Go Ahead - Talk With Your Hands

Go Ahead--Talk With Your Hands

Have you ever been at a loss for words? If so, you might try using more gestures while communicating. Although some might frown on this method of communication, it has been found that the use of body language helps illustrate a point or punctuate a story. Also, the people who use their hands seem to be more eloquent, speak more quickly, use fewer verbal pauses and repeat themselves less. Hand gestures act as a mental bridge between spatial concepts and words--helping us come up with the right word we’re looking for. So go ahead--talk with your hands. And the next time someone asks you, "Can’t you talk without using your hands?" Simply tell them, "No."

Resource: Working and Family Life April 1998


	Web site coordinators: Jamie Thompson Sandra McKinnon Site evaluation: Cynthia Crawford Last updated: March 09, 2005	Web site established by: Kate Akers Mark Belwood Cynthia Crawford Sandra McKinnon Diana Hammond

University of Missouri Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, religion, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran in employment or programs.