Public Speaking: What Do I Do With My Hands?

Article by Diane DiResta, a public-speaking coach who explains how to use hand gestures effectively during presentations.

Common Gesture Mistakes

• Fig-leaf Position: Clasping hands in front looks sedate, not powerful.
• Wooden Soldier: Hands locked at the sides appear stiff and unapproachable.
• At Ease: Hands behind the back make people wonder if you’re hiding them.
• Hands in Pockets: Loses energy and expressiveness.
• The Juggler: Perpetual motion conveys nervousness and distracts.
• Pointing Finger: Can feel accusatory; use an open-handed gesture instead.
• Fidgeting: Signals nervousness; move hands purposefully.

Effective Gesture Techniques

• Above the Waist: Keep gestures between waist and face—your “power space.” (Bill Clinton’s coaches called this the “Clinton box.”)
• Find a Rest Position: Use a neutral pose (e.g., one hand on top of the other at waist level) as a home base.
• Hold the Ball: Mimic holding a basketball above the waist; Steve Jobs used this gesture.
• Count Off: Tick off points on your fingers for lists of three or more.
• Palms Up: Waist-high palms-up conveys honesty (avoid shrugging).
• Palms Down: Waist-high palms-down with a downward motion conveys authority; President Obama used this.
• Steepling: Fingertips touching at waist level signals confidence but can intimidate; use sparingly.
• Consider Culture: Gestures vary globally—e.g., the A-OK sign is obscene in Brazil, and some cultures (Asia, Scandinavia, Germany) prefer fewer hand movements.

Why Gestures Matter

Research by Erasmus University found that venture capitalists were more interested in entrepreneurs who used gestures to explain a product than those who relied on anecdotes or metaphors. Gestures make ideas concrete and convey excitement, but excessive movement can appear theatrical. Strategic gestures add impact and influence to presentations.

If gesturing feels unnatural, practice the techniques above while staying authentic.