What to do with the hands baffles most presenters. There are many schools of thought that offer conflicting advice. A recent leadership article in The Washington Post spotlighted what’s most impactful when it comes to presenters’ gestures. Below we summarize the recommendations:

Keep hand movements descriptive

"When really charismatic leaders use hand gestures, the brain is super happy," consultant Vanessa Van Edwards says. "Because it’s getting two explanations in one, and the brain loves that." Impactful gestures are like a nonverbal highlighter. Do what comes naturally, and think about using your hands to “give people the video” versus “audio” alone. Talking about a small thing? Pinch your fingers momentarily. To indicate a larger number, outstretch both hands on the horizontal to show the amount. Think about the content. How would you “sign” to your audience the meaning of the content?

Open palm gestures build the audience’s trust

As much as possible, avoid closed body language. Everything from the handshake to the “hands up” gesture people give to police provides proof that you have nothing to hide. Open body language helps you appear accessible and build rapport with your audience. You persuade and best influence others if you convey openness.

Don’t hold objects, which take on a (fidgety) life of their own

Hold a pen while you talk and before you know it, you are clicking the pen’s top or otherwise fidgeting with that object the entire talk. Avoid similar behavior when holding a remote. Some people rustle papers or drum their thumbs on a table or podium. Such distracting movements are read by the audience as nerves. "That's why I always say 'don't have anything in your hands,” says TED speaker coach Gina Barnett. “People fidget, and they're often clueless to what they're doing." Be vigilant about leaving pens or other objects aside before speaking. Monitor your use of a remote to convey a still quality in how you hold it.

Don’t draw attention to the wrong places

If your hands form a fig leaf over the groin area, guess where the audience’s attention will go? Avoid distracting your audience with such closed gestures, which furthermore don’t even add congruent meaning to your content. Instead, drop your arms to the side for a few moments, before doing a more open, deliberate gesture that adds meaning.

Avoid Pointing and the Spider Hands

Pointing can look aggressive, unwelcoming and off-putting to audiences. Instead, try extending an open palm, which looks more confident and engaging. Spider hands (with fingertips touching) before the torso appear tense and closed. Often, presenters stay stuck there, looking static and visually monotonous. For business presenters, better to use an open palm. You’ll simply look more calm and approachable. 

Deliberate and strategic gestures don’t have to be a mystery if you follow these guidelines. For a more in depth look at The Washington Post’s recommendations, Click Here.

Related Blog Posts: 50 Tips to Turn Your Next Talk Into An Extraordinary Presentation, 10 Tips On Confident, Credible Delivery, and How to Beat the Snooze Factor.