Understanding kinesics, the study of gestures, can improve one's ability to use gestures professionally. Some positive examples of gestures include using emblems like waving to greet others, which sends a message of friendliness. Displaying affect through smiling helps build approachability and a feeling of happiness in the workplace. Maintaining good posture promotes attentiveness and builds one's reputation by showing interest. Lastly, nodding in response to others shows attentiveness and professionalism, leaving the impression that the speaker is important.

1. Ellie Adams
Business Communications II
October 30, 2014
Using Gestures Professionally
Understanding the study of kinesics can greatly improve the ability to use gestures
wisely. “The study of gestures used to communicate meaning is called kinesics” (Downing, et.
al., 2014 p. 246).
Some examples of using gestures to create positive impressions are the use of emblems,
such as waving at one another to greet in the morning. This sends a message of friendliness. A
positive impression will be made because coworkers will see the gesture as approachability.
Next, using affect displays like smiling, helps build a positive impression and a feeling of
approachability among coworkers. A good impression will be made because coworkers will feel
comfortable and will interpret smiling as happiness in the work place. Third, using adaptors such
as good posture promotes a feeling of attentiveness. It builds reputation, because people will see
this as having interest in what they are presenting. Another example of using gestures positively
is shaking hands with someone upon first meeting with them. The receiver will feel a message of
confidence. This greatly affects impression because being seen as confident will build respect.
Lastly, an important example of using gestures is nodding in response to something being said.
This shows attentiveness and professionalism. The impression will be that the speaker is
important (Downing, et. al., 2014).

2. Using gestures properly shows respect and can improve communication. Waving,
smiling, using good posture, shaking hands, and nodding are all positive examples of using
gestures. It is clear that the use of gestures within communication is important in building a
positive impression.