What do I do with my hands? is a question I get asked all the time. Here's the answer, along with some additional information about the space between people and how to use it, in a quick, 2-minute video from a speech I gave last year. Enjoy!
What Do You Do With Your Hands?
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About the Author: Nick Morgan
Nick, question: We see a lot of this in sermons of all kinds. The preachers (or clergy of your choice) use a lot of gesturing – reaching out to audience, reaching toward the sky. Do you believe they have mastered the art of audience engagement through hand gestures, or is it perhaps more of a leading gesture – to get people to do the same. We have all seen when a preacher is going full bore that the audience is reaching back.
I ask because I have found myself watching those shows on Sunday morning for a few minutes, completely fascinated by how the person on the stage has the audience in the grip of his/her hand. That it’s not just about the subject, but about the performance.
Thoughts?
Thank you, Nick! Great 2 minutes.
Hi, Paul —
Thanks for the comments. It’s a great question — what’s going on with all that gesturing — hands to the sky, and so on? Two things — when we raise our hands over our heads, we’re saying that our emotional level is very high. And also we’re mirroring the speaker — showing our solidarity. So it’s both emotion and connection. And very powerful for the audience member that experiences it.
I agree with everything you pointed out. What do you suggest about the following:
– What do you do with your hands when you’re not gesturing? I usually put my hands together with finger tips touching.
– I tend to bend at the waist in an effort to connect with the audience and hit my points. Is this a good technique?
– How about hands in the pockets? Sometimes I find it casual, relaxing, authentic/real when I do it or see other speakers doing it.
Thx Nick!!
Hi, Ryan —
Don’t use the fingertips touching gesture — it’s not a real one, and it has the effect of being self-protective with your hands in front of your stomach. Bending at the waist is fine, to emphasize a point — but don’t overuse it! Used more than a couple of times in a speech and the audience will suspect you of gastrointestinal distress. Hands in the pockets also not good — too casual, and what are you hiding in there? (Or worse, are you jingling your keys?) Just put your hands at your sides when you’re not gesturing.