We have adopted a system of hand signals which are extremely effective for discussion and consensus building in groups. In groups, if people respond to a speaker with applause, whoops or booing, nobody can hear what the speaker is saying and it slows things down. The hand signals avoid that. Fingers waving upwards indicate that you like what you hear, or that you agree. Horizontal fingers mean you are on the fence or uncertain. Fingers pointing down mean that you don’t like it or you disagree. Arms crossed at the wrists means you want to block the idea, because you are strongly morally opposed and would rather leave the group than tolerate the proposal. There are also hand signals to raise a point of process or volunteer a point of fact. If you can get past any initial embarrassment you find that these signals work extremely well to support communication within a group.