Gesturing takes an extremely important place in the communication of people. To understand how significant it is, just try to communicate with someone without gestures, using only words. This task seems simple only at first glance. In fact, it is almost impossible to resist movements with hands and fingers.
What are gestures?
The indicative ones, like all others, are a non-verbal way of communication, that is, body language, supplementing and explaining words spoken by a person. The movements of fingers, brushes of hands, shrugs and all the rest are the way by which people since ancient times have given their own speech emotionality, the right shade of meaning, expressiveness.
Gesture appeared much earlier than meaningful speech was formed. It is often easier to nod your head or make a slight movement with your hand than choosing the right words. Moreover, gestures are sometimes more intelligible than speech. For this reason, in some situations they can completely replace verbal communication or determine its semantic connotation.
When are nonverbal directions used?
What do pointing gestures mean? As a rule, they clarify, give concreteness to what a person says. For example, if chairs are placed along the wall, of which one, one is required, then, asking him to bring, a person will definitely point to the right one. In the event that such a request is not accompanied by a non-verbal addition, the one to whom it is addressed will certainly ask a clarifying question.
Another example of how pointing gestures are used can be encountered on the street, asking a passerby how to get somewhere. Explaining the road, a person will certainly begin to gesticulate, clearly showing the necessary direction of movement.
What are the gestures? Are pointing movements always appropriate?
Non-verbal communication tools, that is, gestures, are classified in accordance with the following features:
- specificity, semantic load;
- functionality;
- target destination.
Accordingly, gestures are divided into several main types:
- symbolic
- indicative;
- emotional;
- Fine
- rhythmic
- mechanical.
Each type of gesture is used by people in everyday communication. However, most often resort to pointing movements.
Under certain circumstances, they may be indecent, betray the lack of education in the one who uses them. For example, you should not contact a person, demanding something from him, and at the same time point with your finger. Of course, it is unacceptable to show in a public place at someone who is different from the others or who has problems with appearance. For example, soiled, torn or not quite neat clothes.