What is Body Language?
Body language non-verbal movements
Is also known as kinesics (pronounced 'kineesicks'), which is derived from the Greek word kinesis, meaning motion.
Is the unconscious and conscious transmission and interpretation of feelings, attitudes, and moods, through: your hands, arms, shoulder, torso, legs, feet or a combination of these but hand gestures are probably the most common.
Experts tell us body language accounts for between 55% and 65% of our communication.
Body language can be funny thing. Depending on where you are in the world, certain gestures can either mean you’re making new friends or you’re getting yourself to be killed.
HERE A GUIDE TO WHAT MEANS WHAT AND WHERE.
1. V FOR VICTORY
This gesture is seen as positive and meaning victory. It was popularised by Winston Churchill (Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom) and other Allied leaders during WWII. During the 1960's and early 1970's it became a symbolic gesture of the "alternative" and "anti-war" hippie movement and became to mean "peace". It probably assumed this context because the anti-Vietnam war movement believed that peace would be victorious. It was very common to make the gesture and say "peace" at the same time. As time passes and the 1960's are less relevant to people it is assuming its original meaning again.
2. A OK – PERFECT
It's believed this gesture was popularised by divers because the thumbs up / thumbs down gesture meant - go up or go down. Myth has it that the fingers form the "O" and "K" of OK. Again, this is probably just coincidence. The truth is that this gesture has been used for centuries by gem stone dealers. The gem would be placed between the forefinger and the thumb, held up to the light and moved back and forth to change the angle and check for flaws. We still use this motion today. It does not mean "Your Anus" unless the extended fingers are in line with the circular forefinger.
3. THUMBS UP - THAT'S GREAT
As a gesture it's one of the most common. Several references believe that is was used by Roman rulers at the "Coliseum" and other arenas to indicate whether a gladiator lived or died. This has recently been debunked as increasing evidence indicates that most gladiatorial battles did not end in death. It was popularised by American and Chinese pilots during WWII. In China this gesture means "one" or "number one". Whatever the origin, it is generally considered a positive gesture. Don't jab it forward as this has a completely different connotation.
4. FINGERS CROSSED
Generally this means "wishing for good luck or fortune". Another interpretation could be seen as "here's hoping". The gesture probably has pagan / Christian origins where the gesture was believed to ward off evil. As such, folklore believes that crossing the fingers when telling a lie