Let your body do the talking

One of the areas of our body which conveys most about how we feel is how we move our hands and arms. Hand and arm gestures are sometimes deliberate, but most often they occur unconsciously and naturally.

Open hands and arms, especially extended, and with palms up in front of the body at chest height, indicate that what you're saying is important, and, especially when people are speaking in public, a pointing finger or a hand waving above the shoulders emphasizes an individual point. However, research shows that people often find speakers who point their fingers a lot rather annoying.

When people want to be open or honest they will often hold one or both of their palms out to the other person. Footballers who have just committed a foul often use this gesture to try to convince the referee that they didn't do it.

If a person puts his hand to his mouth, this either indicates that he is hiding something, or that he is nervous. Fidgeting with your hands, for example tapping the table with your fingers also shows nervousness, and so does holding a bag or briefcase very tightly in front of the body.

People who feel superior to you often appear relaxed, with their hands clasped behind their heads. The chin and head is often held high. This gesture is typical of lawyers, accountants, and other professionals who feel they know more than you do. Another gesture of superiority is to put your hands in your pockets with the thumbs protruding.

Arms folded tightly over the chest is a classic gesture of defensiveness and indicates that you are protecting yourself. It is often seen among strangers in queues or in lifts or anywhere where people feel a bit insecure. People also sometimes use this gesture when they are listening to someone, to show that they disagree with what is being said. However, this gesture can simply mean that the person is cold!

A hand-to-cheek gesture, where someone brings a hand to his face and extends his index finger along his cheek, with the remaining fingers positioned below the mouth, often shows that someone is thinking deeply. When someone strokes his chin, he is probably thinking about something important, or making a decision.

If men are attracted to someone, they sometimes play with one of their ear lobes, whereas women will play with a lock of hair or continually tuck their hair behind their ears.

There are urany gestures that indicate that someone is lying and in order to be sure you would expect a person to show more than one. Gestures include putting your hand in front of your mouth, touching your nose, rubbing your eyes, touching your ear, scratching your neck, pulling at your collar, or putting your finger or fingers in your mouth.