An issue for presenters is: what do we do with our hands when we’re presenting?

If we’re feeling nerves, it’s easy to fidget. We’ll shuffle our papers, play with our top, or wriggle with our watch band. Your audience picks up on this. you’d know as an audience member yourself, you can see nervous movements a mile away.

In everyday conversation we naturally use our hands to express ourselves so we should use them on stage too. Don’t put them behind your back, it creates distant. Don’t put them in your pockets. It’s awkward. Instead intentionally use your hands to emphasize your messages. Use gestures to bring your words to life.

If I said 1. ‘Using your hands helps you deliver with more impact’ ….. VS…. ‘Using your hands helps you deliver with more impact.’

What do you think? Number 2 is way better. And true! Intentional hand gestures enhance your message. And it gives your audience more to engage with from a visual perspective.

Today’s action step is: Use hand gestures to express yourself.