Nonverbal communication is just as important as verbal communication. Are you one of those people who talks with your hands and people start moving things away from you at the dinner table? Or are you someone who does not know when to use their hands to state a point?
Hand gestures when used correctly can illustrate a point, create a more vivid description, and help you tell a story. But be careful, too many hand gestures, hand gestures that are too over the top or exaggerated will hurt your presentation. The hand gestures may distract from the points you are trying to make. Any type of hand gesture should appear normal and relaxed. Practice in front of a mirror. If you become distracted by the gestures, imagine how your audience will feel.
When you get up in front of a group to give a presentation and you are nervous, your hands will give you away. Do not grip the podium or lectern. The more nervous you become, the tighter you will hold onto the podium or lectern. The audience will actually see your hands change colors. If you cannot use hand gestures in a natural way, try to place your hands flat on the podium or lectern near your notes. This will not distract the audience.
Do not place your hands in your pockets, this may make you appear too casual for the audience. Depending on the audience, you may lose credibility or appear nonchalant. You may even subconsciously play with the items in your pocket.
Try not to clasp your hands behind your back. When you lean down to look at your notes, you may appear to be "pecking" and this will look even worse to the audience.
If you need to, make a mark on your notes to help you remember to use your hands. It can be something as simple as turning your palm up while making a point. After awhile, hand gestures will come natural to you.
Practice will help you know when to use your hand gestures and when not to use them.
Until the next blog, Keep Speaking!!
Denise
Denise Ann Galloni, Owner & President
DG Training Solutions, Inc.
Email: dgtrainingsolutionsinc@gmail.com
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