'CONNECT' 35: Tips on public speaking ...using gestures

Be simple in words, manners, and gestures. Amuse as well as instruct. If you can make a man laugh, you can make him think and make him like and believe you.

Al Smith

One important aspect to be kept in mind in  public speaking is 'gestures'. Gestures are the movement of your arms or hands while you deliver your speech. Lot has been written on gestures and how to use gestures while you deliver your speech. I would like to give one golden rule on gestures: be natural and ensure that it does not violates any cultural sentiments. The same gesture may be communicate something good, while at the same time it may be just the opposite and may would somebody's sentiments elsewhere. For example a raised thumb.  

You may notice different types of gestures such as clasping hands in front or at the back, keeping the hands in the trouser pockets etc. You may see notice speakers with outstretched hands inviting people to respond. Some people may stretch the hands up while making a point.

The best way to learn how to use gestures is to observe how powerful speakers deliver their talks. Log on to the YouTube and listen to legends like Martin Luther King, John F Kennedy, Steve Jobs, etc speak and notice what gestures they use and the context and content of their speech at that time.

Ensure that your gestures do not irritate the audience!

NC Sridharan

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'CONNECT' 32: Non verbal aspects of public speaking

Language is a more recent technology. Your body language, your eyes, your energy will come through to your audience before you even start speaking.

Peter Guber

In a face to face communication, you are very much there when you deliver your speech. The audience not only 'hear' you, but also see you. I am carefully using the word 'hear' and not 'listen' in this piece! Unless what you say and how you say is interesting, people will merely hear you and not listen to you. In order to make people to listen to you, you need to care about how you present yourself physically. Your non verbal aspects of communication is as important as your speech and delivery.

Next time when you deliver a speech, remember the following points:

1. Empty your hands: Do not carry notes, pen etc in your hands and free your hands so that you will use them for appropriate gestures.

2. Keep your hands free: Do not keep your hands in your pockets, meddling with your shirt buttons, holding on to the podium, adjusting your tie etc.

3. Vary your hand gestures and do not stick to one specific gesture.

4. How you stand in front of the audience is very important.

5. Gestures like wiping your face or uneasy body movements may reveal that you are nervous.

You may not notice how you appear, but others do!

N C Sridharan

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