Hands exercise

Public Speaking fear is made up of a number of elements.

Not all public speaking trepidations are fear driven. Some like the hands discomforts add to the insecurity ledger, and become a symptom that leads from discomfort to upset and is generalized as fear.

Hands, what to do with them?

Not every word needs a gesture.


Hands are about security and its evil twin insecurity.

Hands are useful for creating comfort and sending a natural message.

Here is an exercise designed to move past discomfort to being comfortable with your hands.

The exercise works best with a buddi, a full length mirror and a stop watch timer.

Set the timer for one minute, stand in front of the mirror, and let the hands dangle at your side for one minute. Your buddi can help you stay focused.

Practice while waiting in lines, while networking and especially at times when you find yourself with arms and legs crossed.

This exercise also builds the nothing muscle, the muscle that knows how to use the meaningful pause.

Public Speaking fearlessly is about being comfortable, in your body, any and all times.

For more cues, clues and exercises contact Gary C Smith Public Speaking & Trainings. 510-722-3212.

Hands Free

There was Cool Hand Luke, Slow Hands Eric Clapton, the Pointer Sisters were looking for a man with Slow Hand, in Public Speaking one of the biggest challenges is what to do with the hands.

Pockets are unacceptable. Rattles keys & change &....

The behind the back grip works in ice skatting but not as a speaker.

Hands clinched in prayer (the usual prayer is "I wish this was over") doens't work outside of church.

Clinched fists may scare the audience.

Constant gesturing wears out an audience.

Hanging loose, relaxed at the side with your attention out on the audience is a sign of a professional speaker.

Try this exercise:
Stand in front of a full length mirror, set a timer for one minute (almost an eternity for the hand holders & wringers) and relax. Breathe into your hands, your feet and your diaphram. Take a break, shake hands, make a fist, say a prayer and then up the time to 2 minutes. Besides training your hands, it also is training in being comfortable while being uncomfortable.

For help with this exercise and other tools & training on Public Speaking call 510-722-3212 Gary C Smith Public Speaking & Trainings.