Body communication. The movement of the hands

Body communication, also known as body language, is a powerful way to express emotions, thoughts and attitudes without the need for words.

One of the most prominent aspects of body communication is the movement of the hands, which can be a very effective tool to complement and reinforce the verbal message. Through the proper use of the hands, we can add emphasis, clarity and emotions to our expressions, which significantly enriches communication in different contexts, whether in the work, social or personal environment.

Hand gestures can be used to emphasize important points, highlight key concepts or demonstrate enthusiasm, which helps to keep the audience's attention.

For example, when telling a story or presenting an idea in a business meeting, using appropriate gestures can make our narrative more captivating and persuasive. In addition to adding emphasis, hand gestures can help convey emotions and feelings in a more vivid and authentic way.

In addition to their role in emotional expression, hand movements can also help clarify complex or abstract concepts.

By using gestures that visually illustrate an idea, we can make our message more understandable and accessible to the audience. This is especially valuable when communicating with people who speak different languages or when presenting technical or scientific information.

However, it is important to keep in mind that some hand gestures that may be considered common and acceptable in one culture may be inappropriate or offensive in another.

The following is a step-by-step breakdown of how our hands should go during communication:

• Relaxation: First and foremost, keep your hands relaxed and loose. Avoid tensing your fingers or clenching your fists, as this can transmit anxiety or aggression. Let your hands rest naturally at your sides or gently on the table if you are sitting.

• Gentle movements: During conversation, allow your hands to move smoothly. Abrupt or excessive movements can give the impression of nervousness. Gestures should be subtle and in harmony with your words.

• Visual support: Use your hands to add visual support to your speech. For example, when mentioning a list of items, you can use your fingers to list them one by one. If you are explaining a complex idea, use gestures to visually illustrate key concepts.

• Emphasize key points: When you want to highlight important points or emphasize an idea, you can use larger, more forceful gestures. For example, raise your hand slightly or wave your fingers to draw the speaker's attention to a relevant aspect of your message.

• Avoid distracting gestures: Some gestures can be distracting or detract from the seriousness of your message, such as drumming your fingers on the table or playing with objects. Try to avoid these unnecessary movements that can divert attention from your communication.

• Practice: As with any skill, practice is key. Practice your gestures in front of a mirror or in front of friends or colleagues to get feedback. Observing your own gestures will help you improve and refine your body language skills.

• Connection: Maintain eye contact with your audience while using gestures. Eye contact will help you establish a stronger connection and ensure that your gestures are appropriately tailored to the situation.