How to Use Gestures When Speaking

It is important to understand that hand gestures can be easily misunderstood.

Many people are surprised when they see themselves speaking on film and notice their hand gestures because they are not really conscious of this. It it something that is far more obvious when observing others. Yet, it is an important part of communication. A study carried out by Dr. Elena Nocoladis, a psychologist at the University of Alberta in Canada, found that bilingual children gestured significantly more when speaking in their first language, confounding the expectations of the researchers who expected people to use hand gestures more to help them when they were less confident. This suggests that using hand gestures shows more confidence and assurance.

Instructions

1. Watch a film of yourself to see how you normally use hand gestures. Note any nervous habits, you have, such as touching your face, and then consciously try to stop this behavior when you speak in public. Practice your speech in front of the mirror and think about the appropriate and inappropriate use of hand gestures.

2. Use hand gestures to convey confidence and to emphasize points, but be aware that hand gestures can be interpreted as threatening and aggressive, so avoid pointing or fist-shaking. Some cultural groups also find those gestures unacceptable. Do not use exaggerated hand gestures; you want them to enhance what you are saying, not detract from it.

3. Use gestures that indicate you are aware of your audience. Gestures can be encompassing and convey warmth. Avoid holding notes in your hand as this takes away the freedom to move your hands. Try not to grip the lectern or fiddle with your clothing. Stage-fright can make you freeze, so use hand gestures to loosen yourself up and involve the audience.

4. Watch how other public speakers use their hands to good effect in a descriptive way by indicating a size or shape or to emphasize a point. Watch how the effective use of hand gestures allows them to say more in less time or to reach the audience in a subtle way.

References

• Science Daily: Hand Gestures Linked to Better Speaking
• Public Speaking Tips: Hand Gestures