Extending a finger or hand to direct attention toward a person, object or direction.
A guide points across the valley to draw the eyes of the group toward a distant ridge. The gesture steers attention instantly, aligning many pairs of eyes on a single point.
Pointing directs focus, yet pointing at people can feel accusatory and provoke resistance. Watch whether it is used to guide attention or to single someone out, since the two land very differently.
Open hand pointing tends to feel respectful, while a jabbing finger can escalate tension. The angle and energy of the point often matter more than the fact of pointing itself.
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.
Explore