Resting the hands on the hips with the elbows out, a stance that widens the body.
Surveying a task that needs doing a person plants both hands on the hips and looks it over. The stance widens the frame and signals a readiness to take the job in hand.
This can signal readiness, resolve or mild challenge depending on the face that accompanies it. A relaxed face makes it look purposeful, while a hard face can make it look confrontational.
It is also a simple resting position, so read it together with tone and expression. People often stand this way just to ease the back, with no message intended.
Hand movements that accompany speech and paint the shape, size or rhythm of what is being said.
ExploreGestures with a fixed meaning that can stand in for words, such as a thumbs up or a beckoning hand.
ExploreSmall self-touching movements such as rubbing the hands or stroking the arm that help to soothe nerves.
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