Photo by
Ivan Mesaros
According to Forbes, body language is considered more than “50% of communication." The truth is that your body language is either working with you or against you. So, the next time you go for a big or small hand gesture, think about what message you’re trying to convey to those around you.
Reflect on how to use positive hand gestures
Learning how to use positive hand gestures is fundamental in developing and honing your communication skills. Start by simply taking a moment to reflect.
Do your hand gestures help or hinder your communication?
Exercises to help you use positive hand gestures
Now, it's time to put your reflection into action. Finding opportunities to implement your communication skills can allow you to use positive hand gestures.
- Use your hands when explaining a concept to amplify the key points. For example, if you're listing a number of items, use your fingers to count them off.
- Avoid over and under-using your hands. Don’t clasp your hands behind your back or flare your hands above your head. These gestures can come off as distracting to your team.
- Keep your gestures within your personal space. Ensure your hands are visible and in front of you when speaking. For Zoom calls, keep your hands within the screen frame.
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