What to do with your hands during the presentation? How to gesticulate?

A common question that comes from my clients is: what should I do with my hands? During speeches, issues with hand positioning and gestures can be problematic. In this article, you will find tips on what to do with your hands.

Is it better to keep your hands stiff in one place or to make gestures?

Each of us has our own style of presentation, which results from our personality. If we are quiet and calm by nature, we will probably speak slowly, calmly, and emanate these qualities on stage. In turn, if we are dynamic, expressive, and loud on a daily basis, then during the speech we will keep these features and, for example, will speak quite quickly. How does this apply to gesticulation? When looking for your way of expression, we should first and foremost ensure a natural demeanour and authenticity. Our gestures and body language that reflect our character are consistent with us. Well, what are our options? Which gestures are desirable and which are not?

Where do you keep your hands?

Our hand movements should oscillate between the hip line and the chest. Especially for those who perform on stage, on a platform, or in front of cameras, it is worth ensuring that our gestures do not cover our faces. It looks bad both on camera and from the audience’s level. If people come to hear or see us, is it worth giving them such a chance? You can imagine a red line that runs above the chest and do not cross it. A mirror or recording on the phone may be useful for exercising.

How grand your gestures can be?

The happy medium rule applies here. There are no strict guidelines on how many centimeters from the body is too little and how many is too much. It is worth avoiding excessive theatricality if you do not emphasize a word or sentence. Definitely better than too much. Observe how your hands move when you talk to a colleague at work or a friend. This can be your benchmark and reference point. Too many moves can distract the audience. Gestures can beautifully highlight what you are talking about, so don’t forget about them.

How to gesticulate? Do’s and don’ts with gestures during a presentation

Hands in your pockets

The votes are divided on this issue. Some find it unnecessary nonchalance and disregard, others as a symptom of stress or just freedom. In my opinion, this position can be helpful for people who are very stressed and completely do not know what to do with their hands. It all depends on the context. If your speech is serious or sad, you should avoid having your hands in your pockets.

Hands on thighs

Holding hands in this way during a public speech will close the possibility of expressing and highlighting your thoughts with gestures. However, this is a fairly safe position to start with.

Basket

A few years ago, it was a very popular gesture among politicians. It was recommended as an expression of reflection and wisdom, which was why many people used it excessively. It is currently on the list of don’ts, it has definitely become obsolete.

Basket 2

A reverted version of this famous basket. In many countries, it is associated with a signature gesture of the former German Chancellor, Angela Merkel.

Crossed arms

I strongly advise against this position. Sometimes, too quickly, we assess a person with crossed arms as closed, unwilling or withdrawn. This can be, for example, a symptom of feeling cold. Nevertheless, closed attitudes are perceived mainly negatively, so we should avoid them and consciously open ourselves to contact with the audience.

Football stance

Most often, we can see it on the football field, when the whole team is in a row. It is the standard on the pitch, but not during speeches. It symbolizes protection against danger or the attitude of a little girl or boy.

Hands on the back

They can give us seriousness and give us the character of reflection. The attitude in which we hold our hands behind can be associated with great philosophers. If held for too long, the position can look unnatural and bad on camera.

Praying hands

Rather discouraged.

Praying hands 2

Same as version 1. There are better ways to hold your hands.  

Hands on hips (sideways)

A position in which we are preparing for an attack or defense. We can use this gesture for a moment or when only one hand rests on the hip and the other hand is loosely gesturing. Stiffly holding hands on the hips for a long time will look as if we wanted to Riverdance?;)

Hands along the torso

It’s a stiff posture that reminds a school show or a soldier during their service. It’s not the best choice.

The winners!

Hand embracing

A safe position and friendly to recipients. It is worth remembering, however, not to stand only in this position throughout the whole performance. This gesture looks professional, calm, and doesn’t distract the listeners.

Natural gesticulation

Number one in the category of best body language. The most important aspect of body language, natural gestures are something that everyone should strive for. It can be considered the most desirable form of expression. Natural gestures flow from a given moment, occurring emotions, and they emphasize words and are a beautiful complement to the content. At the beginning, you will need to build up your methods and skills, but eventually the gesticulation will manifest itself naturally.

What if you have a clicker?

Most of the time, if you work in a company, your presentation slides will accompany you. The rules are quite similar, but we need to take in count that you need to actively hold it during the whole presentation.

The clicker in both hands

A safe position if we don’t know what to do with our hands. We can then hold the clicker or marker with both hands and not worry about how to move our hands.

The clicker in one hand, the other along the torso

We can hold the clicker with one hand, and the other can be freely stretched, however, the option above is much better.

The clicker in one hand, the other  gesticulates

Very recommended position if we use presentations and need to change slides using a clicker or write with a marker, e.g., on a flipchart. In fact, in this situation, one is forced to hold something in one hand so that the other hand is free to gesticulate.

The clicker in one hand and gesticulating with both hands

This is an excellent position during a presentation. You can change your slides and still fully express yourself with your hands.

What if you have a microphone?

It’s good to exercise your speech with a microphone if you will have one, as it’s not something that you probably do every day, and it might feel strange.

A tricky combo- holding the clicker in one hand, in the other the microphone

This is a good position if you need to hold the microphone and clicker together. You can use the hand with a clicker to gesticulate, never the one with the microphone!

Holding the microphone in one hand, the other gesticulates

A very recommended position if we hold the microphone. In fact, in this situation, one hand is forced to hold something in one hand so that the other hand is free to gesticulate.

Holding the microphone with both hands

If you feel unsure, or your hands are shaking at the begining, you can also hold the microphone with both hands.

A no-go if you talk to a microphone

Be aware that your lips should always be directed towards the microphone, never away.

How to show natural gestures?

From my experience in public speaking, I have noticed a correlation between the naturalness of gesticulation and mastery of a text or song. Thinking about what you present can be a tip for you during practice. Reciting memorized sentences without thinking about the content, you lose your natural expression. Try to do this exercise – imagine that you present the fragment you have to play, sing, or say to a child who is hearing it for the first time. Will you not then naturally “translate” and gesture? After some time, you will be on stage, starting to gesticulate naturally. Sometimes it may be that the stress is so paralyzing that we freeze and cannot move. Articles about stress and relaxation techniques can be found here.