Your body language can say more than words ever could.

How?

When you master kinesics.

How you use your body, how you move through space and time, is the study of kinesics. All discernible body movements and gestures (with the exception of facial expressions and eye movement) contribute to the efficacy of your message delivery.

Let’s break it down.

1. Iconic Gestures

Iconic gestures represent the physical attributes of an object or an icon. They serve to illustrate meaning to your audience, animating an almost tactile experience for them.

Examples:

1. Pinching fingers to indicate that something is small.

2. Spreading a flat hand to show that something is smooth.

2. Metaphoric Gestures

Metaphoric gestures are hand movements that describe or represent an object or an abstract concept.

Examples:

1. Imitating scales by alternating open hands, as if weighing things out.

2. Stacking hands on top of each other to show that something is layered.

3. Manipulator Gestures

Manipulator gestures are typically done when one body part interacts with another body part. Often these movements are involuntary and unconscious.

Examples:

1. Rubbing your chin when thinking.

2. Covering your mouth when you’re surprised.

4. Emblem Gestures

Emblem gestures express specific meaning without using words. They are so precise that spoken words are not needed.

Examples:

1. Waving a hand to say “hello” or “goodbye.”

2. Nodding your head for “yes” or shaking your head for “no.”

3. Putting a finger to your lips to request that someone be quiet.

5. Deictic Gestures

Deictic gestures indicate specific directions, objects, or people. Words like “this,” “that,” “over there,” and “you” are verbal counterparts to these nonverbal gestures.

Examples:

1. Using your finger to point.

6. Beat Gestures

Beat gestures hold no meaning on their own and cannot be substituted for words. They exist solely to create emphasis or support the rhythm of your speech.

Examples:

1. Using your fingers or hands to “mark” syllables or words to highlight them and bring out their meaning.

BONUS: The Role of Posture in Communication

Posture, while not a gesture, can hold a lot of meaning. The physical energy with which you move your body becomes part of your message and can either reinforce your words or substitute for them.

Examples:

1. Slumping your shoulders to look tired.

2. Rolling your shoulders back and standing tall to project confidence.

Remember, mastering your body language is more important than reading someone else's. How you use your body can significantly impact the delivery and reception of your message. So the next time you communicate, pay attention to these gestures and postures to ensure your message is received loud and clear.