| Term | Definition |
| Illustrators | Accompany the conversation and aid in description, show direction, establish rhythm, or gain/hold attention ("this big," pointing when giving directions.) |
| Affect displays | Express emotion, especially in the face (smile or grimace.) |
| Regulators | Regulate flow of interaction (head nods, postural shifts, filling gestural space.) |
| Adaptors | Unconscious actions that satisfy internal needs, less likely in public (hair twirling, nail biting, leg shaking.) |
| Emblems | Gestures with specific verbal translation (OK sign, middle finger.) |