NSC English HL Summary: TEXT C provides insight into the

Question

TEXT C provides insight into the science behind using hand gestures. Summarise in your own words why hand gestures are a crucial element in communication.

TEXT C

THE FASCINATING SCIENCE BEHIND 'TALKING' WITH YOUR HANDS

If someone has ever made fun of you for making elaborate hand gestures while talking – or you’ve seen footage of yourself speaking, only to be horrified by your flailing forearms – don’t be too concerned. According to psychologists, those gestures are probably helping you express your thoughts more effectively.

'Hand gestures are really a powerful aspect of communication, from both the speaker's and the listener's end,' says Dr Carol Kinsey Goman, body language expert. Last year, a study analysing human gestures found that the most popular, prolific speakers used an average of 465 hand gestures, which is nearly twice as many as the least popular speakers used. Other research has found that those who use more hand gestures tend to be viewed as warm, agreeable and energetic, while those who are less animated are seen as logical, cold and analytical.

Gesturing is a healthy and normal aspect of human communication. Hand gestures help us take the place of words, and make it intelligible for others. 'Gesture is really linked to speech, and spending time figuring out how to form your thoughts helps you connect with other people,' Dr Goman said. Studies show that speaking with gestures can help clarify your thoughts, as well as skills related to sentence structure and storytelling.

Furthermore, gestures enhance one’s knowledge and understanding of what others consciously or unconsciously convey. This summation of ideas shows one's knowledge or lack thereof, thus clarifying messages. Lastly, hand motions reveal facts that are not always verbally communicated and these motions are related to the development of vocabulary, sentence structure and storytelling.

TEXT C provides insight into the science behind using hand gestures - NSC English HL - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:TEXT C provides insight into the science behind using hand gestures - NSC English HL - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 1

1. Gestures probably help you express your thoughts more effectively

2. People who 'talk' with their hands tend to be viewed as warm, agreeable and energetic

3. Hand gestures help us to clarify our thoughts

4. Gestures can really power up your thinking

5. When one uses gestures, one's language use is more concise and expressive

6. Body language is informative

7. Hand motions are related to language development

Join the NSC students using SimpleStudy...