Gestures

Communication

Public Speaking

1.3 min

Updated Jan. 31, 2024

Gestures serve to engage your viewers, direct their attention, and, most importantly, reinforce what you’re saying. Effective gesturing feels like a natural extension of your verbal message.

CORE CONTENT | 0.4 min read

Using Gestures Effectively

Simple hand movements or body expressions can vividly illustrate stories or highlight important points. Though gestures can act as visual articulations, you must use them appropriately (usually sparingly). They should enhance your words, not overshadow them. Overusing or mismatching gestures with your message can distract or confuse the audience. For instance, it’s best to avoid body language that makes you seem closed off (e.g., crossed arms). Note: Be aware of the cultural implications of gestures, as their meanings can vary significantly across cultures.

REAL WORLD EXAMPLE | 0.9 min read

Gesture Examples

  • Pointing: Use pointing gestures to draw attention to specific figures, text, audience members, or areas.
  • Counting with Fingers: When listing items or points, using your fingers can visually emphasize the number and sequence. This can help remind the audience which step you are on. It can also be used to emphasize an amount. For example, holding up three fingers while saying, “There are three key points to our strategy.”
  • Expansive Arm Movements: Broad arm movements can illustrate grand ideas or concepts, conveying a sense of scale or importance.
  • Clapping Hands: Clapping or bringing hands together can signal enthusiasm or mark the end of an important point.
  • Miming: Using your hands to demonstrate an action or object can make your stories more vivid.
  • Hand to Heart: Placing a hand over your heart can communicate sincerity and passion about a subject.
  • “Unity” Gestures: Bringing together or linking your hands can symbolize the coming together of or a connection between ideas.
  • Head Nods: When involving your audience, subtle nods can affirm points or show agreement, encouraging audience involvement.