What’s with the Gestures?

Hot on the heels of the article that I wrote about disrespectful body language, I was reminded of the need to address thoughtless and impolite gestures. Cultures across the world disagree on what they perceive as rude and what they see as acceptable, so much so that you would give up most hand movements if you understood them from different cultural perspectives. So at all times, let’s try to make sure the movements are friendly and not offensive.

Tell me of ones you observe at fullofetiquette@gmail.com and while you do that, I will dive into a few off the top of my head.

I am absolutely guilty of the first where I flail my arms and hands around as I gesture almost always forgetting about the things around me. Being expressive and animated is one thing, being clumsy and taking up more space than you actually should is another.

Beckoning with one finger – maybe you can do that to your pet, but when you need to call someone who is beyond earshot, please use your whole hand and call them over.

The universal signs such as a thumbs up, crossed fingers and the peace sign may be far from it in different parts of the world. In your own hood, you may gesture as they do, but in others, be mindful that people derive different meanings.

If you thought that is complicated and too much of work and decided to keep your hands in your pockets and even invested in dresses with pockets, you have another thing coming. Keeping your hands firmly in your pockets makes you look closed and disengaged in general and in some cultures if you do that while speaking to a person, it is considered downright rude.

Keep your hands clasped in front of you while you hobnob or use your hands to explain what you say better without plunging into these pitfalls. Keep the gestures open and inobtrusive and know your audience is what I can say.