[Perform-Talk] The Use of Hand Gestures When Public Speaking

[annedonnellon at gmail.com]

Hello everybody😊.  I am curious to hear your thoughts on this subject.  I am a member of Toastmasters at my “survival” place of employment, and the person who evaluated me suggested that I try to incorporate more hand gestures in future speeches.  I’ve heard this a lot and understand that is how many sighted people communicate.  I also understand that every performance, whether spoken or sung should be “believable” to the audience, and when we simply stand there and speak/sing, that is not always the case.

Conversely, when I have incorporated gestures that I memorized in voice lessons, adjudicators have said that the gestures were over-rehearsed.

How have you learned to navigate this catch 22?

Are there certain hand gestures you have in your “back pocket” so to speak that you find useful when presenting that feel natural to you and look natural to your audience?

I appreciate any insight you might have. ❤

Annie