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3.4.7. WHY GESTURES?

A gesture is a specific bodily movement that reinforces a verbal message or conveys a
particular thought or emotion. Although gestures can be made with the head, shoulders, legs,

and feet, the majority are made with the hands and arms.
When you speak, your hands can be effective communication tools.

All good speakers use gestures. Why? Gestures are probably the most evocative form of
nonverbal communication a speaker can employ. No other kind of physical action can enhance
your speeches in as many ways as gestures. They:

Clarify and support your words.
Dramatize your ideas.
Lend emphasis and vitality to the spoken word.

Help dissipate nervous tension.
Function as visual aids.
Stimulate audience participation.

Are highly visible.

3.4.8. EYE CONTACT

Eyes have a significant role in interaction. They serve both as a salient channel through which

people send nonverbal messages as well as the primary mechanism by which people perceive
nonverbal messages sent by others. The term ‗Eye contact‘ refers to the direction and focus of a

person‘s eyes. Using eye content (or lack of eye contact) strategically is an extremely effective
way to communicate your attention and interest.

The study of the role of the eyes in nonverbal communication is known as oculesics. Nonverbal
communication is most often communicated through the eyes. When two people gaze at each

other, they make eye contact.

Eye contact, in the regular course of engagement, indicates that the conversation is continuing

and that response is being sought, that the communication line is open, or even that someone
else is participating in the conversation. Long-term eye contact can be utilized to put someone
else under duress. When we hide something or falsify information, or when we are afraid of

deceit, dislike, or worry, we turn away. Lack of confidence, inferiority complex, uncertainty, and

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