Do you make gestures while talking on phone?

@dpk262006 (58675)
Delhi, India
August 13, 2009 1:17am CST
Hi friends, I have observed that many of us make gestures by their hands, while talking to someone on phone. Some of us get so immersed in talking that we forget that the listener is not in front of us and s/he can just hear as and cannot see us. I have specially noticed that when people described a particular route/way/road map to a listener on phone, they keep making gestures by their hands indicating directions, curves, and circles. If I come to see it, I point it out to the talker, telling him/her lightly and politely that - “please do not make gestures by your hand, the listener cannot see you…LOL”. I feel they do it inadvertently and unintentionally, however, if you happen to notice them, you cannot stop laughing. Are you the one, who make gestures, while talking on phone, if yes, are you aware of this habit of yours and did any body pointed out to you about it. Many thanks in advance for your response.
14 people like this
67 responses
• India
29 Aug 09
Hello my friend dpk262006 Ji, As you have agreed yourself, it is without any intention and within one's knowledge. It is an natural act, where all senses keep working. In indirect ways, I would call it as most sincerely explanation. Now-a-days, even telephones have come with tele-confrencing facilities, where your movement while communication can be seen and observed by another person. I will not laugh in case someone is doing, but would explain after call is over. May god bless You and have a great time.
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
1 Sep 09
Hi maygodblessuji! I agree with you that it happens naturally and one sometimes does not notice that he/she is making gestures, while talking. I thinkg that it is always good to make gestures while you are talking, as it gives you a kind of convenience to converse with the other fellow. Thanks for joinng and sharing.
3 people like this
• India
2 Sep 09
Hello my friend dpk262006 Ji, You are once more very welcome. May God bless You and have a great time.
2 people like this
@mayka123 (16584)
• India
11 Sep 09
I am not in the habit of making gestures while talking on phone. But I enjoy looking at people in public places who desperately make gestures while talking and expect the person on the other end of the phone to understand what they are saying! Sometimes when it happens with friends while travelling I just remind them that they do not have the facility of the other person to see them while they are talking so they should stop making signs with their hands!!!!
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
11 Sep 09
HI dear! You are wise enough, therefore,you check yourself, while talking on phone. I also enjoy others making gestures and sometimes I interrupt them, suddenly - Look, dear you are on phone.LOL! However, most of the people keep doing it............LOL! Thanks for sharing and enriching the post.
1 person likes this
@balasri (26537)
• India
13 Aug 09
I am not much animated while talking on the phone.But I could not help a little hand movements.I have cut down my gestures drastically by observing a lot of people shouting and enacting a drama over the phone regardless of the people surrounding them.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
13 Aug 09
Hi Bala! Nice to see you after many days, welcome back. So you cannot help yourself and you do make some gestures, though you appeared to have improved, in your own words..Thanks for sharing and joining us.
1 person likes this
@balasri (26537)
• India
13 Aug 09
Happy to see you too Deepak.And thanks a lot for the nice words.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
13 Aug 09
Bala! You are always welcome and right now I can see a magic number flashing against your name i.e 8888, it means you are nearing 9000 mark.
@Sreekala (34312)
• India
13 Aug 09
Hi I agree deepak, I have seen many people are giving directions by hand while talking on phone (especially when they are giving landmarks). I surprised and laughed (inside my mind) by watching the same. They are doing unintentionally, just talking like a face to face talk. I don’t making gestures while talking on phone; I observed myself closely after watching these kinds of people who are making gestures while talking.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
13 Aug 09
Hi Sree! It means you remain very consious while talking on phone with others and do not make unnecessary gestures (I do likewise). I feel that it is a natural thing and when we talk we forget that the other person is not sitting in front of us, it is a sub-consious activity and most of us do it quite often. Thanks for joinng and sharing.
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34312)
• India
13 Aug 09
Yes I am conscious, and don't want to give a chance for others to make fun of me.
@kb5000 (110)
• United States
13 Aug 09
it is unavoidable for me. a lot of times i don't even know that i am doing it.
• United States
30 Aug 09
I don't think I do, usually. Of course I'm not a big "hand talker" anyway. Usually if I'm on the phone I'm already doing something else - like on the computer, or something like that. I rarely every do just one thing. Even now at the computer, I have 5 windows open so I can get more done!
2 people like this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
1 Sep 09
HI dear! So you do not make gestures, if you are talking on phone, you apparently do some other things. Thanks for sharing.
2 people like this
• Pamplona, Spain
13 Aug 09
Hi dpk262006, I´m just so glad no one can video me while I´m on the phone. Gestures far too many I realise I´m making them but then if no one is seeing me I could´nt care less. However it´s different if I have to speak on a mobile phone being in public something which I´m not to keen on. Outside my flat here I have at least two or three people walking up and down with their mobile phones making gestures by the dozen with the mobile phone stuck to their ear. Gestures vary from person to person. This flat is in the back part of a street so I suppose that on their mobile phone they can express themselves more freely without being heard or seen or maybe they want people to see them. I can hear all the mobile phone conversations a mile off because they all shout and yes sometimes I see their gestures but I usually don´t bother to look but sometimes you can even hear the person on the other end of the mobile phone talking away as well. They´ve probably got the speaker thing on and this is a really quiet area most of the day. Amazing things come out these conversations on those supposedly secret mobile phone conversations but then I usually out of respect close the window then again you can still hear them from around the corner. Its as if they were in a theatre acting out their act. By the way it´s not only the kiddies who do this on mobile phones I´ve seen and heard much older people too giving vent to their feelings. They have the mobile phone so close to their ear that it seems like they are talking to themselves and gestures by the dozen.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
13 Aug 09
Hi lov! Welcome to mylot family. So you are sure that no one can make a video of you, when you makes gestures on phone. It is quite interesting to note that you keep observing others, when they are chatting on their mobile phones and are making gestures. I think that it is a natural thing and when we talk we forget that the other person is not sitting in front of us, it is a sub-consious activity and most of us do it quite often. It is good that you realise it soon. Thanks for joinng and sharing.
1 person likes this
@Iriene88 (5343)
• Malaysia
17 Aug 09
Dear lovingangelsintead21, I really enjoyed reading your response, thanks for making me recall on these actors and actresses on the phone. The most interesting one will be those on 'blue tooth' attached on their ears. They have both their hands free to do the gestures...Beware, do not walk too close to them, you might get hit by their gesture movements...lol IMAGINE if this taken place 10 years ago...anyone looking at these people talking loudly to the air with the hand movements, WHAT WILL THEY THINK...these guys are nuts, they are talking to themselves..they must be CRAZY! All the best and do keep in touch!
• Pamplona, Spain
17 Aug 09
Hi Iriene88, Yes I´ve seen People eating in a Restaurant and with the mobile phone stuck on their other ear or as you say with the Blue Tooth gadget. I don´t mind them they are quite welcome it is not something I would personally do. But here that is wbat they do in the Restaurants and the Bars the mobile phones are prominent so if you think someone is talking to his girlfriend wrong he is talking to someone else. Who knows mayhe another girl. I was in the Fiestas of Falces yesterday and this guy was leaning over in the Bar and although he had had a drink or two he was going away on his mobile phone with the Blue Tooth Gadget on and he looked like he was talking away to himself till I saw the Blue Tooth thing. I don´t use Blue Tooth. I use a mobile phone but nothing flashy I prefer them like that. For one minute I thought he was talking to me also its really funny I wish I had a Video Camara handy for those moments. What I don´t like much is having to hear intimate conversations because even if you move up two places in the Bar there is still someone else on their mobile phone too shouting away. Yes the Actors and Actresses well they have to play a part don´t they but it´s still funny to watch them. I think it´s funny how we behave when on a mobile phone but if you look at People in a Telephone Box they do the same but then a Telephone Box is a rarity now. A couple of times People have bumped straight into me when talking away on their mobile phones and they did´nt even notice. Another was driving his Car and I dodged him quickly almost ran me over never noticed either lol. Imagine a World now without mobile phones what do you think of that? Can you imagine what all these People would do? Yes ten years ago they would have thought we were all nuts but specially the ones I´ve told you about. Take care now.
@lkbooi (16070)
• Malaysia
14 Aug 09
Hi dpk, I have seen some people feeling ablaze either with joyance, anger or passion while talking on the phone sometimes. Yeah, they make different gestures according to the emotion then. Some even have their belly laugh in the public. Some cry out angrily and knock on the table or anything close to them. The most ridiculous one is seeing the person keeps on scratching his head while talking on his phone. Shows that he is in a quandary situation and has to take time to make a hard decision. I have observed many small kids show their adorable gestures while talking on the phone. Their gestures and the innocent face expression are really lovely and attractive. From the vivid gestures, expression as well as talking tone, seems that they are talking nose to nose to the person on the phone in real earnest I don’t make any gestures while talking with someone on the phone. Anyway sometimes I still would keep on moving the mouse, or scrolling the page if I were sitting in front of the laptop, while talking on the cellphone Have a nice day and happy posting!
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
14 Aug 09
Hi ikbooi! You are a great 'observer' and your response tells me that how close your observe other, when they talk on phone........LOL! Yes, you are right, some of persons get so much engrossed and animated in the telephonic conversation that they keep making gestures or doing other sundry things, which the fellow on the other side cannot see even. It is good that you remain conscious, while talking on phone and do not make 'gestures' (for that matter I also do not make).I feel that it is a natural thing and when we talk we forget that the other person is not sitting in front of us, it is a sub-consious activity and most of us do it quite often. Thanks for joinng and sharing.
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
14 Aug 09
I'm Portuguese. I make hand gestures even when I'm typing a discussion LOL Yes, I do it all the time when I'm in the phone. I am aware of it, but I don't fight it, it's not like I"m making some rude gestures or anything. I never had anybody pointing it out to me, but it wouldn't bother me if I did. Personally I really don't care, I'm me , and the hand gestures are a part of me too LOL
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
14 Aug 09
Hi ark! I caught you .It means you get engrossed in the conversation too, while talking on phone with others and out of habit you make some gestures to explain yourself. I feel that it is a natural thing and when we talk we forget that the other person is not sitting in front of us, it is a sub-consious activity and most of us do it quite often. Thanks for joinng and sharing.
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
15 Aug 09
It means you love fun while talking.
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
14 Aug 09
Yes, it's exactly that. On a basic level I know that the person is not there, but still unconsciously I act as if it is,and still do the hand gestures :) It's a good thing that I don't usually talk on my cell phone while walking in the street LOL
@whiteheron (4222)
• United States
22 Aug 09
I think that I sometimes am guilty of this although I have not been told that I have done it... I have one friend who does it alot and I think it is rather cute. :) I just let her do it and smile...
1 person likes this
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
14 Aug 09
Hi dpk! I'm laughing now picturing certain friends who I know do this! I am not that animated when I talk to people in person so I surely am not like that when on the phone! I don't talk with my hands to begin with! But, I sure know plenty of people who do! I see people doing this all the time on the street or on the bus or in a store and I wonder if they know how peculiar they look! Because if they did I think that they would surely think again about making some of those ridiculous hand gestures! Sometimes they just look so totally ridiculous I really have to lol!
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
17 Aug 09
Hi Opal! You appear a good 'observer' and your response tells me that how close your observe other, when they talk on phone........LOL! Yes, you are right, some of persons get so much engrossed and animated in the telephonic conversation that they keep making gestures or doing other sundry things, which the fellow on the other side cannot see even. It is good that my post made you laugh. Yes, you are right, I keep observing my colleauges/friends, when they talk intensely on phone. Thanks for joinng and sharing.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
13 Aug 09
I am usually multi-tasking and cooking dinner, doing the washing etc. while I am talking on the phone but I have caught myself pointing to something as I’m talking and realising pretty quickly that the person I am talking to cannot see me! It is a subconscious thing I guess and it can look quite funny!
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
13 Aug 09
Hi Paula! Nice to see you in my discussion. It appears that you keep making gestures,while multi-tasking,including talking on phone. It may not look 'funny' to you because you remain so engrossed in the conversation, however, it may look funny to others. Please do not indulge in multi-tasking like checking mails, while phoning, both could mix up and instead of talking you may find that you are reading your mail loudly to the fellow on the other side of the phone. Thanks for sharing and joining us.
1 person likes this
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
13 Aug 09
I have been known to check my emails while on the phone! (LOL)
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
13 Aug 09
i hope you do noy mylot at the same time as well
1 person likes this
@Khushi309 (139)
• India
27 Aug 09
hey there i do make hand gestures while talking on the phone, but not very often. it is usually just waving my hands around while trying to explain something. but it is never like playing dumb-charades. i don't act out things. i have this habit while talking to someone face-to-face too. but my friends say it is charming and endearing so guess its ok... as long as i m not pointing out directions on the phone, thats just silly really. but if i m frustrated, i think i might be found doing that too. thats a weird thing to do, i know, but its unconsciously done...
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
1 Sep 09
Hi Khushi! It means you get so busy on phone that you forget that the other one is not in front of you. I agree with you that it is always good to make gestures while you are talking, as it gives you a kind of convenience to converse with the other fellow. Thanks for joinng and sharing.
1 person likes this
@voldrox (7191)
• India
13 Aug 09
i do make gestures on the phone but only when explaining something... i don't always make gestures, and if i do i am aware of the people surrounding me so as not to disturb them in any way, it doesn't really matter much when one gestures on the phone, it is reasonable and happens often.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
14 Aug 09
If you are comfortable making gestures, while talking and you feel this way you can express yourself in a better manner, you may continue doing it.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
13 Aug 09
Hi Vol! You see if you make gesture for the benefit of the listener on the other side, it does not serve any purpose to him, because he cannot see you. You need to explain to him the matter in words only. I think that it is a natural thing and when we talk we forget that the other person is not sitting in front of us, it is a sub-consious activity and most of us do it quite often. Thanks for joinng and sharing.
1 person likes this
@voldrox (7191)
• India
13 Aug 09
yes dpk i completely agree with you... i only make gestures because i am better able to express myself to the person on the other side that way, gestures is a kind of byproduct i say...
@Iriene88 (5343)
• Malaysia
17 Aug 09
Dear dpk, My husband is very popular with his gestures when explaining the route / directions to the party on the other end of the line. I and my son will laugh looking at him, but we did not tell him immediately...after he hanged up the phone, I will jokingly tell him about it. He said that the gestures help him in his explanation, enhance his memory of recalling the route....lol But one thing I believe till today is :- If we smile and speak on the phone, the other party can feel it from the tone of our voice that we are smiling and being friendly! All the best and do keep in touch
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
17 Aug 09
Hi Dear! It means that you hubby keep making gestures on phone, irrespective of the fact whether you keep laughing at him.......LOL! He appears right, let him express himself, the way he likes.I feel that it is a natural thing and when we talk we forget that the other person is not sitting in front of us, it is a sub-consious activity and most of us do it quite often. Thanks for joinng and sharing.
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
13 Aug 09
no i don't actually... when i talk on the phone, i try to be as calm as i can... except when i am angry or get agitated with the person i am talking to... then i will use some gestures while talking on the phone... otherwise, most of the time i don't... take care and have a nice day...
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
15 Aug 09
Hi lin! It means that you remain very consious while talking on phone with others and you try to be cool and calm, till proved. I feel that it is a natural thing and when we talk we forget that the other person is not sitting in front of us, it is a sub-consious activity and most of us do it quite often. Thanks for joinng and sharing.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
15 Aug 09
Hi lin! It means that you remain very consious while talking on phone with others and you try to be cool and calm, till proved. I feel that it is a natural thing and when we talk we forget that the other person is not sitting in front of us, it is a sub-consious activity and most of us do it quite often. Thanks for joinng and sharing.
• Philippines
24 Dec 11
Hi dpk262006! Gestures are far too many. I realize that somehow, in one way or another, I´m making them. But then if no one is seeing me I do not really care as to what gestures I make. However it´s different if I have to speak on a mobile phone being in a public place. I try my very best to keep my hands at bay.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
24 Dec 11
OMG! How did you find this three years old post ....... It means that when you are alone, you do not mind making gestures on phone. It would be better if you avoid it at public places, else people will start looking at you. Thanks for sharing.
• United States
1 Jan 12
Yes I probably do, but most of those gestures are tward my hubby about what I'm being told. Usually involves a few
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
2 Jan 12
Don't your hubby interrupts you when you make gestures ........lol!
• United States
12 Sep 09
Oh yes, I do that and don't even realize that I am doing it. I use my hands like I am giving directions for some to get somewhere. I just do it and don't even think. I see a lot of people do that. I have had some people make fun of me, but I don't care.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
7 Oct 09
Hi there! Keep enjoying your conversation even if it requires to make few gestures. I hope this helps you to express you in a better way. Thanks for joining and sharing.
1 person likes this
@surekharathi (14146)
• India
1 Jan 12
Nice question and I have such habit I talked with my friends and family members like I am standing infront of them and make gestures. Then remember ohhh I am on phone.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
2 Jan 12
Hi sureka! So next time please watch your gestures while talking on phones with your friends ........
@simsim11 (106)
1 Jan 12
Yes I noticed many people making gestures when they are talking over phone. I think 99% people do that without their knowledge. Even I will make gestures.Your point is very clear that the man at the other end cannot see this gestures. Anyway I will try to stop that. Dont know how succcessful I will be. If any improvements , again I will comeback and share with you. Wish you a happy and prosperous new year
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
2 Jan 12
Hi simsim! It sounds interesting to know that as per your observation 99% make gestures while talking on phone. I understand that they do it involuntarily. While talking they forget that the caller or the other party is not visible to them. However, some of the mylotters commented in this post that this helps them explain the things better. Hope next time you will remain conscious while talking on phone. Do let me know whether you could stop making gestures, while on phone. [b] Thanks for sharing.[/b]