Why do speakers at public events wave their hands around so much?
Chris Daniel,
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Glan Conwy, Conwy, UK
It is said that the majority of our communication is non-verbal.
When a person is talking to a large group of people, whether in a lecture theatre, open-air event or on stage, the distance between the speaker and the audience means that gestures have to be proportionally bigger to convey meaning and emotion.
I find I do this when teaching. Wide, expressive arm movements, exaggerated body posture and pacing around the room that would be totally inappropriate in normal social gatherings feel quite suitable in front of a class of students 鈥� at least, nobody has told me otherwise.
@Hascombes,
via Twitter
For some people, hand gestures add emphasis or imply importance at certain points of their speech. For others, it can be due to nerves or a sense that they need to do something with their hands. The two reasons are often indistinguishable.
@zubairedhy,
via Twitter
Singers also do the same. The motor parts of the brain used for vocalisations and other movements, particularly hands, are intertwined.
@AlexanderV878,
via Twitter
It is supposed to be for the audience, but really it keeps the speaker focused on the topic and on their vocal performance.
@Earthian_19,
via Twitter
Personally, gesturing during a speech makes me comfortable on a stage. My thoughts flow freely and articulation becomes organic.
@theothersrk,
via Twitter
To emphasise their points to help keep the audience engaged. By using hand gestures, the speaker can draw attention to their words and help create an emotional connection with the audience.
@denkemarchen,
via Twitter
Sometimes, the use of gestures is the result of training for effect. Other times, it is a personality thing. Personally, I can鈥檛 talk without waving my hands and arms around in an animated way, especially when it is an emotional or important issue to me.
Day Hayes,
via Facebook
Hand gestures are a helpful and necessary part of communication, but we aren鈥檛 as conscious of using them as we are with words or facial gestures. However, if you pay attention to them, you can use them to add to the impression you wish to make, such as openness or friendliness.
The reason public speakers consciously use hand gestures is to appear more human. There is nothing worse than looking at someone talking at a podium while they are stiff as a board like a rabbit in the headlights.
@RottenHeadRed,
via Twitter
Humans communicate and learn both orally and visually, so it stands to reason that the orator and the observer will be more engaged in the conversation when the visuals emphasise and complement the spoken word. They appear passionate and invested in the 鈥渟tory鈥�.
Peter Meehan,
London, UK
Speakers at public events may wave their hands to ventilate any hot air.
Robert Hickman,
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
To keep their audience awake!
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