Gesture in Diplomatic Address: A Case Study of Imran Khan in 74th UNGA Speech

Abstract

Political oratory is a diverse genre which effectively juxtaposes speech and non-verbal cues. Politicians from diverse backgrounds and cultures often incorporate non-verbal elements, such as hand gestures, into their speeches. These hand gestures possess high utility and universality; thus, researchers believe that hand gestures and speech work together as a unified system for production and comprehension. This research explores the complex relationship between non-verbal and verbal communication within the dynamic realm of political public speech, drawing on McNeill’s (354) Gesture theory. McNeill’s theory classifies gestures into four categories: iconic, metaphoric, beat, and deictic. Employing a qualitative approach, the study provides an in-depth analysis of Imran Khan's gestures and relationship with spoken words. Iconic and metaphoric gestures were found to reinforce spoken content, while deictic and beat gestures directed attention to specific subjects and enhanced overall communication of meaning. The study found that Imran Khan effectively employed all four types of hand gestures and demonstrated a clear correlation between these gestures and his spoken words, thereby revealing his underlying thought processes. This study confirms the intricate correlation between gestures and language, emphasising their importance in influential public speaking. This resource provides unique perspectives on effective communication tactics, emphasising the significance of non-verbal clues in global conversations.