That stroking your beard every time you're asked a question.

He stood stroking his beard and listening to the talk.

Stroking his beard, the old man fell deep into thought.

Is God then so close, he thinks, stroking his black beard.

He stood still a moment longer, stroking his beard, and then moved forward, more slowly now.

He stroked his long white beard and paused for a bit, deep in thought.

The Russian remained for some minutes standing by the table, stroking his beard.

The old man stroked his beard, looked extremely proud of himself.

He began stroking his beard thoughtfully and considered the information.

My father stroked his beard, a sure sign that he was upset.