Body language - the hands

Body language plays a crucial role in a speech by complementing and reinforcing the verbal message conveyed. Although words are fundamental to communicate information, nonverbal signals add a visual and emotional component that influences the intuitive interpretation of certain words and phrases.

A highlight in this regard is the expressive power of the hands, which not only conveys emotions and highlights important aspects, but also helps to establish a bond with the audience and generate respect. In the following article we will explore this issue in detail.

Audience perception: Hand body language refers to the gestures, movements and postures we use. Here are specific examples that illustrate how the proper use of nonverbal communication influences audience perception:

• Express confidence: A common gesture to convey confidence is to hold your hands open and visible. By showing your palms, you are demonstrating transparency and honesty. For example, you can use an "open hands" gesture when presenting important data or facts, which indicates that you are sharing valuable and reliable information with the audience.

• Highlight important aspects: Using hand gestures to emphasize key points can help capture the audience's attention and highlight the importance of certain ideas. For example, you can make a "pointing" gesture with your index finger to indicate a crucial point in your speech. This gesture directs the audience's attention to the highlighted element and reinforces its importance.

Express emotions through gestures, such as gently moving your hands when sharing exciting news or making a clapping gesture to show appreciation and recognition to the audience.

Demonstrating respect through gentle, controlled gestures, such as holding hands in a neutral position or waving at the beginning or end of a presentation.

Influence: Next, we will discuss different aspects of hand body language and its influence on a presentation.

Hands can help illustrate ideas and add emotional emphasis to our words.For example, when describing an object, we have the option of using the hands to show its size, shape or distinguishing characteristics. When emphasizing an important word or phrase, we can use a hand gesture to highlight it. However, we need to keep the gestures controlled and avoid excessive or uncoordinated movements that distract listeners.

Hand posture: The way we position our hands can also convey subtle messages. Keeping our hands relaxed and open is a sign of openness and confidence.

On the contrary, crossing your arms or hiding your hands can convey a defensive attitude or lack of confidence. It is advisable to keep your hands at waist level or slightly above your waist, avoiding bringing your hands too close to your chest or face, as this can create a sense of a barrier between the speaker and the audience.

Eye contact with the hands: Looking at our own hands while speaking can distract the audience and detract attention from the main message.

It is preferable to maintain eye contact with the audience and use your hands in a conscious and precise manner without losing sight of the main objective of the presentation. When showing objects or using visual material, it is advisable to look a