Ten mistakes that happen in using gestures
Non-verbal communication or body language is an important part of presentation skills and how you gesture is an essential component of that body language. Your gesture should match your words and not distract the audience. And with a little practice, they can help you in being confident and avoid the misinterpreting of your messages.
Here are ten mistakes to avoid when using gestures:
1. Not using gestures at all. If you keep your hands locked at your sides, you will look nervous and your presentation will lack visual element to accompany your words. You should display to the audience what you are saying, in addition to hearing it.
2. Keeping your hands in your pockets. From the side it looks pretty weird. Bear in mind, this position is a manifestation of disrespect.
3. Fidgeting with you hands. Be aware of what your hands are doing, such as "washing each other, grasping each other tightly, fiddling with you hair, watch, jewelry, etc. You can't combine these gestures with speaking to the audience.
4. Playing with "stuff". If you must hold something, such as notes or computer mouse, be conscious of how you are holding it. Too often the item becomes something for you to play with unconsciously, or in the cause of notes,a crutch that prevents you from looking at the audience.
5. Holding you hands behind your back. When not gesturing, your hands should be in the "neutral position", hanging loosely at your sides and ready to come up to gesture.
6. Pointing at the audience. It's not polite to point. Replace it with another gesture, for example, try an open-handed gesture instead.
7. Folding your arms across your chest and stroking your face. Even if you are only doing this because you feel cold, this gesture will most likely be interpreted as your closing yourself off from the audience. Instead, keep your gesture open to the audience.
8. Gripping the podium. This gesture is usually accompanied by the "deer in the headlights" look. If you are using the podium, place your hands lightly on the top of it or in a relaxed hold on the edges.
9. Using stilted gestures. Your gestures should be natural and flow smoothly rather than looking forced or robotic.
10. Using overly rehearsed gestures. The audience shouldn't be too observant to notice that you don't know what to do with your hands.
Just try to use your gestures in an appropriate way :)
Here are ten mistakes to avoid when using gestures:
1. Not using gestures at all. If you keep your hands locked at your sides, you will look nervous and your presentation will lack visual element to accompany your words. You should display to the audience what you are saying, in addition to hearing it.
2. Keeping your hands in your pockets. From the side it looks pretty weird. Bear in mind, this position is a manifestation of disrespect.
3. Fidgeting with you hands. Be aware of what your hands are doing, such as "washing each other, grasping each other tightly, fiddling with you hair, watch, jewelry, etc. You can't combine these gestures with speaking to the audience.
4. Playing with "stuff". If you must hold something, such as notes or computer mouse, be conscious of how you are holding it. Too often the item becomes something for you to play with unconsciously, or in the cause of notes,a crutch that prevents you from looking at the audience.
5. Holding you hands behind your back. When not gesturing, your hands should be in the "neutral position", hanging loosely at your sides and ready to come up to gesture.
6. Pointing at the audience. It's not polite to point. Replace it with another gesture, for example, try an open-handed gesture instead.
7. Folding your arms across your chest and stroking your face. Even if you are only doing this because you feel cold, this gesture will most likely be interpreted as your closing yourself off from the audience. Instead, keep your gesture open to the audience.
8. Gripping the podium. This gesture is usually accompanied by the "deer in the headlights" look. If you are using the podium, place your hands lightly on the top of it or in a relaxed hold on the edges.
9. Using stilted gestures. Your gestures should be natural and flow smoothly rather than looking forced or robotic.
10. Using overly rehearsed gestures. The audience shouldn't be too observant to notice that you don't know what to do with your hands.
Just try to use your gestures in an appropriate way :)
Hmm, very interesting facts!) I didn't think that some of these gestures can be misinterpreted. Is this blog the result of your own observation?
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