The Gestures of Philippine Politics

Albert Mehrabian, a researcher on body language, stated that people communicate with more actions but fewer words. This means, that we unconsciously prefer in using non-verbal cues rather than verbal cues – in fact, we only use 38% of verbal communication while 55% is for non-verbal, and this is every time we do that communication, whether intrapersonal or interpersonal.

With that, let me emphasize my speech tonight through these non-verbal cues and try to tell me what do I mean by these cues:

· V-Sign

· L-Sign

· 2-joint Signs

· Burger Sign

· Punch Sign

From January 9 until May 7 of 2022, we were bombarded with these hand gestures, and just by doing one of them, we have a the encompass automatic response mechanism towards these signs.

For example: if I will flash the V-Sign, people will respond either, “BBM”, “Unity”, or “Magnanakaw”! Meanwhile, when I do this “L-Sign”, the response would be “Let Leni Lead”, “Kulay Rosas ang Bukas” or “Lutang” “Bobo” “Pinklawan!”. Then, if I will make this, “2-joint”, you will surely say “Yorme, Ong”, “2-Joints parang Mafia” or “Sadboi”! When I do this, “Burger” Sign, you will say, “Inday Sara” or “Burger” or “Burger ka Sakin”. Lastly, when I do this, “Punch” Sign, it is either Pacman or Duterte!

The manner of generated meanings with responses through gestures can be associated with the theory of semiotics – which refers to the study of signs and symbols and how they are used to convey meaning and shape our perceptions. These gestures, therefore, encompass the whole message of the campaign – from the politician to its platforms, even his/her personality can be summarized by a single gesture.

Now, at this juncture, let us try to analyze the message conveyed in the 5 common gestures in Philippine Politics.

1. V-Sign of Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

a. Long-time hand sign of the Marcoses

b. Signifies Victory

c. “Golden Era” and “Unity”

2. L-Sign of VP Leni Robredo

a. Associated with the Aquinos and Liberal Party

b. Signifies Liberalism and Democracy

c. “Tindig”

3. 2-joints Sign of Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso

a. Adapted by Isko Moreno with the dictum “Don’t panic, it’s organic”

b. Originally symbolizes affiliation with drugs such as marijuana and cocaine

c. Rebranded it as “Yorme” and “Ong”, which symbolizes down-to-earth governance

4. “Burger ka Sa Akin” Sign of Davao Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio

a. Adapted by Mayor Sarah as a message of counter-attack

b. Originally a sexual slang for thigh sandwiching

c. Defense mechanism against cancel-culture – “pag binato ka ng bato, burger ka sa akin.”

5. Punch Sign of Senator Manny Pacquiao

a. Different variations with Manny Pacquiao and President Duterte

b. Boxing's stance turned political stance of patriotism as placed near the heart

c. Love for Country and Heart of a Champion

During the recently held 2022 National and Local Elections, the social media and the streets throughout the country have 2 Joints, Burger Sign, and the Punch Sign. Every hand sign has its own message – whether from the candidate’s personality always trained to his/her platforms, up to the perceptions of his/her target audience. With these, we witness how powerful non-verbal communication is.

In our daily lives, and even as communicators, especially as Toastmasters, we may be always trained to speak in speeches and we are fond of using striking words and memorable quotations. But, sometimes, to communicate effectively, our non-verbal cues and gesture can encapsulate the wide varying meaning of our messages – whether our actions complement our real intentions or contradict what we really intend to. Because as it cliches as it may seem, it is indeed that “action speaks louder than words”.

To emphasize the essence of non-verbal communication, let me share with you this quote from St. Francis of Assisi, “Preach the good news, use words, if necessary!”

This speech was part of the Presentation Mastery Level 3.2 Path in Toastmasters International Project. The purpose of the project is to deliver a speech with awareness of your intentional and unintentional body language, as well as to learn, practice, and refine how you use nonverbal communication when delivering a speech.

All images used in this blog entry came from Google Images.