1.The author explains how even a simple gesture, like the firmness of a handshake, can influence how someone is perceived, which can be critical in both social and professional settings.

2.Knowing that pointing with the index finger is impolite in Japan or that a palm-up wave means goodbye in Europe can help people avoid offending others by accident.

3.The reading makes it clear that gestures we assume to be global like the thumbs-up for great can be offensive in some regions, showing that non-verbal communication is deeply tied to culture.