Gestures

We ALL use gestures

Gestures---------- closely related to cognitive processing

*They have an impact on your working memory and help you recall both visuo-spatial and verbal items.

      Blind people-------- they also use gestures

Right handed people: more gestures by the right hand

Left handed people: Gestures with both hands

*Gestures----- use to supplement words

*Children: Use gestures at around 10 months

Types of gestures

*Deictic gesture= pointing out

*Iconic gesture= resembles a concrete object or event

*Metaphonic gesture= to represent an abstract gesture

*Emblems= gesture typically known by the community

Gestures and Beats

*It has to do with using your hands to emphasise what you say

Gestures in classroom

*Students: More likely to retain what they have learned when using gestures

Math: more frequent

Vocal expression

The way we use our voice gives away the true meaning

Voice: more likely to reveal the feelings

Voice intonation

Advices:

*ensure there is a proper quality of projection

*monitor the rate at what you speak

*Vary the kinds of intonation you use

V factor and Gender

*men= louder and lower pitched voices

*women=Higher pitched sound

       Voice intonation------------ more frequently in women

The faster the rate of speech,the lower the estimation of dominance

Pauses:

*Silent ones

*Filled ones

Body Language

  

 Body language---------- Opened and closed body language

*Closed body language=related to protecting your body

*Opened body language= related to exposing your body

Opened body language --------- Lack of barriers of any sort

 Closed body language---------- Nervousness, Anxiety

Opened Body language = likeability factor

When teaching:  sharp, sudden and angular movements =threatening

                           Rounded and curved movements= sympathetic

Mimicry= sign and indicator of cooperation and rapport.

Leg and foot movement= the more the better

Walking and movement: Our body movements might indicate our self-confidence, energy levels, fatigue, mood and status.

*Brisk pace and upright posture=confidence, security

Hands: “The palms up position wins hands down”

            Self-touching:  it can be associated with anxiety and stress

Back-channel and responses: they are reinforcements for the speaker.

              Examples: Head nods, Body-closing gestures, non-conscious mimicry.