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 interlocked 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 someone is hugging self with arms and hands, it conveys uncertainty and lack of confidence
(e) Arms folded in front of the chest with the thumb pointing upwards
The individual has a closed personality and a 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 the 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
The 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, the individual is confused and would like to sort things out as they are causing a lot of discomforts.
(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 the bored look on the face, it implies the listener is bored or tired of the interaction.
(v) A 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.