Download Allison Wall March 6, 2013 Dr. Hoehl COM 380 Brief Reading 4 The

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.