Hands That Speak: The Powerful Role of Gestures in Communication

 

Gestures are a form of nonverbal communication that encompasses hand movements, body movements, and facial expressions that complement speech. They are crucial for accentuating points and enhancing communication, comprehension, and memory.

Dr. Wakefield’s research, especially her 2021 study titled "Language Proficiency Impacts the Benefits of Co-Speech Gesture for Narrative Understanding Through a Visual Attention Mechanism," explores how gestures aid in foreign language comprehension for bilingual children. Her findings show that the effectiveness of co-speech gestures, those accompanying spoken language—depends on the listener's language proficiency. The study examines whether greater visual attention is directed toward gestures when a spoken message is more challenging to understand.

Wakefield’s research suggests that gestures can significantly enhance a child's recall of information, especially when the narrative is in their weaker language. Additionally, her study reveals that children direct more visual attention toward gestures when the story is presented in their weaker language. When paired with matching gestures to spoken words, this heightened attention to gestures notably improves the children’s ability to recall the story. These findings underscore gestures' positive impact on comprehension, mainly when processing a less familiar language.

Similarly, behavioral researcher Vanessa Van Edwards explores the broader impact of body language, particularly hand gestures, on how individuals are perceived in different social contexts in the political realm. Her research highlights prominent political figures who use hand gestures and denotes that their followers typically view them as likable and charismatic. Edwards suggests gestures aid speakers' ability to connect with their audience, enhancing their ability to communicate ideas effectively. She examines Donald Trump’s extensive use of hand gestures—641 gestures during his 17-minute speech, which is four times higher than the average use during a presidential inaugural speech—and how this played a role in his political presentation in leadership. Edwards notes how gestures helped him connect with his followers, deliver his message with more profound emphasis, and engage his audience on a deeper level.

While focused on different contexts, both research bodies spotlight gestures' abilities to clarify and emphasize spoken messages, whether through language or leadership communication. Both researchers underscore how gestures are vital tools for enhancing comprehension, building connections, and ensuring messages are received as intended. Further research on the complementary relationship between gestures and speech across a diverse spectrum can help us better understand their role in effective communication.

Van Edwards, V. (n.d.). Trump's hands speak: What do they say? California Entertainment. Retrieved February 27, 2025, from https://calentertainment.com/trumps-hands-speak-what-do-they-say/

Zielinski, N., & Wakefield, E. M. (2021). Language proficiency impacts the benefits of co-speech gesture for narrative understanding through a visual attention mechanism. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society, 43(43). https://escholarship.org/uc/item/63r5d3qg