A
gesture is a form of
non-verbal communication or non-vocal communication in which visible bodily actions communicate particular messages, either in place of, or in conjunction with,
speech. Gestures include movement of the
hands,
face, or other parts of the
body. Gestures differ from physical non-verbal communication that does not communicate specific messages, such as purely
expressive displays,
proxemics, or displays of
joint attention. Gestures allow individuals to communicate a variety of feelings and thoughts, from contempt and hostility to approval and affection, often together with
body language in addition to
words when they speak.