The Ultimate Body Language Book

Chapter 7 - Opened Mind Opened Body Closed Mind Closed Body
The Spear Throwing Pointer And Other Power
Gestures
Pointing makes your message more poignant, but only because the receiver is being figuratively jabbed
by your spear.
The pointer is akin to a spear thrower. Every time they thrust their finger forward it is as if they are
jabbing their ideas into the kidneys of their audience. Alternately, the finger can be used rhythmically in
an up and down motion seemingly beating down upon their opponent trying to create submission. The
finger pointer makes his appearance during aggressive verbal fights where the accuser is making strong
personal attacks against the other. Very negative emotions are attached to such actions so it’s best to
avoid this gesturing. Finger pointing puts the reflection and responsibility onto the listener, and for this
reason, they attach negative connotations to the speaker. It creates defensive feelings in the listener and
as it persists these defensive feelings grow into aggression. Parents will often use the pointing finger to
scold children but adults will be far less tolerant of other’s authority especially those of equal status so
it is unwise to exercise this gesture with abandon. Even more pronounced than the finger spear is the
hammer fist where the hand is made into a ball serving to repeatedly “hammer” the speech into the
listeners. The hammer fist shows conviction and determination, where neither might be present. When
the fingers are curled lightly not quite making a fist, the intent is to show mild power and a desire to be
taken seriously but lacking the conviction found in the hammer fist.