Communication development starts in the first year of life and encompasses more than speaking. Research has shown that development of gestures predict language skills, as they are an indicator that language skills are progressing.
Gestures are the earliest form of communication your little one has. If your baby isn't using a few gestures by their first birthday, it's a red flag and you should consult with your pediatrician.
Typically the earliest gesture babies learn is to grab an object then to let go. Additionally, at this age your baby will begin to indicate "no" by shaking their heads, as well as pushing away to let you know they don't want something.
When your baby gestures, make sure to acknowledge it by pairing it with a word or phrase. If he shakes his head "no" or turns away from a spoon of food, say something like "Don't want it" or "No food". This will help baby understand that his gestures are meaningful. The First Words Project has a wonderful handout on the 16 gestures you should have by 16 months. Take a look at their website: www.firstwordsproject.com to access the handout.