In the video, the first girl interviewed is shaking her head "no" while talking. I see that often in people being interviewed like this. It's just extra obvious here. Another typical example is someone being interviewed like "we're investing a lot in this project in our school which is great for the students [shakes head no while saying so]" or e.g. a kickstarter video like "this product is going to revolutionize the ..... [shakes head no while mellow guitar music plays in the background]"
What does the no shake mean? Does it mean what they're telling is not true? Or is there some other reason why people instinctively shake no while talking in interviews?
I think it's a pretty common gesture, maybe meaning roughly "you won't believe this," or "I'm slightly breathless with amazement." My four-year-old actually does this gesture when describing something amazing, and I don't see myself or my wife doing it.
But gestures are so hard to translate. I grew up in Italy, famous of course for its gestures. One of the most common is making an "OK" symbol with your fingers and drawing little short straight lines downwards with it. What does it mean? I doubt many of the people using it could put it into word, precisely. But we learn it the way we learn language, the same way we use intonation to turn a statement into a question, without it ever being taught.
I doubt it's the same cultural effect, but in India head-shaking while talking (usually to indicate agreement or understanding) is super common, and often throws visitors off when they see someone saying "Of course" while vigorously shaking their head!
I take it as adding emphasis to their statements. As a way to convey intensity. I probably would have never noticed it if you hadn't pointed it out. Maybe it's a new mannerism, like vocal fry.
What does the no shake mean? Does it mean what they're telling is not true? Or is there some other reason why people instinctively shake no while talking in interviews?