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This encourages me, because I am one of those people who uses hand gestures when I talk.  I once had a friend and she kept asking me not to because it "bugged" her.  So, when I was around her I refrained. Later she said she noticed I didn't "talk with my hands anymore" and then I told her, "not around you". 

posted by mariposa75 on September 28, 2009 at 10:46 AM | link to this | reply

Re: LOL, Rockingrector

Anything can be overdone.

posted by TAPS. on September 28, 2009 at 10:08 AM | link to this | reply

Yes, you can see the appeal of sign language. But I confess I find too much hand waving during a lecture a trifle distracting at times.

posted by Rockingrector_retd on September 28, 2009 at 9:49 AM | link to this | reply

Re: Pat_B

Yes I have.  In fact, I have caught myself doing it at home alone on a regular phone.

posted by TAPS. on September 28, 2009 at 8:38 AM | link to this | reply

Very good point, Taps!

I used to get a big kick out of the conversations among deaf students at the college where I worked. My lunch hour coincided with their class break, and those hand gestures weren't limited to standard American Sign Language -- an observant hearing person could follow quite a bit of it, much of it bawdy -- and there was a lot of laughing. Have you ever seen someone on a cell phone, gesturing and pointing as they give someone directions?

posted by Pat_B on September 28, 2009 at 8:33 AM | link to this | reply

Fascinating

I never realised that the hand gestures actually served a purpose. 

posted by lionreign on September 28, 2009 at 6:52 AM | link to this | reply

Interesting post!

And, of course, the best communicators can use hand gestures deliberately to emphasise their points and enhance their impact. Hitler comes to mind, but I'm sure there are lots of nice ones too...

posted by Antipodean on September 28, 2009 at 4:27 AM | link to this | reply

Fabulous write here...helps me understand my certain (sign) language, more often the older I get.  I recall that at one time a professional told me that I needed to curb my hand movement --- it was distracting.  I did - and I felt lost  --- but these days if I didn't have my hands to help me relate, I'd be mute I tell ya'  ~  So tickled to read your blog here...as always so informative, so good, so fun, so full and rich ~ Elyse

posted by elysianfields on September 27, 2009 at 10:58 PM | link to this | reply

Taps - fancy that!! you never really think of these things as it happens impromptu.   I loved that quote too.

posted by shobana on September 27, 2009 at 10:42 PM | link to this | reply

Your posts never cease to spark one's fancy in the things we take for granted!

posted by Ryan_Morrow on September 27, 2009 at 9:57 PM | link to this | reply

Re: Justi

Thanks for your idea.  If you do it, please have George take a picture and post it for us.  What fun.  LOL

posted by TAPS. on September 27, 2009 at 9:37 PM | link to this | reply

TAPS

You make me think of a new experiment: Finger painting with eyes closed while telling the story of one of our own writings on the Blog. Wonder what sort of tracking we would leave. Thanks this is a wonderful blog.

posted by Justi on September 27, 2009 at 9:09 PM | link to this | reply

Ah, TAPS, I am just meandering through the site tonight on my way to bed.  And I can't resist reading you, but must come back soon to do so properly.

posted by myrrhage_ on September 27, 2009 at 8:58 PM | link to this | reply

I'm a very vivid handtalker too.

posted by vogue on September 27, 2009 at 8:32 PM | link to this | reply

A portion of bady language that speeaks very well! Cool thoughts Taps

posted by merkie on September 27, 2009 at 6:59 PM | link to this | reply

What an interesting tidbit! I will have to see how much I use my hands now! Grand post! sam

posted by sam444 on September 27, 2009 at 6:40 PM | link to this | reply

I am thankful that mine work.

posted by MandaLee on September 27, 2009 at 3:28 PM | link to this | reply

Good and informative post, TAPS. I live among French speaking people, and their use of hands when expressing anything is renown. Sometimes one would be wise to duck! Like the way you ended this...LOL!

posted by adnohr on September 27, 2009 at 3:23 PM | link to this | reply

Our ability to develop language and to think abstractly is so amazing.

posted by FormerStudentIntern on September 27, 2009 at 2:38 PM | link to this | reply

I really dont think I do too much but my daughter does some.  Is that Cerf person related to Bennet Cerf?

posted by lustorlove on September 27, 2009 at 1:40 PM | link to this | reply

it's why face to face communication can never really be replaced.

Hand gestures faciak expressions body lnguage of all types and most important of all, looking someone straight in the eyes.

posted by Kabu on September 27, 2009 at 11:57 AM | link to this | reply

 

Ha Vinton Cerf’s just used to using his hands on his computer keyboard love. BC-A, Top of the Stairs

posted by BC-A on September 27, 2009 at 11:27 AM | link to this | reply