difficult to „fake‟ the expression of eyes.
 Eyes also play a significant role in execution, action taking and collecting feedback. Eyes provide feedback that is instantaneous. (76 % of the sensory feedback happens through seeing)
 Eyeballs produce a great emotional impact from the way they affect the area of the face around the eyes.
 Eye contact is also important in oral presentations – confidence of the presenter is judged from his eyes; eye contact with the audience is also required for keeping their interest alive during presentation. Collective eye contact is also critical to the successful running of meetings, seminars etc.
 Eyes of a painting give an accurate picture of what it communicates – sadness, happiness, hunger, desire, anxiety or contentment.
 Various dance forms especially Indian dances emphasize eye movements a great deal to express the theme and the mood of the dance.
 Various dance forms especially Indian dances emphasize eye movements a great deal to express the theme and the mood of the dance.

KINESICS - Smiling face

KINESICS  - Smiling face

Smile is a specific feature of facial expression. It is the most universal sign, common among all cultures. It has following characteristics:

 Ordinarily, smile is related to happiness of a person

 Smile is also used when we recognize a person or accept the presence of another person

 A smiling face often appears to be friendly and cooperative

 Oblong smile happens when lips are drawn fully back from the upper and lower teeth. It expresses politeness. It also conveys respect to the teacher or the boss

 A simple smile also shows love, interest or attention to a person or an object

 If used properly, a smile can make a tense situation friendly and relaxed

Smiling plays a very crucial role in human interactions:

1 Smile creates a lasting first impression. A smile says, „I like you. I am glad to see you‟.

2 Smile is a messenger of your goodwill; it brightens the lives of all who see it. For those who often see people frown, scowl or turn their faces away, smile is like a sun breaking through the clouds.

 It costs nothing but creates much – it enriches those who receive without impoverishing those who give.

 It happens in a flash but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever!

 One is not dressed for the day if he has not worn his smile. Nobody needs a smile so much as those who have nothing to give.

 Smile creates happiness at homes, fosters goodwill in business and is the countersign of friendship.

According to an old Chinese proverb, „A man without a smiling face must not open a shop‟.

KINESICS

KINESICS

Facial expressions including smiling

Face is the index of heart. It is the most expressive part of the body and is also the one that is observed most by the audience. Persons‟ feelings and emotions get immediately transferred in to some form of expressions on the face. Facial expressions include the parts played by head, heart, eyes, nose, mouth and lips. Everyone, almost intuitively, recognizes the facial expressions associated with:
 Happiness
 Fear
 Surprise
 Anger
 Sadness
 Astonishment
 Bewilderment
 Contentment etc
Similarly, observers can easily detect smile, frown etc. In conjunction with nose and nostrils, ears, mouth, lips etc they are able to decipher many other expressions and movements very quickly. These thoughts, feelings and emotions may be either positive or negative – being able to read them from the facial and related expressions, managers and leaders are able to use the knowledge to their advantage. It is said that „every face tells a story‟ and managers and leaders must learn the kinesics to grasp that story quickly and react accordingly.
The muscles of the face have a nerve center in the stem of the human brain and it contains 7,000 to 10,000 nerve cells that are spread out in different parts of the face. The facial muscles that control a smile are similar to the muscles that control posture, voice tone and pitch, movements and expressions that are triggered by emotions from emotions of the heart (right side of the brain) or thoughts (from the left side of the brain).
Very often, facial expressions involve more than one part of the face. For example, an extremely aggressive person will have his lips closed tightly, eyes wide open, eyes and eyebrows turned down, teeth clenched and he will speak with his lips barely moving! Similarly, a defiant person will have his head and chin thrust forward, lips tensed up and pushed forward so that any person can see that he is in angry mood.

(i) Smiling face

Smile is a specific feature of facial expression. It is the most universal sign, common among all cultures. It has following characteristics:
 Ordinarily, smile is related to happiness of a person
 Smile is also used when we recognize a person or accept the presence of another person
 A smiling face often appears to be friendly and cooperative
 Oblong smile happens when lips are drawn fully back from the upper and lower teeth. It expresses politeness. It also conveys respect to the teacher or the boss
 A simple smile also shows love, interest or attention to a person or an object
 If used properly, a smile can make a tense situation friendly and relaxed
Smiling plays a very crucial role in human interactions:
1 Smile creates a lasting first impression. A smile says, „I like you. I am glad to see you‟.
2 Smile is a messenger of your goodwill; it brightens the lives of all who see it. For those who often see people frown, scowl or turn their faces away, smile is like a sun breaking through the clouds.
 It costs nothing but creates much – it enriches those who receive without impoverishing those who give.
 It happens in a flash but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever!
 One is not dressed for the day if he has not worn his smile. Nobody needs a smile so much as those who have nothing to give.
 Smile creates happiness at homes, fosters goodwill in business and is the countersign of friendship.
According to an old Chinese proverb, „A man without a smiling face must not open a shop‟.

(ii) Laughter

It is another allied expression where face plays a very dominant role. Laughter has been classified in to different types:
 Humorous laughter
 Social laughter
 Ignorance laughter
 Evasion laughter
 Embarrassment laughter
 Apologetic laughter
 Anxiety laughter
 Derisive laughter
 Joyous laughter

KINESICS OR BODY MOVEMENTS - 1

KINESICS OR BODY MOVEMENTS - 1

Kinesics literally means „body movements‟ and has emerged as the most important area of non-verbal communication. Kinesics stands for the way the body communicates without words but with the use of movements of the body.
It must be understood that the body movements are the reflections of ones‟ feelings, emotions, thoughts and position in a given situation. By nodding their head or by shrugging their shoulders or by blinking their eyes, people are able to send messages that are often stronger than the spoken words. They are able to convey a large array of emotions, feelings and thoughts that need to be inferred from the signs and signals involving body movement.
Although the list of different parts of the body is large, following aspects are some :

 Facial expressions including smiling
 Eye contact, gazing, glancing and eye blocking
 Hands, palms, handshakes, double handshakes, arms, hands and fingers together
 Thumbs and fingers
 Legs and feet postures
 Walking styles

COMPONENTS OF BODY LANGUAGE

COMPONENTS OF BODY LANGUAGE

Non-verbal communication has emerged as area of major interest to budding students because they can exploit the knowledge successfully during negotiations and other major human interactions. Based on the developments in the broad field of body language, subject can be grouped in to the following
(1) Kinesics
Kinesics is the study of movements of different parts of the body
(2) Paralinguistics
Also called Para Language - it concerns with study of the role of the vocal aspects viz., volume, speed, modulation, clarity etc while speaking.
(3) Proxemics
It relates to the role and importance of personal or spatial distance when people interact socially.
(4) Chronomics
It relates to concept of time and its impact on humans in communication.
(5) Neuro Linguistic Programming
Effective communication is the perception of „what has been received‟ rather than „what has been delivered‟ and in this five human senses have significant role and influence. Neuro Linguistic Programming studies this aspect of human interaction.