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At the risk
of appearing to pile on Candidate Howard Dean, the infamous
“shriek heard around the world” was probably not very
presidential. But neither were his gestures.
When
watching what has to be most overplayed campaign speech in
history, most people focus on Dean’s over-the-top (supporters
say “motivational”) voice. But someone needs to point out
those angry gestures. Specifically, the pointing fingers.
Next time
you see the speech replayed on the news, watch for how Dean was stabbing at the
audience with both of his
pointed index fingers. That gesture probably added to the angry (some
say out of control) tone of the speech. Indeed, we think that
one of the reason’s for Dean being deemed the “angry
candidate” is his constant use of finger pointing as a
gesture.
Instead,
Gesture with a Relaxed, Open Hand
We tell our
clients to avoid pointing at the audience with the index
finger. It’s an angry and accusatory gesture. One of the
classic courtroom gestures is for the prosecutor to point
angrily at the defendant and say, “That man is guilty!”
Instead, we
tell our clients to gesture with an open, relaxed hand. We
also say to avoid stabbing at the audience. Instead, reach
out and hold the gesture through a thought.
Avoiding
pointing will help you connect with your audience rather than
put them on the defensive. And if you’re running for
president of the United States, nice relaxed gestures might
just help you win New Hampshire.
At
Speechworks we help our clients learn how to give
presentations that connect with the audience. If you’re
interested in becoming a great communicator give us a call at
404-266-0888 or check out our website at
www.speechworks.net |
