A body language specialist has weighed in on President Donald Trump’s hand movements, pointing to several signs that may reveal what he’s trying to communicate.
Known for his animated public speaking style, Trump frequently uses distinct gestures to underline key points and drive home his message.
Body language expert Andy Harrington has analyzed a number of Trump’s most recognizable motions, focusing in particular on one recurring signal that appears throughout his speeches.
In comments to The Independent, Andy said Trump regularly relies on a specific gesture when he wants to convey accuracy and decisiveness.
“He’s got certain gestures that he uses,” explained Andy.
“There’s one very specific one that he uses all the time, like finish the job.”
Andy highlighted Trump’s ‘O-shaped gesture’, where the thumb and index finger touch to form a circle.
“He uses that a number of times, which is one he uses to accentuate. This one is essentially called the soft warrior,” Andy continued.
“It’s where it’s a warrior-like gesture. What he really wants to do is to do this, which is the sword pointed up like a finger pointed up like a sword.
“But, a lot of politicians would avoid that because it’s a bit too overly authoritative.
“So this little gesture provides precision, but at the same time punches out his message which is finish the job.
“All politicians have had some sort of media training there’s no doubt, however, Trump bucks the trend with everything he does.
“He tends to speak without thinking it through because I think he’s just at that stage where he kind of believes he’s invincible… there’s very little body language that he’s hiding.”
Andy also pointed out that Trump’s nonverbal style tends to stay consistent, with repeated movements that he described as fitting a more commanding, forceful communication pattern.
“He’s got the choppy hand, he often does this one when explaining, which means he’s expanding an idea,” said Andy, referring to Trump separating both hands before bringing them back together.
“He only puts his arms out whenever he knows the audience, he knows they’re gonna’ respond well to him and he’s opening himself up.”
In addition, Andy noted that one particular posture may signal discomfort or restraint in the moment.
Andy also explained that there’s one gesture that could indicate Trump is feeling self-conscious in the moment, adding: “Gripping both wrists which is like classic cuffing, holding the wrists is like holding yourself back. You can’t express through the hands, it’s more ‘keep it in’ kind of gesture, suggesting he felt slightly self conscious.”