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.