How to Use Hand Gestures in Public Speaking

Hand gestures can add the extra emphasis to a point in a speech. A good speaker keeps his speech flowing smoothly with both his voice and his hands. When you're passionate about a subject, hand gestures can non-verbally convey the purpose and intent behind the words.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Jot your hand gestures down into your speech notes. Practice your speech with the gestures to get used to making them. Keep them natural, but not too deliberate or overly practiced.

2. Use your hands to make the entire audience feel like your speaking to them. Work from one side of the room to the other, and from the front of the room to the back by gesturing to each at some point during your speech.

3. Let your hands flow naturally through the entire speech, and add a few practiced gestures to keep the audience interested.

4. Gesture with one hand at a time on most gesturing moments. One hand signals to a section of the audience, area of the room or presentation prop such as a blackboard, much easier than two hands.

5. Tailor your gestures to the speech. Use gestures that go along with your action words. If you say "dig," act like your digging to communicate the meaning. Use an upward hand motion for "higher," and make up other gestures to go with the speech.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't put both hands in your pockets during any speech. Keep at least one hand free at all times.
• Don't use the same gesture over and over nervously. Practice your speech in front of a mirror to make sure you aren't fidgeting without consciously realizing it.
• Avoid holding your written notes in your hands. This cuts down on the amount hand gesturing you can use during the speech.