Non verbal communication - Essay Example

Communication by people happens in different forms and it can be verbal or use of signs whereby body parts are used to convey a message. Gestures arethus developed when one uses their limbs or other body parts in order to give some information and to help the speech process or to give it some emphasis. Gestures are quite useful and they are also common in day to day conversation despite them being non-verbal in nature (Yule, 2010). However, their use needs to be well within acceptable means as some gestures may trigger miscommunication while some may be taken to be offensive meaning that the situation of their usage is of paramount importance.

This paper shall aim at highlighting a number of gestures, their meaning and the circumstances under which they are used.The first gesture to look into is pointing using the index finger while complementing certain speeches. This gesture is an illustrator when one is trying to show the other direction but in other circumstances it is regarded as rude when one is angry or trying to undermine another. It is also used to give warning where one feels that they are being offended by another. Looking at ones watch is another that falls under regulator gestures that may mean that the current conversation is to end as there is no time.

It also tries to sensitize others that time is running short. It is may also seem rude to others especially when one tries to convey a message that they are bored and may want to leave or stop the interaction. The other is leaning forward which is usually used to show respect. It can also be used ironically to show disrespect to others. It is therefore also dependent of the circumstances of usage. Walking away is another gesture whereby it may show disrespect to the ones being left behind e.g.

students walking away from their teacher (Yule, 2010). Walking away can also show respect where one wishes not to argue especially with a superior to show they will do as requested without protests. This one may in a deeper sense indicate that the one being left is stupid as reasoning with them is useless therefore no reason to remain and discuss. Tapping ones fingers is also another gesture that is common with people who are showing respect to one another or where there is shyness from one or both parties and falls under the beat gestures.

It happens more often in official and dating situations. It may also mean in a deeper sense that the one tapping their fingers is in a hurry or is not so much into the conversation meaning they may not be concentrating. Twirling ones hair is the other that falls under adapter gestures whereby it may show one wants to maintain focus in a conversation and to be comfortable and can be quite repetitive. Just as tapping fingers, it may deeply mean that these person is not concentrating or is finding that time is being wasted.

One of the major gestures is smiling which basically means that one has been pleased by the situation but it also can be used in rather sarcastic situations to mean that one is quite annoyed with a certain situation therefore the person interpreting a smile needs to be careful not to misconstrue the meaning. Nodding is the other gesture commonly used to help in speech and it is mainly used to express understanding, acceptance or acknowledgement of a situation as good or bad (Yule, 2010). It is also important to highlight that it may be used by a person to show that they are acknowledging or attentive to the conversation while actually they are not paying attention.

It may also be used to dismiss someone fast in pretending one knows fully what the other is talking about. Frowning is the other that is commonly used and falls under affective displays and it is used to show discontentment with a certain circumstance. Frowning at dinner table for example can mean that there is something wrong with the food especially when one has taken their first bite (Yule, 2010). Waving ones hands fast and repetitively is another gesture that commonly shows refusal but can at times be used to give caution to someone depending on the circumstance e.g. when on is about to make a wrong turn.

Gestures as has been seen above are of many forms and the messages they convey are highly dependent on the situation and people need to be conversant with them and make sure that those being performed for are aware of their meanings. Gesture usage is quite common and assists speech a great deal where meaning needs to be driven home better.ReferenceYule, G. (2010). The study of language. Cambridge University Press.