Describing a person or action that does not involve physical movements, particularly of the hands, arms, or body, to convey meaning or emotion. It implies a stillness or lack of emphatic gestures during communication or performance. This characteristic can be intentional, for stylistic purposes, or unintentional, resulting from personality, disability, or specific circumstances. It can significantly alter how information is received, potentially making communication appear formal, impassive, or understated. The absence of gesturing can create a sense of neutrality or can be a signal of reserve or focus, depending on context. A non-gesturing speaker may rely more heavily on verbal cues and intonation.
Non-gesturing meaning with examples
- The professor, known for his stoic demeanor, delivered his lectures in a non-gesturing style. His calm, controlled voice and unwavering eye contact focused the students attention on the factual content of the material. This lack of overt movement emphasized the weighty nature of his subject matter, almost as if he feared his gestures would somehow lessen the importance of his words and reduce his credibility.
- During the play's pivotal scene, the actor portrayed a non-gesturing character, embodying a sense of suppressed tension. His stillness and lack of any dramatic physicality heightened the emotional impact and emphasized the underlying conflict. The careful control over his physicality underscored the gravity of the circumstances and created a truly memorable performance.
- The courtroom witness, visibly nervous, provided her testimony in a non-gesturing manner. Her hands remained clasped tightly in her lap, and she avoided making eye contact, betraying her discomfort. While it was clear she struggled to convey her story without hand movements, her non-gesturing demeanor was itself a sign of her fear and nervousness, underscoring her frailty.
- In the online video, the presenter maintained a consistently non-gesturing presence, utilizing detailed graphic slides to convey complex information. Her head was the only thing moving as she transitioned to various slides, while she presented in a concise, deliberate manner. She was clear in her presentation, making it easy to follow her well organized plan.