How do gestures and facial expressions enhance speech?

When we communicate, we use nonverbal means such as gestures and facial expressions. These elements make speech more expressive and help convey emotions that words alone sometimes cannot fully express. However, it is important to use gestures and facial expressions in moderation to avoid overwhelming the conversation and making the other person uncomfortable.

When to use facial expressions and gestures

Facial expressions and gestures are particularly useful in the following situations:

• When you want to enhance the emotional aspect of your speech and express your feelings about a situation.
• When you need to draw attention to important points in a conversation.
• When a specific thought cannot be expressed verbally, such as censored words or something inappropriate to say out loud.

Actors and teachers, especially those working with young children, use gestures and facial expressions more actively in their communication, as nonverbal cues play a crucial role in these interactions.

When facial expressions and gestures may be inappropriate

While gestures and facial expressions can make speech more dynamic and engaging, there are situations where they should be used sparingly:

• In formal conversations, such as job interviews, business meetings, or professional discussions.
• In casual interactions where physical proximity is close, as excessive gesturing may feel intrusive or make the other person uncomfortable.
• When speaking to someone who already uses a lot of gestures and emotions in their speech—if both of you become too expressive, the conversation may become overwhelming and exhausting.

Understanding the context of the conversation is crucial in selecting appropriate nonverbal expressions. The social status, personality, and temperament of your conversation partner also play a role—some people may feel uneasy when their conversation partner excessively gestures or makes exaggerated facial expressions.

How to choose the right gestures and facial expressions

To determine which gestures and facial expressions are appropriate, consider the context of the conversation. Nonverbal communication can be used to:

• Amplify emotions, such as pausing to signal that you expect a response or indicating that you wish to end the conversation.
• Mimic physical movements or reactions to emphasize a point.
• Hold the listener’s attention and maintain engagement.
• Share personal emotions about a particular situation.

In some cases, a meaningful look can be just as effective as a gesture or facial expression. For example, maintaining eye contact can indicate that you are still speaking and do not want to be interrupted.

How to practice using facial expressions and gestures

Using facial expressions and gestures effectively requires practice. If overused, they can distract the listener from the conversation’s content. To refine your nonverbal communication skills:

• Practice in front of a mirror, rehearsing speech with gestures while observing your facial expressions and eye contact.
• Control your emotions, understanding when and with whom it is appropriate to be expressive.
• Seek feedback from your conversation partners—ask whether your gestures enhance communication or if they are distracting.

Your natural temperament also influences how you use nonverbal communication. For example, choleric and sanguine individuals tend to use gestures and facial expressions frequently, while phlegmatic and melancholic people prefer calm, measured speech with minimal movement. When using gestures and facial expressions, try to match your conversation partner’s energy. Balanced conversations often occur when an expressive person (e.g., a choleric) interacts with a calm listener (e.g., a phlegmatic), who maintains eye contact and acknowledges emotions without excessive gesturing.

Where to find conversation partners to practice communication

If you want to practice expressive and warm conversations with people who share a similar temperament, you can connect with them online. For instance, on wedalf.com, you can find users from all over the world who might become your friends in text conversations—and possibly in real life, if a trusting relationship develops. To get a sense of someone’s temperament, you can analyze their profile photo and observe their writing style in chats.