Hand Language in Public Speaking: How to Command Attention and Avoid Mistakes

Explore the art of hand gestures in public speaking. Learn what to embrace and avoid, and how to connect with your audience through nonverbal cues.

When people speak publicly, they have a goal to communicate with the audience by persuading, informing, or entertaining them. Public Speakers have the intention of inspiring the audience to change, persuading them towards their main ideas, and introducing the audience to the topic they're speaking about.

As we get into public speaking, studies show that 70-93% of communication is nonverbal, meaning that our body language can impact the way a person perceives our speech based on body posture, hand placement, eye movement, etc. Considering that body language has a huge impact on how people see our feelings about the speech, and how expressive, intuitive, and passionate we are, public speakers must be careful not to communicate the wrong idea.

So, let’s get into Hand Gestures!

Hand gestures convey emotions, thoughts, and information. They vary across cultures and are fundamental to communication. Hand movement can convey various emotions, complementing the speech. The use of various gestures helps the audience understand both the speaker and the addressed topic better; hand gestures also influence the way people interpret the speech.

The negative aspect of the use of gestures is that it has cultural barriers. Before presenting to the public (or presenting abroad), it's best that the audience be studied before the speech so the speaker can align with the audience's culture. Usage of hand movements may even distort your information, so using them constantly may lead to the public losing focus on your words.

1. Avoid using the fig-leaf pose: as it gives the impression of visually diminishing your presence. When you cover the groin region with your hands, it sends the message that you appear less assertive or even fearful.

2. Avoid placing your hands in your pockets: as these gestures send a similar message to the fig-leaf hand gesture: "I hope you like me." Additionally, hands deeply in the pockets, jingling change, can send two different messages, depending on the context: either "I'm nervous and hoping you like me," or "I'm extremely bored and wondering when this will end."

3. Avoid fidgeting: Unintentional gestures, often referred to as fidgets, are emotional reactions or the body's way of seeking physical comfort. Although fidgeting can help us feel calmer, those pesky, jerky movements or anxious behaviors may cause discomfort in others.

4. Avoid crossing your arms: It's often misinterpreted as being upset, closed off, or annoyed. This gesture can lead to misunderstandings, so it's best to avoid it to prevent any confusion.

5. Avoid using too many hand gestures: Using many hand movements is a natural habit when we are emotionally affected by anxiety, anger, or excitement. Using so many hand gestures will shift the public's focus, and may exaggerate your speech.