1. Gestures in Public Speaking
Toastmasters International

2. Toastmasters International Tips for Gestures
Start with eye contact
Be prepared.
Make eye contact with audience.
Don’t look at ceiling, over their hands, etc.
Smile!
Express emotion with facial muscles.
Avoid distracting mannerisms.
Ask a friend to watch your practice, looking for:
Fidgeting
Twisting
Lip biting
Key jingling.
Hands in pockets
Hands behind back.

3. Gesture Tips Continued
Telling a story?
Highlight action verbs.
Look for ways to act out one or more parts.
Stay true to your personality.
Don’t copy from someone else/book.
Respond naturally to what you feel and say.
Make gestures convincing.
Every hand gesture should be a total body movement that starts from shoulder – never the elbow.
Half-hearted gestures look artificial.
My tip – larger the audience, the larger the gestures.

4. Gesture Tip Continued Vary your speaking position.
Don’t stay in the same spot.
Move across stage as you move to a new topic.
Walk toward audience when asking a question.
These tips were provided by Toastmasters International as a free resource.