Where Are Your Hands?

What do you do with your hands when making a presentation? You can run into problems if you are not conscious of this point.


Of course if you are busy changing slides  or pointing things out on your whiteboard or Power Point presentation -- or gesturing to emphasize a point or help describe something this won't be a problem.


But where are your hands when you are not doing those things? Places they should never be include: crossed at the wrist in front of you (some persons actually make short jerky gestures from this position),  behind your back,  or in your pockets.


Some speakers place  them  lightly on either side of the lectern holding your notes. So long as you don't grip the sides of the lectern it looks quite natural and from this position it is easy to make those emphatic and descriptive gestures.


Others let their hands drop momentarily -- between gestures or other actions -- down by their sides.  I find that this a little awkward and I begin to feel like a pencil with arms -- but you might find this works for you. The trick is to keep your finger tips slightly bent -- not curled into a fist.


Do whatever works best for you -- just keep them away from those three positions in front of you, behind you, or in your pockets.