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Step 1
Use your hands often. It’s awkward to hide your arms behind your back and pretend they don’t exist (despite the nervousness). It can be equally annoying to find a speaker who seems to grip his/her notes or the podium for the duration of the speech (like a gust of wind could come up at any moment and whish them away).
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Step 2
Show what you are saying with your hands. If you are talking about some sort of increase show the steps with your dominant hand. When something is circular, illustrate the motions with your hands (it can only add to the clarity of what you are saying). If there is a sudden explosion in your speech don’t be afraid to make a popping motion with your hands, and well you get the idea.
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Step 3
Keep your hands active but not distracting; share the time with them. Moving your hands every once in a while can be a nice break from the monotony of endless speaking. Interesting hand motions will keep your audience more alert and involved. Keep your body language open. Don’t be afraid to move your arms around to make yourself comfortable. Avoid keeping them in one position too often or you will begin to get restless.
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Step 4
If you need further assistance or feel your hand motions seem awkward watch someone else whom you admire give a speech. There really isn’t any pre-established method at scoring hand motions so you will have to judge what you deem to be most effective.
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Step 5
The right hand gestures can provide non-verbal signals to what you are really thinking. Your audience will feel like they are a privileged observer allowed special admittance into the thoughts and emotions you are trying to convey. When in doubt just remember it’s better to make an attempt at movement than remain stiff as a board!
