 | #90 Professional Speakers - what do they do with their handsposted by Justin Barry, Group AdministratorFriday, July 29th 2011 @ 12:00 AM |
Body language is a very powerful tool. We had body language before we had speech, and apparently, 80% of what you understand in a conversation is read through the body, not the words. So remember HAND gestures used well enhance your speech. Here are some tips....
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In preparing your speech, think about the proportion of time and effort you should give to the movement and rhythm of your hands? Remember, correctly used, hand gestures can help you say more in less time, without having to rely on visuals etc.
Avoid holding your notes in your hands as this immobilizes them, however if you are nervous about your presentation, stand with your hands relaxed at your sides. Avoid making the audience nervous with gestures that reveal anxiety such as gripping the lectern, clenching your hands together, clutching an object, fiddling with clothing or accessories or touching a body part (pulling ear, wiping brow, rubbing chin).
A professional speaker uses hand gestures to enhance their presentation in a number of ways:
- Hands to illustrate their enthusiasm for being there.
- Accentuate their point of view with a solid, intentional gesture
- Emphasize main points with deliberate gestures.
- Use their hands to indicate a new topic
- Introduce humor by contradiction between your gestures and your words.
- Respond to audience input with affirmative or encompassing gestures
- hands to express emotion or attitude, emphasize importance, demonstrate relationship or contrast
- Finally, signal the ending with a gesture indicating closure or departure.
Hand Gesture - "Word of warning"
Lastly, here are several common "gotchas"....
- Avoid using the same hand gesture over and over in a pumping action
- Refrain from copying others, the best gestures are unique to you
- New gestures feel as strange to your body. Practice them until they are comfortable
- One-handed gestures are often more effective than both hands mirroring each other
- Avoid finger and fist gestures as they may be offensive to other cultures
- Gestures are a physical activity, you can not learn to do them by reading, so use a mirror to practice your gestures!
