Kinesthetic or kinetic communication is one of the many forms of human language, in general we also call it body language, and corresponds to all body movements.
It is important to know that kinesthetic communication is very powerful, it transmits a lot of information about a person’s personality and emotional state, although in general we are not aware of how we transmit messages through these codes, nor how we receive them, this type of communication clearly marks the interaction between two or more people.
- “Of all the senses.
- The vision is the most superficial; the ear.
- The proudest; smell.
- The most voluptuous; the palace.
- The most superstitious and fickle; touch.
- The deepest.
- ? -Denis Diderot-.
The elements of this language are essentially the gestures, posture, gaze and movements of the body, that is, anything that replaces or complements verbal language, we can also include the tone of the voice and the physical contact that is established with others. As we’ve already talked a lot about body language in general, we’ll now focus on tactile contact with others.
Touch is one of the most important components of kinesthetic communication, each human being has his own tactile behavior, even if he is not aware of it, which includes all the ways of connecting with others through the skin, that is, by establishing a physical connection.
It is, in fact, one of the most lost forms of communication, new technologies force us to have more and more tactile contact with teams, on the contrary, physical contact with others is increasingly rare, we communicate with others through the use of certain devices, and not so much skin with skin.
The main forms of communication through touch are greetings, kisses, hugs, caresses and physical blows. Some also include applause in this category, but these actually correspond more auditory and visual.
Kinesthetic communication through touch is one of the most primitive ways to come into contact with other human beings, so it is also one of the most authentic and essential. The first tactile contact we experience is generated by breastfeeding, in addition to being a means of receiving food, the baby begins to form his affection through this act, the same goes for the caresses he receives from his mother.
This type of tactile communication is so important that most mammals spend much of their time on it; in monkeys, this is very obvious. They cut their hair, hug each other and often touch each other.
In humans, the need for this type of kinesthetic communication is even greater, it is unlikely that a child who is not pampered will survive in his first months and, if this happens, can develop emotional difficulties, a need that is maintained throughout life. , even if it is moderated over time. Still, there are specific moments, such as when we are sick, when we need more intense caresses.
Taking your hand during a greeting characterizes tactile kinesthetic communication. The strength of this handshake, as well as the way we hold hands, indicate a certain kind of bond. Sometimes, this type of contact is basically natural. At other times, it is marked by traces of heat that contribute to closer contact.
Culture influences how we touch each other, in some places the emotional distance is greater and as a result contact is minimized, in other places hugs, pats on the shoulder and physical contact, in general, are very common. In any case, regardless of culture, each has its own way of using their sense of touch.
The truth is that this form of communication strengthens or weakens the bonds between people; couples who caress the most are more likely to last a relationship; those who have the most physical contact with their peers are happier and less sick; however, today’s society favors certain forms of relationship in which touch is becoming less and less involved, being aware of it is the first step in preventing the loss of physical contact.