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  Teach Your Hands to Speak      

            "I can't speak in front of large groups," a young businesswoman said recently. "I get stiff as a zombie, my knees won't bend, and I have no idea what to do with my hands. I'm not afraid. I know my subject cold, but I still feel like an alien on a foreign planet trying to walk in zero gravity. I don't know how to move."

            She's not the only one. Many people who are perfectly comfortable speaking around a conference table or in a business meeting suddenly feel frozen to the spot when they have to get on their feet in front of a large group. They're in complete command of their subject and ready to impart the knowledge they've worked hard to acquire. So why do they have such difficulty sharing it?

            Often it's as simple as learning a few techniques to feel comfortable and natural on the stage or in the front of the room. These techniques are easy to customize to your own particular needs.

            Probably the most common complaint is, "I don't know what to do with my hands!" The most reasonable response is, "Do what makes you feel comfortable, as long as you look professional." There are many ways to use your hands to emphasize and enhance the words that are coming out of your mouth. Here are a few, in no particular order, that can be very useful.

            Emphasis Technique: When making a key statement, use one hand to briefly point toward the audience to emphasize the particular words that are important. Use this technique sparingly. This was one of President John F. Kennedy's favorite motions when emphasizing a significant point to his audiences.

            Keep It Casual Technique: Often when telling a story, putting one hand in your pocket and gesturing with the other gives an informal, casual touch. One hand should always be visible; never put both hands in your pockets at the same time. You don't want the audience to think you're so casual you don't really care about them.

            Use A Prop Technique: If you wear glasses, try holding them with one hand briefly now and then to gesture with. Put your notes on 3x5 cards and hold them in one hand while gesturing with the other.   A hand-held microphone makes a dandy prop and keeps one hand busy throughout your talk. A power point pointer gives the same effect.

            Bend An Elbow Technique: Stand absolutely still, one arm at your side, bend the other elbow and speak directly to one or two people, making eye contact if possible. Then pause for a moment to let your statement sink in. Standing quietly and speaking clearly and directly with one arm bent and the other at your side gives dramatic focus to what you're saying. You can use this technique in conjunction with the Emphasis Technique to establish key points.

            Gestures: How you move your hands is particular to you. Notice your gestures when speaking casually to friends and colleagues. The gestures that come most naturally to you off-stage are the same ones to use in front of a group. You may like very large, dramatic gestures or prefer small, quiet movements, but remember to avoid flinging your arms around like a windmill. You may feel comfortable clasping your hands for a moment in front of you. Do this sparingly. The key to any gesture is that it must enhance what you're saying, not distract from it.

            Vary your gestures, use as many of these Techniques as you wish, and always remember that the audience came to hear what you have to say. Focus on the message you're giving the audience and your hands will most likely take care of themselves.