How to Gesture During a Speech

Gestures should augment the points in your speech, not distract from them.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Laser Pointers
• Index Cards

1. Create opportunities for making gestures during a speech by using phrases such as "On the one hand ... on the other hand," and by numbering your points.

2. Begin speaking with your hands together. As you speak, your hands will naturally separate and come together again.

3. Assess the space you'll be speaking in and the size of the audience you'll be addressing. For smaller venues, gesture with the hand and forearm by bending at the wrist and elbow. For larger audiences, gesture with your entire arm by bending at the shoulder.

4. Keep your hands above your elbows as much as possible to express authority.

5. Make bold gestures, such as using a fist instead of a finger, when appropriate.

Tips & Warnings

• If you try to plan your gestures ahead of time, they won't look natural or convincing during your speech.
• Avoid distracting gestures such as looking at your watch, playing with your hair or fidgeting with clothing, jewelry or pocket change.

on 11/22/2005 When you are inviting someone to do something, or you're making a sales pitch, do not gesture toward your audience with your open palms. This communicates pushing them away, while your words are trying to draw them to you. When you close your invitation, gesture with your palms toward you, and the back of the hand toward your audience. Move your hands toward you, this communicates a positive feeling and draws your listener toward you.

on 11/22/2005 When you give a speech, you need to imagine a line through the middle of your body, from your head to your toes. Each time your hands cross that imaginary line, you give off a negative vibe. For example, if you said, "I love this convention center," and you gestured by crossing your arms in front of you, it would bring negative feelings about what you've said. Say the same thing, and bring your arms up and out, and you get a positive feeling about what you've said. If you bring your arms in, and bring your arms together in front of you, without crossing; the impression is very positive. If you use the crossed wrists' gesture, and say, "That guy really gets to me," that brings a negative feeling. It communicates by gesture what you are communicating vocally. If you don't believe me, practice it in the mirror, or present it to some close friends.

on 11/22/2005 When practicing for a speech try to use at least 2 guestures for each sentence. By doing this it will make your gestures feel and look more natural.

on 11/22/2005 1) Don't pace, it makes you look unsure of yourself (if you do want to pace, make sure that you take large, deliberate steps). 2) Hands at your sides or behind your back look best.
3) Don't shift back and forth.
4) Don't lean on anything. 5) Eyes up!

on 11/22/2005 Videotape yourself giving a practice speech using the gestures you think will be effective. I did this and was quite surprised to find that what I thought were natural, friendly gestures actually looked unnatural and aggressive.