What common gestures signal agreement, disagreement, or uncertainty
Beyond Words: The Significance of Body Language in China: What common gestures signal agreement, disagreement, or uncertainty
Common gestures signaling agreement, disagreement, and uncertainty include:
Agreement:
- Thumbs up gesture indicates approval or agreement universally in many cultures. 1, 6, 10
- Waving hands with fingers pointing upwards or circling a finger are silent signals for “I agree” or “sounds good” in group discussions. 2, 5
- Nodding the head up and down commonly signals agreement. 14
- Raising one hand or forefinger can indicate the desire to contribute, often aligning with agreement in discussions. 5, 2
Disagreement:
- Thumbs down gesture signals disapproval or disagreement. 10, 1
- Crossed arms often indicate defensiveness or disagreement. 6
- A raised fist signals a strong objection or veto. 2
- Shaking the head from side to side is a typical gesture for disagreement. 8
- The scissors or double-chop motion, crossing forearms in front of the body, is a gesture of rejecting or disagreeing. 15
Uncertainty:
- Tilting the head at about a 45-degree angle signals uncertainty or confusion. 8
- Wriggling fingers in front of the face shows confusion or lack of understanding. 2
- Folding arms while tilting the head also often accompanies uncertain or unsure expressions. 8
These gestures are frequently used globally but can have cultural variations in meaning and use. They provide quick and effective nonverbal communication cues in social and group settings. 6, 8