On the Importance of Gesticulation

Today we use three main languages of communication: verbal (speech and voice), nonverbal (gesticulation, movements of the whole body), and the language of emotions (so-called emotional intelligence when used consciously).

Gesticulation and emotions are among the earliest tools for communication that humans began to use. Later, language appeared, which changed the course of human development. It was precisely rich verbal language that allowed us to better understand each other, analyze, learn about the surrounding world, and develop. This is still our main advantage over other animals, and of course, the primary language of communication.

But the language of emotions and gestures did not disappear. We continue to use them, and as a rule, we underestimate their importance. Although the significance of gestures is enormous.

Why is gesticulation so important for memorization?

For example, in early childhood development, a person learns new words. Not knowing what this or that object is called, they point to it, show it, and imagine it. Only then do they connect it with specific sounds and, as a result, with names.

Research has confirmed that foreign words are also better learned using nonverbal demonstration of these words – that is, gestures. You need to pronounce the word and show it or perform actions—this way it is better remembered. The same technique is used in theater, when actors learn roles in connection with movement around the stage. Going on stage during a performance, they remember what they need to say in this or that place while performing this or that action.

Scientific studies have provided compelling evidence for these effects. Research shows that 90% of students who learned algebraic concepts using gestures remembered them three weeks later, compared to only 33% of speech-only students. Perhaps most remarkably, 90% of students who learned through gesture alone – without any speech – retained what they had been taught.

All this indicates that gesticulation promotes memorization of information and therefore affects the effectiveness of our speech or presentation. Speech with gestures is more understandable and better remembered by audiences.

What should proper gestures be like?

Gestures are not only hand movements. They can also be head nods, facial expressions, and walking on stage, or even writing on a flipchart or board, switching slides on a projector – in other words, every movement we make. The main task is awareness, that is, understanding what we are doing and why. This is precisely the indicator of mastering nonverbal language.

As for hands – gestures should be unobtrusive here: only for light reinforcement of what you said, similar to emphasizing key words with your voice. There should not be too many gestures. They are appropriate only where they can emphasize important words. Each gesture is meaningful, that is, not monotonous, but a soft, subtle, and figurative representation of a word or message at the moment of speech.

How to develop your nonverbal language?

First – start using any gestures if you don't have them. And if you have gestures and there are many of them, then start analyzing them. Recognize and understand gestures. Usually, many gestures indicate a person's excitement, active thinking, or temperament.

Second – get rid of parasitic gestures. These are, for example, touching your hair and face, rubbing palms, twisting a ring or watch, swaying, fine motor movements of fingers. Record yourself on video and ask other people to notice when you do this. Over time, you will be able to get rid of this habit.

Third – you need to develop the imagery of gesticulation. For this, practice alone in front of a mirror, expressing thoughts at a slow pace, emphasize key words with appropriate meaningful figurative gestures. Gradually this approach will become habitual. But remember that there should not be many gestures. Avoid large, wide, sweeping, and sharp gestures. A gesture should be free, open, meaningful, and appropriate.

The Science Behind Gesture and Learning

Recent research has revealed fascinating insights about how gestures enhance learning and memory. Studies show that gesturing during learning helps children produce stronger memories because gesturing activates motor areas of the brain that are not activated when children don't gesture. This multi-modal approach to encoding information creates more robust neural pathways.

The effectiveness of gestures extends beyond just manual movements. Research indicates that gestures help reduce cognitive load during learning, freeing up working memory resources for processing complex information. This is particularly beneficial for mathematical learning, where students with higher visuospatial working memory capacity show the greatest benefits from gesture-enhanced instruction.

Interestingly, even patients with severe memory impairments, such as those with hippocampal amnesia, can benefit from gesture-supported learning, suggesting that the motor engagement provided by gestures can support learning through non-declarative memory systems.

Developing nonverbal language is a process that requires constant practice and self-observation. But the result is worth the effort: proper gesticulation significantly increases the effectiveness of your communication and makes speech more convincing. The scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports what many intuitive communicators have long known—our hands truly help us think, learn, and remember.

Mykola Ovcharov