Uplifted Palms. A speaking or listening gesture made with the fingers extended and the hand(s) rotated to an upward position in an appealing, imploring, or "begging" position. Uplifted palms suggest a vulnerable or non aggressive pose which appeals to listeners as allies, rather than as rivals or foes. Throughout the world, palm-up cues reflect moods of congeniality, humility, and uncertainty.
Palm Down Gesture. A speaking or listening cue made with the fingers extended and the hand(s) rotated to a downward position. A posture in which the hands and forearms assume the arm position used in a pushup. While speaking or listening to another's remarks, palm-down gestures show confidence, assertiveness, and dominance. When accompanied by aggressive, palm-down "beating" signs, remarks appear stronger and more convincing.
Shoulder Shrug. To lift, raise, or flex forward one or both shoulders in response to another person's statement, question, or physical presence; or to one's own inner thoughts, feelings, and moods. The shoulder shrug is a universal sign of resignation, uncertainty, and submissiveness. Shrug cues may modify, counteract, or contradict verbal remarks. A shrug reveals misleading, ambiguous, or uncertain areas in dialogue.
Clearing Throat. A nonverbal vibration of the vocal cords caused by a sudden, involuntary release of air pressure from the lungs. Suggests disagreement, anxiety, doubt, deception, or to announce one's physical presence in a room.
