Body Language of Counting On Fingers
Cue: Counting On Fingers
Synonym(s): N/A
Description: It is done by rhythmically bringing the index finger over the opposite hand as if to anchor each point being delivered.
In One Sentence: Counting rhythmically on the fingers denotes a person who is condescending or trying to be clear about various points.
How To Use it: Use the gesture in order to appear superior to another person or that you are frustrated with having to repeat orders, steps, or points you have already made. By belittling others, you may achieve superiority if they do not supersede or dismiss your arrogance. In other words, avoid counting on the fingers, at least in a way that is not genuinely helpful.
Context: General.
Verbal Translation: “I’m going to really slow things down for you and make my points deliberate by counting out each point by number.”
Variant: The Baton Gesture is similar in that each point is emphasized rhythmically, but this is more of an artifact of passion. See Baton Gestures.
Cue In Action: After going over the issues five times, his wife decided he just wasn’t going to get it. She started over with her fingers “ONE, I’m not going to pick up Jimmy, TWO, I expect you to fix the garage door, THREE…”
Meaning and/or Motivation: A cocky, arrogant and sometimes confident gesture implying that a person needs to keep up with the various points that are being made. The sender does not feel the receiver is intelligent enough to keep up. Think of counting out loud in order to give a child a fair warning to obey you.
Cue Cluster: Counting on fingers is often coupled with leaning in, a condescending voice, arms akimbo, invasion of space, palm down displays, erratic gesticulation and angry, sneering, or disgusted facial expression.
Body Language Category: Arrogance or arrogant body language, Aggressive body language, Anger, Authoritative body language, Dominant body language, Frustration or frustrated body language, Hostile body language, Negative body language.
Resources:
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