What do I do with my hands when I present? As a public speaking coach for two decades now, I’ve heard this question a lot. So like a “Best Of” album from your favorite band, today I’ll be compiling some of the greatest hits when it comes to research on hand gestures.
What is a Gesture?
Gestures are hand motions which accompany your speech as part of the communication process
- Emblems are gestures that stand in for words
- Illustrators, on the other hand, don’t take the place of words the way emblems do
- They accompany words
Speak with Your Palms Up
Gestures are deeply connected to our brains and our perceptions of others
- Presenters who want to gain the attention and trust of the audience should speak as often as possible with their palms facing up
- President of a communications training firm, Mark Bowden says that palms up or open gestures communicate “no tools, no weapons.” It is a symbol of vulnerability and trust to which the audience responds favorably
Keep It Natural
Use gestures that you would use in everyday conversation
- Avoid any motion that feels repetitive or planned
- Gesturing is part of the unique and beautiful way you share your thoughts with the world
- As long as you aren’t confusing, offending, or distracting your audience with your hands your gestures are probably functioning just as they should to help you communicate
