Trafcom News: Want to sound better? Use your hands

Have you ever had one of those moments when something that you’ve known instinctively turns out to be true, and is verified by an expert? Me too.

I’ve always talked with my hands. In fact, it would probably be difficult for me to engage in an interesting conversation while sitting on my palms. When I was a child, my Irish grandmother strongly discouraged me from using my hands while speaking. To her, it was déclassé.

Sorry, Nana. You were wrong.

As a podcaster, I’ve always known that I would get the most energy in my voice while standing – and gesticulating. Even before I started podcasting, I did some voiceover work, and always found myself actively using my hands for emphasis or rhythm.

Last week, Mark Bowden, who spoke to our IABC/Toronto Professional Independent Communicators group about body language (he was fabulous, by the way), confirmed that not only should we motion with our hands at the level of the “truth plane” (near the navel) when speaking in front of people, but that we should also do so while talking on the phone or recording a podcast. This action conveys energy and authority, and encourages our audience to believe us. Thanks for confirming what I'd always thought to be true, Mark.

Then, just the other day, April Dunford, who was a guest on the Tweep in Profile podcast I produce for Andy Donovan, joked about using her hands while she is being recorded. I’m not surprised, because April speaks with passion, both in person and on podcasts.

Nana, you were also wrong about indoor boots damaging the eyesight, but we’ll save that for another post.

Comments

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Great post Donna - and something I know first "hand" all about. You can't get enthusiastic about something if you aren't physically into it - certainly gives it that certain oomph that demonstrates your passion for what you are talking about and further engages your audience into what you are saying.

As I listen to future podcasts I'll now be envisioning you "gesticulating" along to the topic (my new favourite word). :) Cheers, Andy

Posted by: Andy Donovan | December 10, 2010 at 11:03 AM

Donna,

Thanks so much for posting this. I have endured looks and questionable remarks from my wife as a result of my lively hand and arm motions while recording audio and talking on conference calls.

Showing her this link hasn't helped, but at least I know there is a tangible benefit for my aerobic conversations - and that I'm not alone.

Posted by: Luke Armour | December 11, 2010 at 08:06 PM