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Non Verbal Signs

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  • Uplifted Palms. A speaking or listening gesture made with the fingers extended and the hand(s) rotated to an upward position in an appealing, imploring, or "begging" position. Uplifted palms suggest a vulnerable or non aggressive pose which appeals to listeners as allies, rather than as rivals or foes. Throughout the world, palm-up cues reflect moods of congeniality, humility, and uncertainty.
  • Palm Down Gesture. A speaking or listening cue made with the fingers extended and the hand(s) rotated to a downward position. A posture in which the hands and forearms assume the arm position used in a pushup. While speaking or listening to another's remarks, palm-down gestures show confidence, assertiveness, and dominance. When accompanied by aggressive, palm-down "beating" signs, remarks appear stronger and more convincing.
  • Shoulder Shrug. To lift, raise, or flex forward one or both shoulders in response to another person's statement, question, or physical presence; or to one's own inner thoughts, feelings, and moods. The shoulder shrug is a universal sign of resignation, uncertainty, and submissiveness. Shrug cues may modify, counteract, or contradict verbal remarks. A shrug reveals misleading, ambiguous, or uncertain areas in dialogue.
  • Clearing Throat. A nonverbal vibration of the vocal cords caused by a sudden, involuntary release of air pressure from the lungs. Suggests disagreement, anxiety, doubt, deception, or to announce one's physical presence in a room.

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