Most of the time, we are not well aware of the effect of gestures, but we are instinctively aware that speakers who use their hands in speech clearly benefit from that. We see this every day and everywhere in the speeches of politicians and seasoned speakers. But many times we don't know how to use our hands effectively to enhance our chances of success.
When interviewing for a job, pitching an idea to our boss, or competing for a new lead, hand gestures can help us make a good impression. They can give more focus to our position, define our point of view, or add some excitement and enthusiasm to our speech, which leads to convincing people of what we say.
A scientific study supports this claim. Professor Joep Cornelissen of Erasmus University in Rotterdam conducted an experiment to analyze gestures in video-recorded entrepreneurial presentations to investors. Videos with frequent use of hand gestures were 12% more likely to attract investors.
Especially in this age of videoconferencing, when the camera is only pointed at the head and torso, gestures help us better engage the audience and deliver our message to them.
Gestures to increase your chances of success
Here are just a few of the many gestures you can follow and use to increase your chances of success:
1. Show confidence with a pinch of salt in the holding hand position
One gesture that can increase your chances of speaking is the "salt holding hand position." To make this gesture, put your fist in front of you. Looking at the thumb side of your hand, relax your top finger and your thumb, and bring the tips of these two fingers together as if holding a pinch of salt. Make a relaxed fist with the rest of the fingers. When talking about keywords, use this hand gesture to emphasize the main points.
This is a general gesture for politicians. Former US President Barack Obama used it ninety-three times in his first inaugural address, and his gesture emphasized confidence in his presidential plans.
2. Opening the palm as an invitation to participate
An open palm gesture conveys an invitation to communicate. Imagine that you are a team leader assigning a new project in a meeting, and your team members are listening intently. When you close, opening your palm will indicate that you would like feedback on what you just shared.
Using the open palm gesture means that you are ready to listen to your audience, and what you say gives an emotional dimension to your desire to invite your audience to participate.
3. Moving your hands in a specific way
Another way you can use your hands for affirmation is through animated gestures. When you want to make a strong point, let your hands express what you want to say. You can express steady, slow growth by slowly spreading your hands apart, and rapid growth by spreading them apart quickly. Making these declarative gestures helps the audience "see" your points and helps you become more persuasive in what you're saying through your delivery.
In conclusion
To increase your chance of a successful outcome from your presentation, include hand gestures to communicate with the audience, state what you say with momentum and clarity, and show conviction in your message.
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