Physical Gestures

Distractive Gestures

Be aware that nervousness or feelings of inadequacy can show immediately in your gestures. These can be very distractive and misinterpreted.

For example:

• Hands on hips = condescending, parental, overbearing
• Crossed arms = cutting off, disagreeing, wanting to protect
• Hands crossed in front (fig leaf) = feeling weak, timid, needing protection.
• Hands joined behind your back = you’re on parade!
• Hands in pockets = nervousness.  This can result in jingling any change or keys, making it even more obvious you don’t know what to do with your hands!

Now, if it is your intention to look nervous, condescending, overbearing, weak or protective because your speech calls for it, then use these gestures, but do so with purpose!

Most of the time however, speakers are using these gestures unconsciously.  So be aware of what you are doing with your arms and hands as it is sending a subconscious message to your audience.

posture - n. the way in which your body is positioned when you are sitting or standing

eye contact - n. a situation in which two people are looking directly into each other's eyes

gesture - n. a movement of your body (especially of your hands and arms) that shows or emphasizes an idea or a feeling

nervousness - n. having or showing feelings of being worried and afraid about what might happen

confidence - n. a feeling or belief that you can do something well or succeed at something

stage - n. a raised platform in a theater, auditorium, etc., where the performers stand

aware - adj. knowing that something (such as a situation, condition, or problem) exists

opportunity – n. an amount of time or a situation in which something can be done