この記事では、プレゼンにおいて致命的な手の場所について説明しています。 記事は英語です。 どうぞお役立てください！
Do you wonder what to do with your hands when giving presentations?
Let me first share with you what NOT to do – three common hand positions to avoid if you want to build trust with your audience and get your message across clearly.
1. The fig leaf
The “fig leaf” is putting one hand on top of the other in front of the groin. The name comes from the image of Adam and Eve in the Bible. They covered themselves with a fig leaf when they felt ashamed that they were naked.
Interestingly, this hand position is common in formal Japanese greetings. The intention is to look humble and polite.
In a presentation though – especially with a Western audience – this hand position suggests that the presenter is nervous. Unconsciously, the presenter is covering or protecting a vulnerable area of the body.
If you have a primarily Japanese audience, you can start with this hand position for an initial greeting and bow. Then move into a more open hand position as you start your presentation.
2. The military commander
Feet placed far apart, chest out, and hands clasped behind the back is an image associated with military commanders. It gives a message of “I’m so strong. You can’t attack me.”
Often, presenters take this position to hide their feeling of insecurity. They are attempting to look more confident.
In a presentation though, this position usually looks distant or even arrogant.
And, as human beings, we unconsciously feel more at ease if we can see a person’s hands. It’s difficult to trust a person who keeps their hands hidden.
Much better to have feet around shoulder width (for stability), an upright posture, and hands visible to the audience – either by the sides or in open gestures.
3. Holding onto yourself
Presenters often hold onto their fingers, hands, or even arms while presenting. This helps them to feel secure and cover the abdominal area, which is vulnerable.
This sends signals to the audience that the presenter is nervous and not open to building trust.
If you don’t want to look nervous (even if you are!) or arrogant, show your hands and keep them open. This will help you to connect with your audience. And you can use gestures to support what you’re saying and make your message even clearer.
Top tip: Video your presentation when you rehearse and watch what you’re doing with your hands.
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As a special bonus to accompany 英語の仕事術, I’ve created an audio recording of the English phrases that I introduce in the book
You can use these phrases to communicate with clarity and confidence when you’re
- giving business presentations
- participating in telephone conference calls
- facilitating global meetings
- dealing with workplace conflict.
I created this audio bonus because I know that many of you want to improve your English listening and speaking skills. By listening to these phrases repeatedly, you’ll remember them more easily.
When you can remember the English, you don’t have to worry about it. You can focus on the people you’re communicating with. That’s what’s most important for successful global business communication.
>> Get your free audio recording here. <<