Body Language of Hand Over The Chest
Cue: Hand Over The Chest
Synonym(s): Hand On The Heart.
Description: When the hand is clasped over the chest or heart.
In One Sentence: Holding the hand over the heart is signal that one is thinking about the best interest of others.
How To Use it: Research has shown that when people hold their hands to their hearts they are primed to make better moral judgments. When you wish to have others make an honest confession, having them swear and make oath by holding their hands over their chest, will help produce desired results.
Likewise, when you wish to show others that you are thinking about them and hold a caring attitude for them, hold your hand over your heart to pledge your moral position.
Context: General.
Verbal Translation: “My heart is warm and I’m thinking about you and have your best interest at heart so I’m clasping the soul of my body, my heart because I want you to really see how important you are to me.”
Variant: One or two hands might come up. When two hands come up it appears as a self hug and rocking from side to side might accompany. This shows tender love and a desire to feel comforted and secure.
Cue In Action: We might see the hand of a salesman come to his chest to show his deepest desire to sell you a valued product.
Meaning and/or Motivation: An appeal to honesty and sincerity or deep appreciation. When we show our condolences to a family member for their lose, we will bring our hand to our heart. Our hand comes to our heart when we wish to be believed and show that it is us who cares deeply about another.
Cue Cluster: Hand over the heart is usually accompanied by a titled head, wide smile, and kind eyes.
Body Language Category: Emotional body language, Honest body language, Liking, Nonthreatening body language, Rapport or rapport building.
Resources:
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