Non-verbal communication is the communication that takes place outside of speech with the people we interact with in the world we live in, and as I have mentioned in the past few articles, people relate only 7% with words and 93% with non-verbal communication. This is why nonverbal communication is of vital importance. The color and tone of voice, silence, silence, body language, gestures and facial expressions, space and time, clothing are factors that affect this non-verbal communication. One of the first and most important of these is the posture of the hands and arms during communication. Knowing these details in private and business life not only makes life easier but also gives us clues about the mood of the person we are in a relationship with.

Rubbing hands shows that things are going well, while on the other hand, it shows the seller's expectation of the profit to be made. Or when a person rubs his/her hands while sitting down to a meal, it means that he/she likes the food very much or that he/she is very hungry.

The most important detail about the use of hands is the clasping of hands. Clasping hands is usually done to hide an aggressive attitude, a state of defense or fear.

Clasping the hands behind the back above the waist is a sign of self-control and indicates frustration. The gesture of holding the wrist above the waist at the back is a gesture of anger and self-control. If this gesture is slightly higher, i.e. grasping the top of the other arm behind the back, it indicates that the anger is even more intense.
The gestures associated with bringing the hand to the face are also very meaningful. The first of these is the hand to the mouth; this gesture, which is mostly unconscious, is used to cover the mouth with both hands; it is used to hide the lies told by the individual. If he/she does this while listening to someone, it is because he/she thinks that the person speaking is lying. Bringing the hand to the mouth should not be confused with bringing the fingers to the mouth. Bringing the fingers to the mouth is a gesture done under pressure and shows the need for trust. Touching the hands or fingertips to the nose shows negative emotions, while rubbing the eyes is used to cover up lies and avoid making eye contact. Another form of wanting to cover up lies is collar tugging and neck scratching. Slapping the neck and forehead is a sign of boredom and anger due to forgetfulness.

Someone who uses his/her hand to support his/her head is either not listening to you at all or is very bored. If this is accompanied by shaking or stamping of the feet, either change the subject or get his/her attention by asking a question.
When the hand is not supporting the head but resting on the cheek, this is an indication of real interest. Again, the hand resting on the cheek, the index finger pointing vertically upwards from the cheek and the thumb supporting the chin indicate that the listener is interested in the topic but has negative and critical thoughts about the topic or the speaker.

The chin stroking gesture indicates the decision-making process. However, bringing the stem of the glasses to the mouth, playing with a pen or an object is a gesture of indecision, abstention and buying time. Other ways must be found to persuade.

One of the most important clues in communication is the crossing of the arms; crossing the arms over the chest is a sign of being CLOSED TO COMMUNICATION. It is mostly for anxiety, insecurity and self-protection. This is a very important clue, in order to communicate you must first make the other person feel safe. We don't instinctively go to someone with their hands crossed over their chest to ask or buy something.

Sometimes people cross their arms secretly with an object such as a bag or a file to hide their tense and anxious moods.

If the fists are clenched while the arms are crossed; it indicates the defensive and aggressive mood of the person. If the arms are clasped tightly and the feet are shaking, it is an indication of impatience and nervousness, such as before an exam or an important interview.

Like crossing the arms, any crossing of the legs is usually a sign of a negative attitude and closedness. Crossing the right leg over the left leg indicates anger, timidity and defensiveness. Leg locking and crossing positions in all situations, whether sitting or standing, are indicative of a controversial and competitive situation. Locking the legs at the same time as the arms indicates a rigid, negative and stubborn attitude. In order to be able to communicate, these signs should be well understood and an attitude should be taken accordingly.
The opening of the arms and legs of the person indicates that they are accustomed to the environment or that they are relaxed and ready to communicate. In general, closed or locked hands and arms in front or behind, above or below, are signs of closedness to communication. This is very important...

Hands in pockets means being closed to communication, just like clasping. It is very important to be able to read these unconscious hand, arm and leg movements in private and business life in order to make our lives easier. It is vital to know both in terms of understanding the mood and state of the person we are communicating with, and in terms of conveying the details and clues of our mood to the other person.

(Source: Anadolu University Public Relations, Verbal and non-verbal communication book)

Mukaddes Pekin Başdil

Researcher-Author

Source: Denizli Haber