In college, I briefly switched my major from journalism to psychology. I was fascinated by how people think and connect. But writing pulled me back, and I stuck with it.
That curiosity about communication—especially the unspoken kind—never really faded. Last year at the Chef to Chef Conference, Michael Matarazzo, CEC, Executive Chef of Farmington Country Club, talked about nonverbal cues and how they shape relationships, outcomes, and interactions—whether intentional or not.
Since then, I’ve been hooked on the little facts that say a lot—like how pointing your toes toward something signals interest, Botoxing your 11s can make you feel less anger, and leaning forward can trigger motivation. A hand steeple reads as power. Uptalk at the end of a sentence? Probably a lie. Most of what I’ve learned comes from the book Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication by Vanessa Van Edwards. It’s worth a read—she unpacks how small gestures can send big messages.
One section dives into palms—how much they ‘say’ just by being open or closed, visible or hidden. Open palms can signal trust, confidence, and approachability. Closed palms? The opposite.
As a writer, my hands are always moving—typing, jotting, scratching out, underlining. I talk with them, too—cutting through the air to emphasize a point or invite ideas in. They remind me that creating anything worth sharing takes balance. Palms down, I press words into the page. Palms up, I let go—opening to feedback, collaboration, and what comes next. Writing, like cooking, demands both control and release.
Think about how you serve a plate. You can’t do it with palms down or fists clenched. Service demands openness. Plates are offered, not guarded. Food is presented, not withheld. It’s the same with people. Openness invites connection. It builds trust.
And isn’t that the goal? Kitchens where ideas flow, teams feel supported, and members feel welcomed? That kind of culture starts with small signals—like open hands and open minds.
2024 had its lessons. 2025 will have more. I’ll keep sharing what I learn along the way. Tell me what you’re working on, who belongs on the 40 Under 40 list, and what this industry still needs. Find me at Chef to Chef. Join me at PlateCraft. My palms are open.
Here’s to what’s next.
