
Not all hand movements are created equal
- Categories Key things to help you everyday
- Date January 24, 2025
At the start of this week when we were planning this edition of FRIDAY, one of the topics I did not expect to be writing a piece about is ‘hand gestures and public speaking.’
“The face is the image of the soul, and the eyes its interpreter. But the hands are the instruments of eloquence.” – Cicero
Your hands can speak volumes.
Elon Musk made sure the world would be discussing appropriate, and in his case inappropriate, hand gestures when speaking in public. (Or private for that matter.)
Now, whether he intended to gesture the way he did, won’t be discussed.
What we wanted to do is create a learning moment for Village Professionals. Public speaking is a big part of what we do. Resident meetings are a necessity. Whether it be to present budgets, or answer questions in a forum, it is not a task we can simply avoid.
Have you ever thought about how your hands can make you a more effective communicator?
We have checked in with the experts to put together these do’s and don’ts.
Do’s:
- Use Purposeful Gestures: Align your hand movements with your spoken words to emphasise key points and illustrate concepts. For example, extending your hand and arm toward your audience in a welcoming handshake position can bridge the gap between you and your audience, making them feel more engaged.
- Maintain Open and Relaxed Hands: Keeping your palms open and visible to the audience conveys trust, honesty, and a willingness to engage openly with your listeners. This approach helps build a connection and makes you appear approachable.
- Keep Hands Within the ‘Communication Zone’: Imagine a box that stretches from each of your shoulders to your belt line. Keeping your hands within this area ensures that your gestures are visible and not distracting, helping to maintain the audience’s focus on your message.
- Practice Natural Gestures: Your gestures should flow naturally and complement your speech. Over-choreographed movements can appear forced and distract from your message. Aim for authenticity to enhance your connection with the audience.
Don’ts:
- Avoid Overusing or Distracting Gestures: Excessive or repetitive hand movements can divert attention away from your message. Ensure your gestures are purposeful and add value to your speech, rather than overshadowing it.
- Don’t Hide Your Hands: Placing your hands in your pockets or clasping them behind your back can signal nervousness or disengagement. Keep your hands visible to appear open and confident.
- Avoid Fidgeting: Playing with jewellery, tapping your fingers, or other fidgeting behaviours can be distracting and convey anxiety. Practice self-awareness to minimize these habits during your presentation.
- Don’t Cross Your Arms: Crossing your arms can be perceived as defensive or closed-off. Maintain an open posture to foster a positive connection with your audience.
Importantly, no matter how excited about a subject you get, don’t be like Elon.
By thinking about the message you want to get a cross, and planning how you’d like to deliver your message, you can enhance your stage presence and deliver a more engaging and confident presentation.
The more you work at this, the more these Do’s and Don’ts will become a natural part of how you communicate – which will make you more impactful in smaller moments, as well as on the larger stage.
Author
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With over 20 years of experience in the seniors living sector, James has led operations for both large and small operators. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to a resident-focused approach, working tirelessly to establish, improve, and transform retirement communities for some of Australia's top owners and operators. James holds a Masters Degree in Commerce and Economics (UNSW) with an advanced specialisation in Human Resource Management. A former member of the NSW Retirement Living Council, he continues to sit on numerous sector Committees.
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Tag:Leadership, Management
With over 20 years of experience in the seniors living sector, James has led operations for both large and small operators. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to a resident-focused approach, working tirelessly to establish, improve, and transform retirement communities for some of Australia's top owners and operators.
James holds a Masters Degree in Commerce and Economics (UNSW) with an advanced specialisation in Human Resource Management. A former member of the NSW Retirement Living Council, he continues to sit on numerous sector Committees.
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