How to Raise Your Fist in a Speech
As Exforsys notes, raising a fist in a speech can appear to be aggressive and make the audience feel uncomfortable. However, it is important to use hand gestures to communicate your points effectively. In 2005, "Science Daily" reported that research supports the claim that hand gestures improve the presentation of a speech because they emphasize points and engage the audience. Therefore, you need to plan when to raise a fist so it is enhancing not off-putting. In other words, it works to your advantage.
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Instructions
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Practice your speech in front of a mirror or a friend. You can raise a fist during your practices to emphasize points and help you prepare for the presentation. Each time you make a new point, pump your fist once. It will help you to focus your attention and get your energy flowing, ready for the real speech.
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Plan two or three occasions during the speech when you will raise your fist. Limiting the number of times you raise a fist will reduce the aggressiveness of it. Raise your fist to emphasis the main points of your conclusion, for instance. Or incorporate the movement to explain a point in a story.
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Raise your fist slowly and softly. If you start to shout and throw your fist in the air, it could cause conflict. Therefore, the most suitable approach is to subtly raise your fist. For example, leaders such as the former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair raise their fists to highlight key policy measures, but the fist is not raised higher than their waist -- and certainly not above their head.
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Lift the fist to waist height, but do not clench it tightly. Push it loosely outward or downward, rather than upward. If it is tightly clenched, it could be more symbolic of a punch ready to be thrown than a genuine gesture of communication.
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Incorporate other hand gestures within the speech to dilute heavy fist actions. For example, open your palm outward and turn it facing upward. This is a warm gesture because it is open body language that invites comment and question. Or, you could count on your fingers when listing particular arguments. Using a combination adds variety and strength to the speech.
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Change your facial expressions to match the tone of your speech, especially when you raise your fist. For example, if you are making a passionate and emotive speech to win funding for a project, keep your eyes wide and open. Avoid frowning when you raise your fist because the audience will copy this and be less warmed by you. Give them a warm smile instead.
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Tips & Warnings
Use hand gestures in everyday speech to test people's response to your speech. This way you can find out what works and what doesn't in presentations or at public speaking events.
References
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