david attenborough

I have just seen the start of one of David Attenborough's programmes and it started with him pointing on the map showing where he was going and he pointed with his little finger. I thought this very unusual and I am thinking does this indicate someone who is very sure of what they are talking about. Although I like David Attenborough very much I do not like animal or wildlife programmes, but I am thinking I should have watched it to see what else could be observed. Any opinions on this?
Jeanette.

Interesting observation Jeanette! I don't know the answer!
I found this article http://articles.latimes.com/1999/jun/27/entertainment/ca-50434

which begins " David Attenborough's body language betrays the fact he's on a constant mission to explain....<snip>...... he leans forward eagerly, making a point in an earnest, almost
imploring voice. One arm is half-extended, his thumb is pressed against
his index finger, and he makes sharp downward thrusts with his hand for
emphasis."

I've noticed him do this kind of thing, he uses his hands a lot when he talks. A wild guess.... little finger is the finger of communication. His appears quite conic (narrow at tip), so pointing with it's tip is more able to precisely communicate the exact place on the map??? (or was he just pointing towards a map of the world, in which case forget what I said!!)

Always think of Fincham's book with the antenna for a symbol of the little finger. It is unusual in my observation for people to use their little finger while talking or even pointing for that matter. It is reasonable that he is accessing that verbal, intellectual part of his make-up.

Hi Lynn,
He was pointing out where we were going on this episode. This was a series and I recorded it, as it was to do with life origins, but I could not understand it. David Attenbourough is way too intelligent for me. Thanks for the answer and the article.
Jeanette.

Hello jennete,

I really dont have any idea about this person. but, i could sense how unusual it is to point the map by his little finger. My opinion is that he gives least important to the audience as he repeats the same many times in his life. if anyone uses index finger while speaking, it is sure sign of assertive speech, commanding, dominating expression, where as using little fingers represents least interest to the conversation, at the mean while, confident and casual talk. what he speak is not so important as concerned by his own.

Hi Stalin,
Thanks and that is a very good interpretation of the person concerned.
Jeanette.