People also use gestures to show a caring attitude

People also use g~stures to show a caring attitude. Stroking or patting shoulders, arms, hands, heads, or cheeks, and slapping backs are examples of behaviours generally intended to convey good feeling and regard. These gestures relate so closely with caring that people in stress can often be seen giving such attention to themselves.
The final type of gesture to be discussed indicates either a defensive or an offensive attitude. Movements such as hand rubbing, hand clutching, face rubbing, lip pulling, or cuticle picking often reflect a perceived threat. Other defensive gestures that characterize protection include placing a hand to the throat, neck, head, or mouth. Offensive gestures may be clenched fists, a rapid forward movement of the arm, or a pushing motion.

Of course, it is important to listen to the verbal message as well as the gestures of the speaker. However, just as some people speak in a monotone, it is possible that some will use no gestures to co~plement the verbal message. Thus, managers should observe all the different components of non-verbal communications.

Spatial messages
Edward Hall coined the word" proxemics" for the study of ways in which space, distance, and territory are components of human communication. Skill in reading proxemics can be valuable for managers listening to others in an orgariization. Through proxemics, one can determine
. how friendly, worried, or isolated another feels.
Hall identifies three types of space: feature fixed,
semi-fixed feature, and informal. Feature-fixed space is the
non-moving and clearly defmed space found' in buildings