> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.argil.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create body language on your avatar 

> How to create more engaging avatars

<Note>
  Our model requires pre-recorded gestures - all body language must be shot in the training video following the process below.
</Note>

### Recording your training video

<Steps>
  <Step title="Think about the gestures you want to do">
    Select the gestures or expressions you want to add to your avatar. We recommand between 3 and 9 gestures.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Record each gesture (20 seconds each minimum)">
    Perform the gesture once clearly (e.g., waving hello)

    1. Return hands to neutral position
    2. Continue speaking naturally until the 20-second mark

    [Watch an example gesture recording](https://youtu.be/doC1cvNgp5c)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Record your base video">
    Record a 2-minute base video of natural talking. The goal is to have a solid base that goes with everything you say. It is the "neutral you".
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create the full training video">
    1. Blend your base 2-minute video with the gestures videos (3 to 9) together in an editor like Capcut.
    2. Each gesture should appear at 20-second intervals after the 2-minute mark
    3. Result should look like a short version of this: [Watch an example training video](https://youtu.be/_MltcxXAADw)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload for training">
    Navigate to Avatars -> Create a new avatar -> Generic avatars and follow the training steps.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Labeling gestures

<Tip>
  Label your gestures immediately after training to make them available in the studio. Use the left/right arrows to adjust the exact timing of each gesture.
</Tip>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open avatar settings">
    1. Go to Avatars
    2. Select your avatar
    3. Click "..." then "Edit" on the right camera
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add gesture labels">
    1. Play the video until your first gesture (around 2-minute mark)
    2. Click "Add gesture"
    3. Name your gesture (e.g., "Waving")
    4. Repeat for each gesture in the video
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Using gestures in the studio

<Note>
  Your labeled gestures will appear in the "Body language" tab when creating videos. Select different gestures for each clip as needed.
</Note>

### Recommended gestures

[Watch our complete training video](https://youtu.be/ul7ZyA0iR2w) for examples.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Basic gestures" icon="hand">
    1. Waving to camera
    2. Pointing to self
    3. Pointing directions (below/above)
    4. Counting (one/two/three fingers)
  </Card>

  <Card title="Expressions" icon="face-smile">
    1. Assertive
    2. Disappointed
    3. Victorious
    4. Sad
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Card title="Next Steps" icon="arrow-right" href="https://docs.argil.ai/resources/styles-and-cameras">
  Learn how to add styles and camera angles to your avatar.
</Card>