Eight Secrets Revealed by Reading The Body Language of Hands

Understand the Body Language of Hands: One of your most powerful communications weapons

We’ve already covered the body language of handshakes, but there are many more gestures the hands make. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular and most important as we unveil eight secrets in the body language of hands.

Body Language of Hands Secret #8 :

Rubbing Hands

Rubbing the hands together means someone is expecting good things, but for who? If someone rubs their hands together quickly, they’re expecting something good to happen for the other person (“Have I got news for you!”) but if they rub their hands slowly they expect something good for themselves (“This could be good. . . [for me]). If you’re interested in learning how to improve business communication skills, perhaps your umber one priority should be to strike this gesture from your repertoire. 

Body Language of Hands Secret #7 :

What do they think?

Have you noticed how when people summarise arguments they articulate points by tapping a finger of one hand on the palm of the other? This gesture reveals which argument they agree with. Right handed people summarise their favoured argument on the right hand; left-handed people on their left hand.

Body Language of Hands Secret #6:

Greed!

Rubbing the thumb against the index or third finger gives an impression of greed. Avoid it at all costs!

Sales negotiation training rule number 2: Don’t use this gesture .  . .ever. 

Body Language of Hands Secret #5 : Insecurity

People lock their hands together in front of their body when they feel insecure. People who suffer from depression disorder often hold their hands very tightly in front of themselves in this way (though that is certainly not to say that all people who use this gesture are coping with depression).

Body Language of Hands Secret #4 : Confidence

An exception to the above rule is when people hold their hands together in a steeple (the hands form a triangle pointing upwards). This is a assign of confidence which states that a person feels as though they have all the answers. You you should be careful when using it, however, as it often appears arrogant.

Body Language of Hands Secret #3 : She Wants your Admiration

When women place their head on two hands such that they make a presentation of their face, they are looking for admiration.

Body Language of Hands Secret #2 : Authority

When someone puts their arms behind their back and holds one palm in the other, they are showing self assurance and confidence. However, if they hold their wrist in this position instead of their palms, they’re actually showing frustration or anger.

Body Language of Hands Secret #1 : Superiority 

Outside of a specific thumbs-up gesture, when someone sticks their thumb up they are showing that they feel superior, which is fair enough if you’re the boss, but be careful using this gesture around equals; they’ll think you’re a stuck-up git!

Be sure to look out for these powerful indicators of character, meaning, mood and intent.