KINESICS: the study of body motion or body behavior.

• Emblems: gestures that have a direct verbal translation and can stand alone such as the “ok” sign.
• Illustrators: gestures that complement our words such as pointing when giving directions.
• Regulators: gestures that may prolong or terminate the conversation such as looking at your watch, walking away, or nodding and leaning forward.
• Adaptors: gestures that make you feel more comfortable in a communication situation such as twirling your hair or tapping your fingers.
• Affect Displays: facial expressions motivated by emotion such as a smile or frown.