Topic > Symbolic Meanings of the High Five Gesture

I connect with people using a positive nonverbal communication gesture, the high five. A high five is a friendly, neutral action that occurs when two people simultaneously raise a hand and slap the other person's raised palm. High fives are commonly seen as a gesture of interaction that celebrates togetherness. Fives can have a broad effect on people. The high five movement symbolizes many of the Franciscan virtues, including brotherhood, joy, acceptance, service and peacemaking. Variations of the high five include "up high," "down low" and "air five," where participants' hands never touch, making it appear as if they are about to make contact. Another gesture similar to both a handshake and a high five is the fist bump, a gesture where two people bump their fists together. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay This form of nonverbal communication can offer positive feedback. The high five gesture can be seen as a greeting, praise, encouragement, compliment, congratulation or celebration. Giving high fives can help people perform better and feel good about themselves. This direct connection can tell a teammate, classmate, teacher, coach, and friend that they are important and special. It is a gesture of approval and respect. Classmates can be seen around the school high-fiving each other. A teacher may be greeted with a high five. When a friend says they accomplished something they didn't think they could, it's appropriate to give them a high five. These examples convey personal attention and positive emotions. They make people smile and create a healthy environment. Most of the five data are in the athletic arena. The celebratory high five is more energetic, electric and exciting than the encouraging one. In praising, both people celebrate one's achievement, but with the same powerful enthusiasm. When playing on the football field, many "fives" are exchanged. A touchdown, a good reception, a tackle or a good defensive play can be recognized with the high five gesture. When playing baseball, a home run, a defensive catch, or a safe slide into a base are causes for high-fiving. When a free throw or dunk is made, you see basketball players rush in and acknowledge the result with a high five. These mutual actions show camaraderie, great energy and build team spirit. High fives are also used to pick up someone when they may be in difficulty. This is when athletes may need a teammate the most. The emotionally down athlete may not have made the tackle or may have made a double play. Or, the disappointed basketball player who missed the game-winning shot as the buzzard sounded. This can leave a player feeling like they have let the team down. It's nice to make a gesture that means: "Everything is fine, I believe in you." Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay This connection earns trust, creates team bonding, and builds relationships. This positive act can help the player and the team perform better in the next competition. The high five gesture is more than raising your hand and slapping another person's palm. The high five action creates a sense of togetherness. Physical connection communicates trust and promotes positive reinforcement. For me, performing the high five gesture skill has power and is something I believe in. It gives me a meaning of service..