Gestures

Even if you don't know or notice every hand gesture someone makes, you can still learn a lot by observing how much they use them and in which body level they keep it.

It's highly culturally dependent, but the general rule is this - less gestures usually signify someone who's more calculated, perhaps more quiet by nature, and is often associated with higher social status.

A comment on social status and the use of gestures - It's quite similar to the idea that the truly strong don't make too much noise about it. Dominant individuals who feel confident in their position has usually less urge to express and explain themselves, in turn they use less gestures and appear less empathetic and warm.

Another thing to consider is at what level of the body gestures are made:

I. Low level gestures - say about waist level are "quieter", calmer, calculated and more sophisticated - it shows control and restraint.

II. As we go "higher" - the gestures begin to be more emotional, chest level gestures are usually more honest and expressive.

III. Higher than that, head level - usually involve strong feelings such as anger, sadness, and spirituality.