During de-escalation, what is the recommended hand posture?

• A. Open-handed posture.
• B. Clenched fists.
• C. Pointing with finger extended.
• D. Hands in pockets.

Answer: (A)

During de-escalation, nonverbal signals matter because they set the tone for the interaction. An open-handed posture, with hands visible and palms relaxed, communicates calm, openness, and a willingness to listen. This reduces the other person’s sense of threat and makes them more likely to engage in dialogue. In contrast, clenched fists signal anger or aggression, pointing with an extended finger can feel accusatory and threatening, and hands in pockets can look evasive or dismissive. So the open-handed posture is the best choice because it supports a safer, more collaborative exchange.