Community Chat

[CatsyCline]

Someone once mentioned that I was "bouncy" when I talked.  That didnt work well in interviews, so I trained myself to keep my hands neutral in professional settings.  

I do notice though I chat with my hands and "palm up" only when speaking to men. It's an inconscious gesture indicating cooperation, sincerity and at times,  a wish to be courted!   its just a natural gesture for me.

[this is my nic]

@JeanLouiseFinch

I do the same, touching that is!  When someone touches me during a conversation I don't mind at all, of course I have to know them!  There have been a few times when the person I touched flinched.  Obviously, I didn't touch them again.  It just wasn't their thing and I respect that. 

[Burnsite]

I gesticulate a lot when speaking.  But a work-friend once told me that she worries in difficult meetings only when I go quiet and stiill. (Not that I spring like a cobra or anything. I do think things over before I raise an objection,)

[QueenDanceALot]

I can't imagine NOT being expressive with my hands when I'm talking about something I'm excited about.  I don't just sit there with my hands folded in my lap, politely.

I think it would be weird to be in a room of people talking with no one gesturing with their hands.  It's normal and expected where I come from.

I enjoy people who are animated when they speak.

[SilleeMee]

No, because my hands are very deformed from scleroderma and I'd rather not let people see them. 

[viva923]

I do think I use my hands more when I speak with someone, if it just a passing note, then I may just do a quick hello=good bye thing, but if it is a long conversation I do use my hands.

[ItsME]

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@Pook wrote:

@this is my nic  Like you, my maternal grandparents were from Italy also so of course I do!!!!  I'm a loud talker too.  

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@Pook  The loud talker remark brought back memories of when I walked past a neighbor's house many years ago.  They were a deaf couple, and only used sign language.  That day, they were in the garage having an arguement.  I have no idea what the agrument was over, but their hands were talking loud!

[occasionalrain]

Putting your hand on someone while speaking with them is holding their attention and it shows dominance. Parents often do it to their children. I would not like anyone doing it to me.

[Sweetbay magnolia]

Absolutely!  I consider it essential, in fact.

[Sooner]

No, I don't use gestures very much and I simply cannot watch Rachael Ray. Her hand waving is totally distracting and drives me nuts.