How Should Gestures Be Used in a Speech?

As a speaker, you already know that what you say is important—but how should gestures be used in a speech to make sure you really connect with your audience? When it comes to public speaking, the way you carry yourself onstage can be just as critical as your carefully crafted words. It’s not just what you say; it’s how you say it. That’s where the magic of body language comes in.

Imagine yourself getting ready to listen to a speech, and as the speaker walks onto the stage, his shoulders are hunched, with his arms completely stationary by his side as he hesitantly walks to the podium and begins haltingly introducing himself. Would this make you excited to hear what he has to say, or make you dread the idea of listening to him over the next 30 minutes?

This is the effect that body language has on your audience. It isn’t just something you need to work on in addition to your speaking skills. How you carry yourself is just as important as the words coming out of your mouth.

This article will explore why using gestures during a speech is so powerful, explore different types of gestures and what they communicate, and even delve into hand gestures that can tank your presentation in different cultures. Whether you are brand new to public speaking or a seasoned professional, this article will give you actionable insights and maybe even help you look at how gestures should be used in a speech with fresh eyes.

The Subconscious Nature of Gestures

You may wonder why, if gestures are so important, you often don’t notice or intentionally practice how you move while giving a speech. Ultimately, this is because our body language is usually subconscious. We express ourselves in the way we move without even realizing it. This is why FBI and Secret Service agents use body language to identify potential threats.

When we’re confident and happy, our bodies tend to open up, our shoulders are back and we project that confidence with expressive hand gestures. When we’re nervous and uncomfortable, we hunch inward and often cross our arms or don’t move them at all. In fact, The Speaker Lab podcast guest Mark Bowden claims that the number one thing speakers suffer from is not being animated enough.

This phenomenon stems from a fascinating connection between our brains, bodies, and language. It turns out that the regions of our brain responsible for processing language and coordinating movement are intricately linked. Simply put, when we gesture, we’re not just expressing ourselves physically but also mentally reinforcing the concepts we’re trying to communicate.

It’s as if our brains are hardwired to connect physical actions with verbal expressions, leading to a deeper understanding and easier recall. But by being more conscious about the way we use body language, we can intentionally project confidence, competence and excitement to an audience, which usually rubs off on listeners and gives them the same emotions.

Why Using Gestures During a Speech Matters

Gestures are a fundamental aspect of human communication, particularly in public speaking. Here’s why:

1. Enhanced Communication and Audience Engagement

Have you ever found your attention wandering as you listened to someone speak, their words blending into a monotonous drone? We’ve all been there. This is a common challenge for speakers, particularly if you are sharing complex or data-heavy information. Integrating hand gestures can transform your delivery, infusing it with energy and making your points land with greater impact.

Hand movements, even subtle ones, act as visual cues, making you a more dynamic and interesting speaker. These gestures inject visual variety that naturally draws in the eye. Think about it: Would you rather watch a speaker glued to the podium or someone who utilizes natural, engaging movements?

Your audience tends to make subconscious judgements about you based on your body language, and often, confident gestures will make the audience experience the same emotions you project. When you make eye contact and utilize effective body language, your audience will stay engaged with your talk. Movement helps your audience stay alert and present while also improving your stage presence and making you appear more confident and engaging.

2. Improved Clarity and Understanding

Think of a time when you tried to explain something complex to someone, but they just weren’t grasping the concept. Did you find yourself unconsciously using your hands to illustrate your point? This natural instinct highlights another reason gestures are such a powerful speaking tool: clarity.

This natural inclination reveals the crucial role gestures play in clarifying abstract or complex ideas, transforming spoken words into easily digestible visuals for the audience. Incorporating strategic hand motions when discussing intricate topics, such as statistical data or abstract concepts like leadership qualities, can transform dry facts into tangible images in the minds of your listeners.

For example, you can use your fingers to count when you are listing out important points. This can make it easier for the audience to follow along and remember the information. Or you could answer audience questions using gestures to appear more approachable.

3. Increased Speaker Confidence

You’ve worked hard on your speech, but the thought of being on stage makes your palms sweat, your pulse race, and your voice tremble. Stage fright is a universal experience for new speakers, and many never feel entirely comfortable getting up in front of a crowd—even seasoned veterans. It might surprise you to learn that using strategic hand gestures during a speech doesn’t just impact your audience—it profoundly influences how you, as the speaker, perceive yourself and your message.

When we gesture, it actually releases nervous energy and calms those dreaded pre-speech jitters. Not only that, but gestures can increase the speaker’s conviction in their message, ultimately strengthening their connection with their listeners. If you want to conquer stage fright and command the room, start by simply using your hands more.

Types of Hand Gestures for Public Speaking (And When to Use Them)

Now that you understand the importance of gestures when speaking, let’s take a look at the different types of gestures you might incorporate into your speech, along with the emotional states they commonly elicit in an audience:

• Open Palms: Holding your hands open and upward. Projects sincerity, honesty and trustworthiness.
• Counting on Fingers: Enumerating points with your fingers. Shows organization, clarity and emphasis.
• Descriptive Gestures: Using your hands to illustrate size, shape, or movement. Useful for engagement, visualization and emphasis.
• Emphasis Gestures: Using strong, deliberate movements like pointing, chopping, or fist clenching (use sparingly). Shows conviction and power.
• Connecting Gestures: Using your hands to physically connect with your chest or heart, or gesturing towards the audience. Projects relatability, connection and empathy.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, and you should let gestures arise organically throughout your speech as you grow comfortable. It’s completely okay to even practice in front of a mirror or with friends and family until it feels right. Experiment to discover which types of hand gestures feel natural to you while staying aware of how these gestures might play in front of an audience. It’s also a good idea to avoid insincere gestures as it can make you appear untrustworthy. For instance, wringing your hands or keeping your elbows bent can make you seem closed off or nervous.

Gestures That Speak Louder Than Words: Exploring Cross-Cultural Differences

Before you bring that captivating presentation to an international audience, remember that the captivating “okay” sign you make with your thumb and forefinger to demonstrate your key points doesn’t actually communicate “okay” to everyone. While using gestures during a speech can enhance your delivery and resonate with the audience, it is critical to be mindful of cultural differences. Certain gestures that we may find harmless or positive can hold completely different, sometimes even offensive, meanings in other parts of the world. What’s seen as a simple gesture of goodwill in one country can quickly turn into an awkward misunderstanding—or even a show of disrespect.

Let’s take a look at some common hand gestures and their varying cultural interpretations.

1. The “Okay” Hand Gesture

While commonly recognized in many Western cultures as a symbol of agreement, in some countries, like Brazil, Germany, and even parts of Turkey, making a circle with your thumb and index finger can be misconstrued as obscene or insulting.

2. The “Thumbs Up” Gesture

Giving someone a “thumbs up” is usually understood as an encouraging sign of approval. However, in Iran and several other Middle Eastern countries, this same seemingly-innocuous hand gesture can land you in hot water as a vulgar insult.

3. The “Peace Sign” Gesture

You probably use the classic two-fingered peace sign often—especially in photographs with friends. While not considered quite as egregious as the other gestures we’ve discussed so far, in countries, including the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, this peace sign—when done with your palm facing inward—is often perceived as the equivalent of flipping someone off in the U.S.

Using Gestures Effectively

We’ve covered a lot, so how should gestures be used in a speech to give it extra pop? Here’s the key: Effective gestures are intentional. They aren’t random movements but purposeful actions designed to support your message. When you practice gestures, try to think about what your left hand is doing while your right-hand gestures. Your non-dominant hand should not be distracting the audience.

Don’t: Fake It

The beauty of using gestures in a presentation is that, when done well, it doesn’t seem performative—it happens organically alongside your words. One of the worst things you can do is overthink it and come off as inauthentic, forced, or robotic. It might sound contradictory, but don’t “try” to gesture.

Do: Be You (With Intention.)

You want your gestures to feel authentic and aligned with your natural communication style. Practice integrating hand motions organically, but practice until it no longer feels uncomfortable. Using strategic gestures during a speech involves finding the delicate balance between intentionality and letting your natural communication style shine through. Embrace what feels authentic while maintaining awareness and actively working towards conveying a message with both words and gestures.

Don’t: Overdo It

Don’t go overboard and wind up like a flailing inflatable tube man at a used car dealership. Excessive hand movements can be incredibly distracting for your audience, so keep those distracting, unnecessary movements in check. Speakers naturally gesture when they speak. It’s important to be able to control those mannerisms so they don’t distract from the message you’re conveying.

Do: Embrace Stillness

On the other end of the spectrum, don’t be afraid to let your hands rest naturally at your sides when a gesture isn’t needed to underscore a point. There’s power in stillness, too.

How do you do that? Just practice relaxing your arms, maintaining a natural and comfortable posture, which not only exudes confidence but also allows for moments of stillness to land more impactfully.

Public Speaking Coaching at The Speaker Lab

The journey of becoming a successful speaker, particularly when navigating the complexities of hand gestures and body language, is an exciting, nuanced process, and everyone does it a little differently. Some tips work well for some and not others—finding what works for you takes time and practice. Ready to bring your public speaking skills to the next level? Consider applying for our coaching program. We specialize in helping aspiring speakers just like you step onto the stage with confidence.

Conclusion

So, how should gestures be used in a speech? Mindfully. It’s one more aspect of public speaking to master on your journey, and becoming an influential and impactful communicator goes far beyond just choosing the right words. Mastering the subtle yet powerful language of nonverbal cues is a game-changer for captivating your audience. By integrating these strategies, you’re not merely delivering information, but also fostering genuine connection, understanding, and a memorable experience for your audience. Good luck.

FAQs About How Gestures Should Be Used in a Speech

How are gestures used in communication?

Gestures communicate different ideas, emotions, and thoughts. They are a fundamental aspect of nonverbal communication, especially when speakers want to emphasize a point or express an idea more clearly. Sometimes gestures vary widely between cultures, which is something to be mindful of when speaking to a diverse audience.

What is the primary rule for using gestures during a speech?

The most important thing to remember is that gestures should always appear natural and spontaneous, supporting but never overshadowing your words.

What characteristics should gestures have in a speech?

Aim for controlled movements. Remember—too much is distracting, and too little makes you appear stiff or unsure. It’s about finding a balance that works best for you, but being mindful in your practice helps. Nervous expressions should be avoided, such as clasping your hands or fiddling with your hair.