Hand gestures and their meaning: open and closed postures.

  • 14.06.2019

Hand gestures. First of all, after the position of the body and head, hand gestures catch the eye. Hand position can tell when a person is excited, calm, focused, scared, and even aroused. Each hand gesture can be interpreted in different ways and it is not so easy to understand what it means, but if the eye is "trained" and you know how to correlate the context of the conversation with body movements, then it will not be difficult to see what they somehow want to hide from you or not finish .

  • Let's start with the most common gesture - crossed arms.

When a person crosses his arms over his chest, he tries to draw an invisible barrier around himself and close himself from strangers. He shows that he is not going to open his soul and does not crave the same openness from others. This is a defensive - negative gesture. Often used when there are many strangers. During a conversation, such a gesture can mean disagreement with the interlocutor and a complete rejection of information. But do not jump to conclusions, this gesture is also used by freezing people, so you should take a closer look at the clothes of the person you are evaluating and correlate the temperature and his wardrobe.

  • The next gesture is crossed arms with clenched fists.

This closed - hostile gesture with clenched fists is a bit like the "arms crossed" gesture, but has one very obvious difference, it is more aggressive and speaks of the interlocutor's aggressive mood in relation to the current situation or some event. But one can be relatively calm if this gesture is not complemented by a slanting smile with pursed lips, a purplish complexion and tightly clenched teeth. Otherwise, beware!! The person does not just show that he is furious, you can already expect a verbal or physical attack from him, in which case be on your guard.

  • Gesture - hands in pockets. Usually means something like "I don't want to talk to you"

Hands in pockets are common for people who don't want to take part in a conversation. The palms are like the vocal cords of the hands, and when we talk, as a rule, we actively begin to gesticulate with our hands, show directions, express our emotions, and so on. When a person puts his hands in his pockets, it can be compared with a closed mouth. Previously, this gesture was common only among men, but over time, when women began to wear pants more actively, they began to put their hands in their pockets too often. However, one should also not forget about the air temperature, when interpreting this gesture, if the air temperature is not high, then the person’s hands could simply freeze and he put them in his pockets.

Grasping his forearms, a person tries to protect the chest in which the heart beats. Thus, he tries to calm himself by imitating a hug with this gesture. how stronger man clenching his fingers, the more fear seizes him. Sometimes even the tips of the fingers may turn white. Very often in this position they expect an important meeting, conversation; They may also be waiting in line to see the doctor.

Arms crossed with fingers pointing upwards betrays a person who is well aware of the situation. He feels confident, but at the same time maintains a defensive stance. Fingers pointing up is a sign that the person is ready to accept your point of view, but at the same time he still crosses his arms to feel safe. With such a person, you can not be afraid of an attack and calmly discuss certain issues.

Women use partial crossing of their arms so as not to show their fear to others. They use this gesture in stressful situations when they want to protect themselves from difficulties and troubles. A kind of imitation of a hug allows them to feel safe, gain a little self-confidence. If you met a woman standing in this position, and she assures that she is just “so comfortable”, then know that she is probably afraid.

In my opinion, the most obscene and most obvious of all poses.
The pose of crossed arms is taken mainly by men who want to feel safe. The man seems to be protecting his "most valuable". This posture betrays self-doubt. Most often it is used when they feel awkward, insecure and dangerous from others, men who need support. But there are exceptions, as with many rules. Some try to hide their physical inferiority with this gesture, as, for example, Hitler covered the inguinal region due to the lack of one testicle.

Cufflinks, watch straps, rings, men adjust when they are in the spotlight to create a barrier. They play with the cuff button, rub their palms, check the contents of their wallet, just to cross their arms in front of them. Men cannot relax, they feel unprotected. All these gestures betray their self-doubt and hidden nervousness.

  • camouflaged barriers.

Some of my favorite gestures, hard to find, easy to confuse and hardest to explain.
A bouquet or a handbag, a glass or a cup - all this is a barrier. An insecure person creates this barrier quite often and does not even realize the true meaning of his actions. Such a barrier is mainly used by women who are in public. A handbag is a means of gaining confidence and creating a comfortable environment for yourself, allowing you to communicate with your interlocutor.

  • Raised shoulders (barrier - "I'm in the house")

The gesture carries embarrassment for the inconvenience caused. A person at this moment wants to appear as small as possible, occupy as little space as possible, and in general can dream of an invisibility cloak or the ability to pass through walls. This gesture also occurs when the instinct of self-preservation is triggered, for example, if a person is very frightened of a baseball flying at him. Also, raised shoulders can mean a humble apology to another person.

  • Invisible fluff (cleaning clothes)

If during a conversation a person begins to shake off invisible fluff, villi, hair, or simply clean clothes from pellets, then pay attention to him - he most likely does not agree with your words or may even be silent about something important. And in order to hide his true feelings, emotions and nervousness, the interlocutor begins to make small movements with his fingers to distract himself from his thoughts in a tactile way.

  • Gesture - hands on hips (full speed ahead!)

When a person puts his hands on his hips, spreads his elbows to the sides, then he wants to appear larger (on a subconscious level). This posture occurs in case of fear or irritation. Hands on hips are placed by people who are involved in an argument or a person who wants to fight. One way or another, this gesture carries not only aggression, but also confidence, if there is a pretty person nearby. However, if during the demonstration of the gesture, the clothes are tightly buttoned, most likely the person is depressed and tries to cheer himself up.

  • Cutlery barriers (coffee cup)

If during a tea party or lunch you notice that cutlery is lining up between you and the interlocutor by the wall, then this is a signal that a change of topic is required. When a "cup of coffee" blocks your "open" access to the person sitting opposite you, this is nothing more than a protective barrier and you should think several times before you say following words. If the "cup of coffee" is left a little aside and there are no visible barriers between you and the interlocutor, you are on the right track and it is worth continuing the conversation at the same pace as you started.

P.S. Let me remind you once again that each gesture is interpreted purely in context and cannot in any way be interpreted as a separate sign of something, whether it is a lie, openness or closeness. Before making a "verdict" - cock all the pros and cons. Sincerely, Your administrator, moderator and much more, Anton Volkov.

P.P.S. If you have any questions about the text of the article or additions, corrections to it, write to me by mail [email protected] or skype ant.volkov

How much easier it would be for everyone if men were equipped with a small display that could clearly read their thoughts and feelings at any given moment: “Oh, she’s cool!”, “Damn, because of this date, I’ll be late for football” , “I wonder if they are real?” But high tech not yet available to everyone, and communication with any attractive subject is still reminiscent of the search for a black cat in dark room. We peer, listen, speculate, look for subtexts ... and still make mistakes regularly.

“Men are programmed to suppress their emotions. Whatever feelings overwhelm the representative of the stronger sex, he is unlikely to demonstrate them., - psychologist Kevin Hogan is sure. And thousands of nervously smiling young people at the registry offices indirectly confirm his theory.

Fortunately, in addition to the face, a man has a lot of other, more eloquent parts of the body. Having learned to understand the signals that his torso gives, you can accurately determine the degree of interest of this subject in you.

Kinesics is a separate science that studies the language of the body and its parts.

He hides his hands in his pockets

Entering the room where you are sitting, making a request or just talking to you, a man keeps his hands in his pockets. Don't be afraid, he's not hiding unevenly trimmed nails, a dead mouse, or any other nasty stuff in there. Whole palms were hidden in his pockets, or only thumbs - in any case, this is an indicator that he is embarrassed. When a person is nervous and unsure of himself, his own limbs seem to him too long, alien, hanging around idle, so he tries to fix them by any means. For lack of pockets, a man can put his thumbs behind the belt, for example.

He crossed his arms over his chest

Gestures and facial expressions of a man sometimes speak not only of sympathy for a woman, but also of the opposite feelings. If the interlocutor, when communicating with you, crosses his arms on his chest, you can not expect compliments, stories about his beloved kitten and other cute charms. With such a gesture, he, as it were, closes, shows that he does not intend to show his emotions and spill like a nightingale. Perhaps we are talking only about today (you know what happened in the second half?), Or maybe he is not interested in you at all. Be that as it may, in this case it is better not to bother with stupid questions once again and not turn on your boundless charm.

He is overprotective

If a man keeps straightening a strand out of your hair and removing cheesecake crumbs from your neckline, you certainly have the right to think that you look like a complete slob or that he mistook you for a child. But both of your assumptions are past. "On the male language increased caring means that he likes you, ”explains Patti Wood, an expert in non-verbal ways of communication. The entire animal world shows sympathy in the same way - cleaning each other's feathers, combing out fleas, serving worms - and real men are no worse.

This kind of flirting is called grooming, and, according to the electronic Dictionary of natural sciences”, the manifestation of concern for someone else's fur indicates a comfortable state of mind of the individual. Therefore, if you feel that a man awakens reciprocal animal instincts in you, also do not hesitate to remove the pasta stuck to his lips - performed by such a modest girl like you, even such an intimate gesture will not seem familiar.

He looks like he saw a ghost

The manifestation of an extreme degree of amazement - rounded eyes and raised eyebrows - is difficult to confuse with something. However, it does not always mean that the satellite saw behind you the hockey player Ovechkin in uniform and with a stick. The same mimic set that appeared on the gentleman's face for no apparent reason is a sure sign of interest. This is a subconscious reaction, described in a children's fairy tale: "Grandma, why do you have such big eyes?" “And to see you better, baby.” (Do you remember who was hiding under the guise of a grandmother?) In a word, if a man looks like you are telling him about your plans to destroy this world with the help of sharks (although you actually complain about the quality of asparagus in the nearest supermarket), he, most likely, unevenly to you breathes.

He turns his whole body towards you

A man who wants to attract your attention does not sit half-turned, but with his face, while his chest is open and even slightly protruding forward - this is what evolution and his own ego taught him (as well as all other primates). While the beta males quietly graze, the leader of the gorilla pack with a deafening roar climbs onto the highest stone and begins to beat his chest with his fists. Adjusted for upbringing, a man in love with his whole body wants to tell you the same thing: “Look at me! I'm big, smart and good!"

He slouches

The subject has captured your attention - now it's time to show that he is no longer playing king of the jungle and you can start having a pleasant conversation. A slightly hunched back and forward shoulders visually make the man’s figure smaller, and the very position of his body says: “I am available. Lets communicate". You can’t argue with nature: the more vulnerable a person takes, the more trust and sympathy he treats you with.

He lowers his eyes and is silent

It's not about the fact that he began to confess his love to you, but suddenly stumbled and blushed - in this case, one can only be touched by such shyness. But if, in response to a direct question about something important to you, a man lowers his eyes, is silent and at the same time nervously fiddling with a pencil or a button with his hands, everything is not so rosy. At this time, the computer in his head selects the most suitable one from all the "refusal" phrases known to him. Like a real gentleman, he can't say no. If you notice such a reaction, turn everything into a joke. It seems like she didn’t ask anything like that, it just seemed to him.

Non-verbal communication between a man and a woman - these are not children's toys for you! One wrong move or a wrong look from him or yours can jeopardize further development relationships, even if before that the passionate desire to be together haunted. To prevent this from happening, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the “language” of the body and various gestures. You will learn what they mean depending on the situation and how to respond to them.

This is what people say to each other without saying a word. He does not need any speech, compliments, questions, all information and influence on each other are transmitted through facial expressions, gestures, postures, intonation. It helps to understand a person’s attitude towards himself and show him his disposition or rejection.

Gestures and behavior of a man with a woman

The "language" of the body can tell a lot about the relationship of a young man to a girl and vice versa. You will only need to learn how to interpret gestures correctly.

The guy during the conversation keeps his hands in his pocket

If a man's thumbs are not in his pocket, they are outward - this may mean that he wants to attract attention to himself. In the case of full immersion of the palms in the pockets, we can assume that he is holding back his real emotions.

The only conclusion is that he likes you, but he is afraid or does not want to show it. In this case, try to force things, hint to him of your sympathy with a light touch on the elbow.

What do raised eyebrows mean

Such a gesture most often indicates a man's interest in you. It means that he is having fun with you, and the conversation is going well. But there is another interpretation: a young man may well be thinking about something serious at this time. In this case, his face will be tense. Your task is to start joking unobtrusively and relax the guy as much as possible.

What does his hug say?

It is very important how exactly he hugs you. If straight and strong in front, it may well be that you are only interested in him as a passion for the evening. You can talk about a warm and serious attitude when he comes up from behind and wraps his arms around his neck. With the help of such hugs, MCH hints that this is his chosen one and he will not give her to anyone.

Think about the fact that the MCH just treats you well and, embracing, shows it.

Also, such a gesture may be a consequence of his self-doubt, when he is not ready to take responsibility for a woman.

What if he stretches while talking

This is the worst thing a man can do on a date. Such behavior is incorrect and disrespectful towards the partner. It can be judged from it that he is terribly bored with you and already really wants to make his legs. Run away from such a macho, he is not worthy of female attention! But if a man stretches delicately, as if straightening his posture and shoulders, believe me, he is tuned in to the charm of his companion! In this case, stare at him intently, succumbing to his charms, only occasionally looking down, ostentatiously embarrassed.

Why touch a girl

If we are talking about open touches, it is obvious that in this way he demonstrates his sexual desire. He likes the one who sits opposite, and he would not mind flirting and spending the night with her. In the case when a man, as if by chance, tries to touch a woman’s elbow, her palm, legs and even waist, we can assume that he has serious plans for you.

Touches and licks lips

“Hungry” men who crave female warmth and affection can touch their lips.

Pay attention to whether the MCH is looking at you, licking his lips or touching them with his hand. If yes, you are being hinted at intimacy.

It may also be that the guy is nervous, or he is just worried at the sight of a gorgeous girl.

Something twists in the hands

This is an obvious sign of excitement that appears in the company of a beautiful lady. A man most often fiddles with a ring on his finger, a chain on his arm or neck, a tie or button, a pen and a lighter. It is highly likely that this is done because of a feeling of emptiness and disappointment, misunderstanding on the part of others.

Comes close when talking

A good gesture, which can be understood as if MCH wants to isolate the girl from the whole world. He wants to draw attention to himself, show his importance and become a little closer. Such men are self-confident and sometimes even selfish, but their chosen one will be very lucky: she will not know any problems in life.

“Speaking” with gestures is, of course, interesting, but one day or another you will have to start normal communication. And here a problem may arise: You will be able to avoid mistakes when conducting a dialogue and win over the interlocutor.

And you know that men can say far from everything that comes into their heads. Here . They can cause irritation and put an end to relationships.

To get closer to the MCH and inspire his trust,. Here you will find the most successful phrases.

Have you noticed that the young man is reluctant to talk? Find out, ! You will be able to identify the causes and correct the situation.

Well, if things are really bad, then nothing remains, . Use our list of proven phrases that won't offend him.

Evaluate facial expressions and gaze

Here is what men most often do when communicating with the opposite sex:

  • Smile in conversation. Why is this needed? To win over the interlocutor, show your positive attitude. Also in this way they try to flirt.
  • Grimacing like Jim Carrey. Why? If the MCH is not sanguine in life, obviously, he wants to be remembered and stand out from the background of others.
  • Don't look at the woman. One of the reasons is that he fell head over heels in love and is afraid to betray his feelings. Another option is that he is ashamed of being married, but he is interested in you.
  • They lower their eyes to the floor. Here everything is similar to the above: either he is busy, or he is shy.
  • Look closely at the lips of the interlocutor. It's simple - he wants to kiss you and wants to continue dating in a more informal setting.

Do you want to know all the secrets of seducing men? We advise you to look free video course Alexey Chernozem "12 laws of seduction for women". You will receive a 12-step step-by-step plan on how to drive any man crazy and keep his affection for years to come.

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How can a woman give the right "signals" to a man

If you want to show your interest, do not fold your arms over your chest and do not cross your palms, try not to twist your hair, keep your back straight. This way you won't push your partner away. Instead, watch your posture, smile slightly, look directly into the eyes of the interlocutor, cross your legs and, while saying something, lean forward a little towards him.

Very interesting video, with really useful tips and examples:

Men are very complex creatures, but our tips will help you figure them out without getting caught!

In the process of direct communication with each other, people use not only words, but also non-verbal signals. Hand gestures, facial expressions, body position in space - all this can tell about the interlocutor no less than he is ready to tell himself. We propose to analyze the meaning of gestures in communication between people and their interpretation from the point of view of specialists in the field of psychology.

What does a handshake say

The handshake is a non-verbal gesture used in many cultures as a sign of greeting. Often it also indicates the end of communication or the achievement of an agreement. This gesture is characteristic for the most part of men, although Business Etiquette allows ladies to resort to it at the beginning and end of negotiations if representatives of the opposite sex participate in them. The woman always extends her hand first.

By itself, this gesture can tell a lot about the interlocutor. A strong-willed, open person greets with a strong handshake, squeezing the interlocutor's hand quite strongly. People who are not too confident show a sluggish gesture in which the hand is relaxed and the hand is located below. Such a handshake characterizes a person without initiative, lazy, not inclined to make independent decisions. Touching the interlocutor's hand, accompanied by slight squeezing, can also speak of a person's delicacy, his ability to keep his distance. If, after a short greeting, the interlocutor puts his hands behind his back, or puts them in his pockets, in this way he demonstrates superiority.

Open people stretch out their hand to their "vis-a-vee", bending it at the elbow and wrist only slightly. Secretive or deceitful, on the contrary, try to keep the limb bent. Their forearm remains pressed to the body, while the hand is directed almost vertically. If, during a handshake, such a person tries to squeeze the interlocutor's hand down, this characterizes him as cruel and rather domineering. Independent individuals try to maintain the maximum distance, with little to no bending of the hand when shaking hands.

scratching

Any small and fussy hand gestures betray excitement, uncertainty or a desire to hide the truth. If the speaker scratches his neck on the side, this may mean that he is voicing a thought in which he himself is not completely sure. Such a gesture on the part of the listener indicates his distrust or desire to comprehend what was said more deeply.

Touching the earlobe, scratching and rubbing it during a conversation, a person expresses his desire to speak out. He delicately waits for a convenient moment when he can join the conversation, but at the same time he expresses impatience in every possible way, sometimes even raising his hand, like a schoolboy in a lesson.

Arms crossed on chest

It is generally accepted that crossed arms and legs are a kind of energy protection that people resort to in various life situations. There are many gestures with which a person closes himself from the interlocutor or the world around him. We propose to consider the most common of them.

  1. The first pose is crossing the arms in front of the chest. The forearms are connected together, while the hands can wrap around the shoulders or press against the body. People often take this position in unfamiliar places where they do not feel completely safe.
  2. The position in which the interlocutor crosses his arms over his chest indicates a negative attitude towards what is happening and may mean unwillingness to discuss a topic. Sometimes distrust of what a person is hearing causes the person to cross their arms over their chest. A similar gesture is used by people who want to hide information. The position of the body, when the arms crossed on the chest are combined with the palms clenched into fists, should be considered as a state of defense, extreme tension. Flushed cheeks and constricted pupils indicate a readiness to fight back.
  3. Public figures rarely openly show gestures that can betray their nervousness or desire to hide something. Meanwhile, they also tend to use such energy protection. Distinguishing camouflaged crosses is not difficult. Ladies usually touch their wrist, turn the bracelet on their hand, pull the clasp on the watch. A man can straighten cufflinks or cuffs. A similar gesture is when a person holds an object at chest level with both hands. It can be a book pressed to the chest or a folder with papers, a bouquet of flowers, a glass of wine.

Clasped fingers

With the fingers clasped in the lock, the hands can lie in front of you or on your knees, or fall along the body if this is a standing position. Behind such a gesture lies disappointment and hidden hostility if a person sits with his hands placed in front of him or brought them closer to his face. At the same time, the higher the hands are raised, the stronger the negative feelings. Sometimes such a gesture is perceived as attention to the interlocutor, because the person sitting opposite can smile and even nod. But this is an erroneous impression, with feigned facial expressions, the interlocutor is just trying to hide a negative attitude towards what is happening.

What does the gesture "hands behind the back" mean?

The position of the body, when the person's arms are laid back and closed behind the back, is associated with a demonstration of superiority. An even posture, a developed chest and straightened shoulders indicate that the individual is quite satisfied with his position and is confident in himself. Such a gesture can also be considered as a high degree of trust in the interlocutor. Most likely, the person feels quite comfortable, does not feel any threat. This gesture is characterized by the arrangement of the palms on top of each other.

If a person puts his hands behind his back, clasping his wrist or forearm with one hand, this means that he is excited and tries to control himself. Moreover, the higher the capture, the stronger the emotions experienced by the individual and the more difficult it is to restrain them. Hands held behind the back can be combined with other gestures, such as scratching the back of the head. This indicates self-doubt, a feeling of awkwardness. In this case, hiding his hands from the interlocutor, a person tries to hide the state of stress, concern or excitement.

hands in pockets

Many of us, even as children, had to hear the remark of our parents: “Take your hands out of your pockets, this is not decent.” Indeed, a person who hides his brushes deeper during a conversation can hardly be called well-mannered. But often such a gesture betrays a desire to hide something. Most likely, the interlocutor does not say much, frankly lies, or his reaction to the conversation does not correspond to the one demonstrated.

A similar reaction is also observed in people who are shy, who simply do not know where to put their hands during a conversation and are afraid that extra gestures will betray their nervousness. This is not difficult to understand, since such a person behaves stiffly, speaks little and reluctantly, keeps his shoulders down, and his gaze is turned down.

If during communication the interlocutor squeezes clenched fists into his pockets, it means that he is overwhelmed by anger and rage. The gesture means that it is difficult for a person to control negative emotions. He has exhausted all verbal arguments and is ready to move on to physical action. Usually, the threat is also reflected in facial expressions: the eyes are narrowed, the cheekbones are tense, the teeth are clenched.

Hand gestures with emphasis on thumbs

If the thumbs are sticking up, such a gesture indicates a desire to dominate. With such a non-verbal signal, a man makes it clear to the lady that he is interested in her. He demonstrates his superiority and social status by putting his hands in his pants pockets or behind his belt. At the same time, the thumbs unequivocally indicate the direction where the object of male pride and dignity is actually located. Such a gesture can be regarded as a desire to please, conquer and conquer.

If we do not consider the gesture in a sexual context, then we can say that the hands in the pockets and the thumbs outside are a demonstration of the power of power and superiority. Another dominance gesture is as follows: arms crossed over the chest and thumbs pointing up. Authority and a sense of superiority simply overwhelm the individual if he adopts such a pose.

When a person tightly clasps his shoulders with his hands, raising his thumbs, lifts his chin and looks into the face of the interlocutor, this indicates that he is confident in his own rightness, does not want to hear objections. Curiously, such dominance gestures involving the thumbs are used by both men and women.

Demonstration of open hands

Open palms are associated with honesty of intentions. If research is to be believed, business people who don't use hand gestures are less likely to do so. People trust less those who keep their hands closed in front of them, believing that they are not completely honest, trying to hide something.

A person asking for something is more likely to achieve his goal if he accompanies his words with a gesture, with palms turned up. Such a gesture is more conducive, because it does not pose a threat. If the interlocutor sees the back of the hand, then the request will be perceived as an indication and may cause an antagonistic attitude.

What does the hands pressed to the chest mean

When a person declares his love or expresses sympathy, he puts his hand to his chest, as if saying that his words come from the heart. Often, those who want to convince the interlocutor of the absence of malicious intent resort to such a technique. Behind this gesture is a desire to show the sincerity of feelings, but this does not always correspond to the real intentions of the speaker.

Connecting fingers together, with divorced palms, talking man wants to show his confidence and knowledge in the matter. Perhaps he wants to emphasize significant points in his speech or wants to convince the interlocutor that he is right. If at the same time the speaker's head is slightly thrown back, this can be regarded as a feeling of superiority.

This gesture has two options; when the fingertips point up or down. The first is usually used by people who want to express their thoughts, and the second by those who are listening. In the latter case, the gesture is regarded as negative and means that the interlocutor has his own opinion about what was said. It is no longer possible to convince him, because, as in the first case, such a position of the hands indicates confidence in his decision.

Hands spread palms up

A gesture, when a person, when communicating, shows his palms turned to the interlocutor or a group of people, he seems to say: “I will be frank with you.” This is a non-verbal signal that sets you up for openness. It should be noted that such a technique is often used by dishonest people who want to inspire confidence in themselves. Therefore, it is necessary to interpret such non-verbal gestures taking into account facial expressions and behavior. If the interlocutor has nothing to hide, he holds himself naturally, his face is relaxed, his eyebrows are raised, and his arms are wide apart.

Laying hands behind the head

The habit of throwing hands behind the head is characteristic of self-confident people who love to show their superiority. This gesture annoys many on a subconscious level, because it immediately betrays a snob in the interlocutor. Laying hands behind the head during the conversation is a gesture demonstrating confidence and superiority. If at the same time a person sits in a relaxed position, crossing his legs, then you have an amateur. As a rule, such a gesture is used when communicating with subordinates or equals in status.

The origin of such a posture is unknown, but psychologists are sure that in this way a person seems to sink into an imaginary chair, while relaxing with his whole body. Such a manner of sitting does not always carry a negative meaning. Often a person, tired from work or prolonged sitting, throws his hands on the back of his head, stretching his whole body. With such a gesture, he demonstrates that he feels quite comfortable in your company.

Most people touch their face while talking. Such gestures might look like:

  • chin stroking,
  • rubbing of the bridge of the nose or eyelids,
  • touching the mouth with a hand or various objects,
  • touching temples with fingers,
  • cheek support with the palm of the hand.

Most often, such movements hide a desire to hide the truth or, on the contrary, distrust of the speaker. It is best to consider such gestures in combination with human facial expressions, since the same touch can have different meanings.

For instance:

  1. A gesture like chin stroking talks about making a decision. If at the same time the interlocutor uses the thumb, he is sure that he controls the situation completely. Nervous rubbing of the lower part of the face with the palm of the hand indicates that the proposed version of the person is not very satisfied, but an alternative has not yet been found.
  2. Touching the lower lip demonstrates interest in a conversation or interlocutor. In this case, a person can draw along the line of the mouth with one finger, actively rub this area. The most direct listeners even pull back or curl their lower lip. Ladies, in order to attract men's attention to themselves, can run their lips not only with their hands, but also with the tip of their tongue.
  3. Many children enjoy on a subconscious level. For example, fingers in mouth- a gesture that looks quite cute and means that the child is in need of approval and support from others. However, similar movements are sometimes made by adults. In their case, such gestures carry the same semantic meaning as in children.
  4. Some gestures that express emotions and feelings involve the use of various objects. For example, you should pay attention to the fact that the interlocutor puts a pen to his mouth. If the interlocutor says something, it may be a lie. If he listens to you, then this gesture expresses distrust. However, such actions may have another reason. Some bite on a pencil or pen while thinking about a problem.
  5. A fairly common posture during a conversation when hand props cheek or chin. These gestures look about the same, but they are interpreted differently. If the interlocutor listens carefully, resting his chin on his hand, it is most likely that it is more convenient for him to comprehend what he heard. But when the listener relaxes his cheek with his hand, and his eyes are distracted, most likely he is bored and looks forward to the end of the conversation.
  6. An expression of disbelief looks like twisting of the earlobe, frequent touching of the eyes or corners of the lips. This is also indicated by the index finger, with which the listener props up the cheek. Raising the index finger to the temple, a person demonstrates a critical attitude. Perhaps he feels distrust, or is not satisfied with the arguments given, analyzes what he heard, suspecting a dirty trick.
  7. Gestures such as rubbing of the neck or ear talk about unwillingness to listen more or that the topic is not very pleasant for the interlocutor. In the latter case, the person often assumes a closed posture, crossing their legs or arms. He may also clasp his hands in a castle, fencing himself off from communication, or stand up abruptly, thereby demonstrating that the conversation is over.

What gestures indicate deceit

When a person tells a lie, it can be calculated by his gestures and facial expressions. Of course, it is unlikely that anyone will become very nervous, embellishing events a little. But if we are talking about a major deception or a desire to hide a serious misconduct, then answering direct questions, a person is unlikely to be able to hide all emotions.

A liar may be betrayed by trembling hands, an immediate desire for a sip of water, or the hastily lighting of a cigarette. To hide a lie, the interlocutor will look away or, on the contrary, look intently into your eyes, demonstrating that he is honest with you.

A person who tells a lie begins to blink frequently, make unnecessary movements, such as shifting papers. It is believed that rubbing the nose also speaks of insincerity, especially if a person does this action several times in a row. If the speaker's mouth is covered with a hand, it is also likely that he is lying. It is worth paying attention to such a gesture as rubbing the eyelids. Often he also betrays a lie, although perhaps the interlocutor himself does not trust you too much. The desire to close one's mouth, as well as the touch of fingers on the lips, are gestures that signify deceit.

Conclusion

It is worth remembering that in non-verbal communication, every gesture matters, since it is perceived by the interlocutor, often on a subconscious level. Maybe you just like to keep your hands in your pockets or sit comfortably with your hands clasped. However, interlocutors or business partners will draw their own conclusions from this.

Sometimes the words of people do not correspond to their true beliefs and intentions. To figure out what your interlocutor is really thinking about, non-verbal gestures will help. Be a little more careful while communicating. This will allow you to get much more information than your opponent would like to convey.

Is it true?

Many people are skeptical about such an issue as non-verbal communication. Gestures, facial expressions are perceived as something natural and mechanical. But precisely given this fact, we can talk about the objectivity of the non-verbal mechanism. Psychologists have devoted many scientific works to this issue. But if for skeptics this is not an argument, it is enough to conduct an independent observation. So, for example, having learned to decipher the thoughts and feelings of your relatives and friends, later you will be able to see through strangers.
Of course, do not forget that there are exceptions to the rules. So, a person can take this or that position simply by force of habit. In addition, it cannot be ruled out that he does not feel well or that he is wearing uncomfortable clothes. Temperature can have a significant effect on human behavior. Thus, the role of non-verbal communication should not be underestimated. Nevertheless, before drawing final conclusions, it is worth carefully analyzing the conditions in which the conversation takes place.

What do the hands in the pockets say

It is not uncommon to notice how a person keeps his hands in his pockets during a conversation. Someone considers this a manifestation of bad manners. Also, do not reject the likelihood that a person simply froze while in uncomfortable temperature conditions. However, if we consider non-verbal sign language, we can come to the following conclusions:

  • Hands hidden in pockets may be evidence of intense concentration. A person in a similar position can think about something or build a plan of action. At the same time, it can sway slightly or roll from heel to toe.
  • Another interpretation of this gesture is boredom. So, for example, at long meetings or social events, people often walk around with their hands in their pockets, because you can’t leave the event, but nothing interesting happens on it. Thus, if your interlocutor has adopted a similar pose, it may be worth ending the conversation or moving it to a more exciting channel.
  • If not the listener, but the speaker hid his hands in his pockets, this may indicate his insincerity. Usually, it is the hands that give out lies, and therefore the person instinctively hides them so that you do not guess his intentions.
  • Alternatively, hands in pockets may indicate a passive position of your interlocutor. He is most likely not interested or unwilling to do what you tell him to do. But the result, of course, will depend only on the level of your authority.
  • If we consider the non-verbal gestures of men, then in communication with the ladies, hands hidden in the pocket of trousers (namely trousers!) Talk about sympathy and sexual desire. But communicating with representatives of the same sex, they thus demonstrate power and independence.

Demonstration of superiority

Knowing non-verbal gestures, you can make your life much easier, because they can be used to understand the true intentions and attitude of the interlocutor towards you. So, for example, if someone is trying to demonstrate self-confidence, as well as superiority and power over you, this can be understood by the following signs:

  • The person puts his hands behind his back, sticking his chest forward. Thus, he tries to show his fearlessness.
  • Hands casually lowered into pockets, and the body is imposingly relaxed. Thus, a person is trying to show that you are indifferent to him and uninteresting.
  • Sometimes a bossy person can take a defensive stance with their arms crossed over their chest and thumbs outstretched. The latter means that although he is trying to defend himself, he feels superior to you.

Haptic interaction

Considering non-verbal gestures, it is worth paying special attention to tactile interaction with the interlocutor. So, we can talk about the following:

  • If you hug when meeting a friend or relative, a short contact should be taken as nothing more than a tribute to decency.
  • A strong hug means that the person is bored and is sincerely glad to see you. However, if the impact is too strong and you literally choke on it, it is possible that the person is just trying to play the joy of meeting you.
  • If during a hug a person treats you in awe, and you feel comfortable, this indicates a respectful attitude towards you.
  • If at a meeting a person is the first to open his hand for a handshake, this indicates his boundless trust in you.
  • If during a handshake a person does not take the palm, but closer to the wrist, this indicates his suspicious mood. This is how in the days of the Roman Empire they checked if the interlocutor had a dagger in the sleeve.
  • If a person gives you a firm handshake or grabs your hand with both hands, shaking vigorously (perhaps even causing you discomfort), this only indicates his sincere joy at meeting you.
  • If during the handshake you feel that the hand of your interlocutor is sluggish, then productive communication will not work, because he is not set up to contact you.
  • If a person gives his hand palm down, he subconsciously seeks to dominate you.
  • A pat on the shoulder means a friendly attitude. In addition, this gesture demonstrates the strength of the interlocutor and his willingness to help.
  • Be attentive to people who grab your elbow during a conversation. Feeling your distrust, they similarly try to win you over and even suggest that he can become a reliable friend for you. But this gesture is not always sincere, because such a psychological technique is often used by people with selfish intentions.

How to recognize affection

One of the main problems in relationships between opposite sexes is distrust. Sometimes non-verbal communication can tell more than words. Gestures that indicate sympathy are as follows:

  • Glitter in the eyes is not a myth. A person experiencing sympathy really looks a little differently, and the cornea becomes more hydrated. In addition, the pupils will be somewhat dilated.
  • A man in love on a subconscious level tries to please. Thus, when meeting, he performs various manipulations with his appearance: straightens his back, draws in his stomach, straightens his hair.
  • Both men and women are trying to draw attention to external sexual characteristics. This may be laying fingers behind the belt of trousers, legs wide apart, the top button of a shirt unbuttoned.
  • Active gestures (sometimes inappropriate) can also serve as a sign of sympathy. The fact is that a man in love often loses control over his actions.
  • You can judge the intentions of the interlocutor by the direction of his gaze. If he keeps eye contact, there is reason to believe that he is interested in you as a person. And the look running over the body speaks nothing more than sexual desire.
  • If an interlocutor of the opposite sex is constantly trying to get closer or, under any pretext, to touch you, there is no doubt in his sympathy.

Lack of interest

Sometimes a person continues the story, not suspecting that the interlocutor is absolutely uninteresting. Non-verbal communication will come to the rescue. Gestures indicating indifference are as follows:

  • If your interlocutor crosses his arms over his chest, he instinctively closes himself from you. You are either indifferent to him or unpleasant.
  • Pay attention to where the gaze of the interlocutor is directed. If he looks anywhere but in your direction, then you should end the conversation.
  • If a person wants to end the conversation and leave, his constant glance at his watch will give him away. Also, the toes of his shoes may point towards the door.

Features of facial expressions

Much can be said about a person and his mood, his facial expressions. Non-verbal gestures reflected on the face may indicate the following:

  • narrowed eyes and pursed lips indicate an angry mood;
  • raised eyebrows and wide-open eyes mean surprise;
  • in a state of fear, the lips are widely stretched, and their corners are lowered down;
  • happiness is characterized by a calm look and slightly raised corners of the mouth;
  • a sad person draws his eyebrows together and lowers the corners of his lips.

Voice intonation

The main ways of transmitting information are verbal. Non-verbal gestures can demonstrate what the interlocutor is trying to hide. No less informative may be intonation, which can tell about the following:

  • fast and confused speech in low tones indicates strong excitement;
  • confident and loud conversation indicates active enthusiasm;
  • if a person speaks sluggishly, lowering his tone towards the end of the phrase, we are talking about fatigue;
  • measured and slow speech, which is characterized by a constant tone, testifies to the arrogance of the interlocutor;
  • constant pauses in speech, unintentional mistakes indicate nervousness and self-doubt.

Signs of a lie

Knowing the meaning of non-verbal gestures, you can recognize the lies of the interlocutors. So, you should pay attention to the following points:

  • a long pause before the beginning of a phrase or frequent pauses;
  • asymmetry in the work of facial muscles;
  • facial expression does not change for more than 10 seconds;
  • emotions arise late and do not correspond to the content of speech;
  • a forced smile that creates not a curved, but a narrow lip line;
  • lack of visual contact;
  • manipulation of hands and feet (tapping, twitching), as well as biting the lips;
  • attempts to keep gestures under control;
  • heavy breathing and a constant increase in the tone of the voice;
  • a closed posture with crossed arms and legs, as well as a hunched back;
  • rubbing of the nose or eyelid (it can be automatic and barely noticeable);
  • the right side (in terms of gestures and facial expressions) is more active than the left;
  • exaggerated emotions and gestures;
  • frequent blinking.

Distance

Considering the non-verbal means of gestures, one cannot fail to say about the distance that is maintained between people in certain conditions. Thus, the following indicators are generally accepted:

  • up to half a meter - this is an intimate distance between close people who are in a trusting relationship;
  • from 0.5 to 1.5 m - this is the interpersonal distance for friendly communication;
  • 1.5-3.5 m - social distance, which is comfortable for interaction between unfamiliar people, as well as on business issues;
  • 3.7 m is the public distance from which a performance is performed in front of a large audience.

Good to know for everyone

Max Egger has an invaluable merit in the study of such an issue as non-verbal means of gestures. He developed a system of 75 signals, the main of which can be considered the following:

  • the movement of the Adam's apple indicates the excitement of the interlocutor or that he is telling a lie;
  • if the hands are in contact with any object, this indicates uncertainty;
  • if a person strokes his chin, he is considering the proposal;
  • biting a finger, pencil or glasses means that a person is evaluating you;
  • stroking the back of the neck means anger or a sense of threat from you;
  • if a person rubs his palms, he expects to receive benefits;
  • if the toes of the feet are spread apart, the person feels superior to you.

Conclusion

If you want to know more than you're told, it's worth learning sign language. Non-verbal communication is difficult to control, and therefore it can be considered the most objective. Nevertheless, you should never forget that certain gestures can be associated with well-being or external influences.

What can you say about your interlocutor who hid his hands in his pockets?

Gabbas

If he is talking specifically about your photo example (when the thumbs protrude from the pockets), then this is a special gesture. Its meaning depends on who the person is communicating with at the moment. Man-woman: this is a gesture of interest, courtship, intentions. Male-male: this is a gesture of independence, self-confidence.

In other cases, when the whole hand is in the pocket, hidden hands always mean one thing: insincerity, disinterest, unwillingness to communicate.

The reasons may be different: he is cold, he is in a hurry, does not want to continue the conversation, he thinks about his own, listening to you half-heartedly or just bored.

Perhaps he even deliberately hides his hands in his pockets so as not to give himself away. I know this from my students, often our boys keep their hands in their pockets during the line. I make a remark, they take out their hands, but after a second their hands are again in their pockets (everything happens spontaneously). A very eloquent gesture.

Ladlen

In general, as old people raised children before, they did not allow their children to keep their hands in their pockets, and sometimes even demanded that mothers sew up their pockets if the child involuntarily put his hands in there. Now there is even the term non-verbalism, which discusses various gestures and their influence on character. Here is A. Stangl's opinion on this matter.

So the old people were right, it looks unpleasant.

Everyone knows that an open palm is a sign of trust, a desire to open up to the interlocutor, provide him with honest and truthful information, or simply make him think so (that you want to be honest with the interlocutor).

It follows from this that fully or partially closed hands symbolize the desire to hide something, which means that a person can lie to you during negotiations. But this is on the one hand.

On the other hand, this gesture may mean that your interlocutor is simply bored and does not know what to do with himself, or vice versa, he is thinking about something, perhaps he is counting something on his hands and does not want you to follow this process.

Well, and, probably, the most trivial option - a person is just cold, his hands are frozen (especially if the meeting takes place on the street, in the cold).

Trisha

If the interlocutor is a man, and he put his hands in his pockets exactly as shown in the photo, this is a subconscious desire to visually enlarge the groin area, to emphasize his masculinity. In a conversation with a woman - to impress, in a conversation with a man - to look more confident.

Another option is that the interlocutor hides his hands, simply because he does not know where to put them, in some cases - to hide the deception.

It does not always make sense to give a literal meaning to gestures (I know this from myself). Sometimes some kind of posture is an elementary habit of convenience that does not mean anything unambiguous.

But if we already take into account the psychology of gestures, then hands in pockets, when the thumbs are outside, science explains a sense of superiority.

I don't really like this attitude. And this pose personally seems uncomfortable to me. Intuitively, I perceive it as a demonstration of some kind of frivolity at the level of arrogance. Therefore, it is possible that there is some truth in gestures and poses that really takes place on a subconscious level.

Nikolai Mamatov

1. boredom (presence at the event if necessary)

3. concentration (discussion of your plans or heard information)

4.not honesty

  1. disobedience (further communication will depend on the authority of the interlocutor)

6. attitudes towards a person (to a woman she likes, to a man about her self-confidence and her position in society.

Maria music

I would think that the person is nervous, he has nowhere to put his hands, so as not to betray his excitement, he put them in his pockets.

It also matters how long he will keep them there. If all the time of the conversation - then he’s definitely nervous or worried, and if he held it a little and pulled it out, then most likely I won’t even pay attention to such a gesture.

Ranetka

It seems to me that this gesture means closeness, unwillingness to continue the conversation, disinterest in its continuation. But this, of course, depends on where the conversation or conversation takes place. Perhaps he is just chilled on the street and, shivering from the cold, hides his hands in his pockets, then this is just a defensive reaction of the body.

One thing is for sure, his clothes have pockets.

And it’s ambiguous - he’s cold, he feels insecure, he doesn’t know how to control his body, he doesn’t know where to put his hands, so he hid them in his pockets so as not to worry about appropriate and inappropriate gestures, movements and trembling, etc.

frau helga

Sometimes a banana is just a banana. Hands in pockets can both indicate a lack of desire to open up, a lack of desire to give out some information, a desire to control the situation, etc. Also, hands in pockets may indicate that a person is simply cold.

Don't bother like that.

Tanya555

A person puts his hands in his pockets, maybe he’s not sure of something, he’s not sure of himself, he’s nervous, or maybe he just has dirty hands, if the girl doesn’t have a manicure and she hides her hands in her pockets.

In many photos, a person keeps his hands in his pockets - what does this say, who knows?

Valeria

Hands in pockets or crossed over chest
A person does not like to talk a lot about himself. He can often tell all sorts of things about his life, but he is silent about the really important things.
- Hands down, back straight
The man is confident.
- Hands slightly laid back and arched to the sides
A person tries to look stronger than he really is. Either his latissimus dorsi is strongly inflated (if this is visible, and the person is in good physical shape, then you should think twice before entering into conflict with him, since this person most likely often has to hit with an ax or a sledgehammer on some things, and it follows that he has a pretty strong hit).
- Hands behind back
The person is sure of his safety.
Basic sitting postures:
- Leg to leg
The person thinks he is above average in intelligence.
- Legs wide apart
Calm state.
- Legs clenched
The person is embarrassed or nervous.
- Climbed into a chair with legs
Most likely he has seen enough of desunote ^_^, or the person belongs to the gopnicheskoy subculture, although it may be a habit from childhood.
- Legs extended forward
Subconsciously or consciously proud of their long legs or height.

Sign language. Part 1. Hand gestures.

Hand gestures in sign language

Few people pay attention to the position of the palm during the direction, request, order or handshake, although this is one of the most expressive non-verbal gestures. Knowledge and correct use palms can give a person strength and authority.

There are three basic palm command gestures:

1) The position of the palm up (Gesture of humility, trust; reflects the willingness of a person to listen).

2) The position of the palm down (Command gesture; shows your authority; can often lead to a negative attitude of the interlocutor; the effectiveness of this gesture depends on your position in the team, industrial and personal relations between you and the interlocutor). This gesture was used by Hitler, in Nazi Germany, as a greeting.

3) The position of the palm with clenched fingers and the index finger extended (A rather unpleasant gesture that causes distrust and fear on the part of the interlocutor or listener, because through this gesture a person is forced to do something, perhaps even against his will. It is appropriate to modify this gesture by pressing the fingers of the hand to the thumb, like the “OK” gesture, while you will look authoritative, but not aggressive).

Openness and honesty.

In many nations, an open palm implies a person's honesty.

Most The best way to find out if the interlocutor is frank at the moment is to observe the position of his palms, because palm gestures, like most other signals of our body, are completely unconscious.

You will immediately feel that you are being told the truth if the interlocutor keeps his palms in plain sight, and this subconsciously inspires the person's trust.

On the other hand, if a person hides his palms behind his back during explanations, keeps them crossed or hides them in his pockets, then he hides the truth.

But here the gender factor is also taken into account. That is, a man hiding the truth is likely to hide his hands in his pockets or cross them over his chest, and a woman will try to get away from an unpleasant topic or transfer it to another direction.

The palms are one of the most vulnerable places of a person, through which one can determine the true thoughts of a person. So, if someone is explaining to you, while holding his palms open, then without a doubt you can say that this person is telling the truth. And if your interlocutor says the same thing, but preferred to hide his palms in his pockets, then he is disingenuous and hides his true intentions.

On top of that, people who don't want to talk also put their hands in their pockets.

Open palms and deceit.

You may have a question: “Will they believe me if I lie, but at the same time I keep my palms in sight?”. The answer to this question is rather controversial. On the one hand, open palms inspire confidence in your interlocutor. But on the other hand, if you are telling a lie and at the same time your palms are in an open position, you can arouse suspicion, since you will certainly be betrayed by other microexpressions and gestures that do not correspond to your words and open palms.

Well, in order to deliberately use open palms to deceive, you need to work hard on yourself to bring your non-verbal signals into line with verbal lies.

Hands in pockets.

We see this “hands in pockets” gesture every day. Today, psychology is able to answer this question. As it was written in our previous articles, the open palm has long been considered a gesture of trust. Take even a handshake, the meaning of this gesture is very simple. This gesture dates back to ancient times: When primitive people who met each other along the way shook hands, it meant that they were not armed and wished for peace. And during the time of the Great Roman Empire, the habit of hiding a dagger in the sleeve became so common that the Romans modified this gesture by shaking each other's wrists, that is, again, to show that there is no hidden weapon.

This gesture has entered our subconsciousness so much that we, like our ancestors, not only hold out our hands, as a sign of trust, but also hide our palms when we hide something. Sign language gives several meanings. given gesture:

1. He may be cold.

2. He thinks over something, i.e. constructs thoughts (usually accompanied by swaying from heels to toes).

3. Perhaps the person is bored.

4. The person is not honest with you. The likelihood that he is lying to you.

5. Not wanting to do anything (There may be situations when a person was photographed and his hands ended up in his pockets. This may mean that he did not want to be photographed).

A person can put their hands in their pockets with their thumbs up. This may indicate a desire to show the person their independence, or it can be considered as a gesture of courtship. That is, a person tries to please, most often in relation to the opposite sex.

Handshakes in sign language

As it was said, with a certain turn of the palm, you can emphasize your authority and dominant position. Palms and a handshake are your calling card. Let's look at these rules in terms of the handshakes we face every day and don't even think about our business cards.

Every day, when you meet a person, you offer your hand to him in order to greet him. Through handshakes, three types of relationships can unconsciously be transmitted, through which you can find out the attitude of the interlocutor towards you:

1) Dominance, superiority (Transmitted by turning your hand so that it is on top, palm down. By doing so, you show the person that you are trying to gain control over the situation). We advise you to avoid this kind of handshake unless you are the boss. Try not to fall for this type of handshake. Try to straighten the palm of the interlocutor, or put your other hand on top of him.

2) Submission, compliance (The palm is pointing up. Shows that you are transferring control to the interlocutor. Appropriate for an apology).

3) Equality (Both hands are in a vertical position. This position of the palms creates an atmosphere of trust and equality).

Finger Gestures: Spire

Today we will look at a gesture called "spire". This gesture is characteristic of people who in any situation feel their superiority and confidence. By connecting their fingertips, the person lets you know that they feel confident.

The spire is of two types - lowered and raised. A lowered spire indicates that the person is listening carefully to you and analyzing the information.

A raised spire indicates that the person is smug and feels superior and confident. This gesture basically signifies a positive mood and reaction. If you offer a partner new business plan and watch it "Spire" can safely continue.

However, for greater confidence, we advise you to look for other positive gestures, or rather their chain. If the spire is accompanied by a chain of negative gestures - crossing legs, arms, micro-expressions of anger, disgust, contempt - then this indicates that your interlocutor is sure that he will reject your offer.

Materials used - http://www.face-reader.ru/