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Allison Wall March 6, 2013 Dr. Hoehl COM 380 Brief Reading 4 The study of kinesics includes that of gestures; hand motions such as emblems, illustrators, affect displays, regulators and adaptors. The article Hand Movements, by Paul Ekman and Wallace V. Friesen discusses emblems, illustrators, and adaptors. These are used in place of verbal communication, with verbal communication, and without any need for verbal communication. No matter the relation to verbal communication, the movement of the hands is an important aspect of nonverbal communication. Emblems are used to replace verbal communication; these can translate directly into speech. They vary by culture, but have a specific meaning within each of the cultures. These gestures are intentional and can be used in situations where speech might not be possible since they represent a specific thought or phrase. An emblem could be a thumbs up meaning to say “good job,” or a wave meaning to say “hello” or “goodbye.” These are both intentional gestures used to communicate a message that could be expressed verbally, but is instead conveyed nonverbally. Illustrators, unlike emblems, cannot be used without speech. Instead, these are used along with verbal communication. Like emblems, however, they are intentionally communicated. Illustrators are used to enhance, reinforce, or deemphasize what is spoken. The different types of illustrators are batons, ideographs, deictic movements, rhythmic movements, kinetographs, pictographs and emblematic movements. Gestures can fall into one or more than one of these categories. Batons are used to emphasize a certain word or phrase. The communicator will enhance the meaning of that important point by adding a hand gesture at that time. Ideographs aid in directing a pattern or direction of thought. Deictic movements are used to direct attention in a certain direction. A speaker might point to an object, place, or event in order to enhance the listener’s understanding of what is being spoken about. Spatial movements give a visual representation of a space being described. Rhythmic movements accent a rhythm or pace being communicated. A description of an action performed by the body or something non-human is enhanced with kinetographs. Pictographs help a listener picture an object or shape. By using gestures to give a visual of what is being described, listeners get a better picture in their head. Emblematic movements are much like emblems. In fact, they are emblems simply used along with verbal communication. The final hand movements discussed in Ekman and Friesen’s article differ from the other two in that they are not meant to aid in verbal communication, nor are they intentional. Communicators are usually unaware of their adaptors. They are used to satisfy self needs and manage emotions or nerves. Scratching the face, adjusting hair or clothing, or biting nails are a few examples of adaptors that calm nerves or make people feel comfortable. Hands movements are crucial forms of communication. These nonverbals help listeners understand more about what is being communicated and about the communicator. They also help communicators express themselves and give more meaning to their words. Emblems, illustrators, and adaptors enhance communication for both the sender and receiver.