Academic Gestures -- Very Funny

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A "Glossary of Gestures for Critical Discussion" pokes fun at us academics, who merely try to spice up a lecture and keep students engaged. My favorite is the "Italian waiter: Use when making a cultural observation."

The Italian Waiter. ‘I've been on holiday to the Mediterranean and I'm a bit looser with my gestures.' Point hand towards your mouth, rock wrist back and forth. Incorporate more arm as you become more convinced by your own point. To engage larger audience, extend both arms outwards from body. Use when making a cultural observation.

If you're inclined, you can order rulers or coasters with the gestures.

At least the gestures answer Will Farrell's question in the movie Talledega Nights: "What do I do with my hands?"

Discussion Starters:

  • Watch you professors during the next class: how many can you identify?
  • What other gestures do your professors use?
  • Do you notice a difference in how business and other faculty use gestures?