Gestures and facial expressions are deliberate actions. You do them to repeat and strengthen the message you're making verbally. When you lie, it can contradict what you are saying; your body and your words tell a different story.

 Deaf people use sign language to communicate without speaking. Sometimes you don’t need words, either. Just show it, like waving goodbye, or showing the V sign.

Palm position

Holding the palm upward means giving or receiving (not always gift, by the way; it can be an idea received). A palm held downward can express secrecy, completion, or stability.

Thumbs up

Everything is okay.

Thumbs down

It means dislike, rejecting something or someone. In the ancient Roman Empire it was the sign to kill.

Victory

The middle and index fingers are raised and parted to make a V shape. Its meaning: V for Victory.

Okay

Connecting the thumb and the pointer finger in a circle. It means okay, but be careful, it has a negative meaning in certain countries.

Blah-blah

The fingers are kept straight and together, held horizontal. The fingers and thumb then snap together repeatedly to suggest a mouth talking. The gesture can be used to indicate that someone talks too much, or is boring.

Come here

Index finger is sticking out of the clenched fist. The finger moves repeatedly as if  to draw something nearer. 

Rubbing fingers

Money expectation.

Handshake

It is a greeting ritual. People grasp each other’s hands and shake it up and down.

Shaking your fist

Threatening physical violence, though it can be a gesture of solidarity and defiance.

Crossed fingers

Wish for good luck.

Fig sign

Be careful with this one. It has different meanings in different countries. In Europe it means: “no way, I won’t do or give it to you”. In certain countries it means good luck. There are countries you should not use, though, because it means a rude thing. In fact the extended middle finger has a similar meaning.

High five

People raise one hand and slap their palms together. It is a gesture of celebration, when success is achieved. People congratulate each other this way.

Pointing fingers

Used to indicate a place or person, to complete “hey, this is what I am talking about”.

Bowing

Bowing happens from the waist. It is a sign of humility. People bow out of respect or because they have a lower status.

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• Which gesture do you use often? Sometimes? Never? Why?
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