Blinker
After entirely too many cheek to cheek sidewalk sambas with other pedestrians while trying to walk past them, I embarked on a small empirical study of body language and its use within the context of the flow of foot traffic. What subtle signal could I employ to decisively communicate my intended direction to oncoming walkers? Directing my eye gaze in the direction I wished to go proved ineffective, as direct eye contact is rarely made. I did not attempt verbal cues or hand gesticulations for fear that I would sound like a fanatically hardcore jogger (‘right!’) or cyclist (elbow at right angle, hand pointed down).
After many days of failure, I finally found the ultimate body language turn signal - the head tip. When approaching an oncoming pedestrian, I bend my neck, pointing my head towards the path I intend to take. I do so firmly to prevent confusing indecisiveness, yet the motion is subtle and natural enough to only be detected by the approaching walker. I have found this method significantly improves traffic flow and prevents those West-Side-Story-esque choreographed dance fights in which each person jukes back and forth in an attempt to get past the other.
(Note: This head tip should be used only to signal a veer to the right. Emulating the flow of automobile traffic in the United States of America, one should always attempt to travel to the right of oncoming traffic. Only under extenuating circumstances should one signal, and consequently pass, to the left of an oncoming pedestrian.)