Page 337 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

304 Part 3 Putting Theory Into Practice

Gestures and Movement

You’ve heard the expression “different strokes
for different folks.” Nowhere is it more ap-
plicable than to the subject of gestures and
movement relative to delivery. Although Ron-
ald Reagan neither moved nor gestured very
much when he spoke, he was a consummate
public speaker. And though you practically
have to nail Elizabeth Dole’s feet to the fl oor
to keep her from moving, she too is a public
speaker of notable achievement. Thus, before
we say a single word about how much or how
little you should gesture or move as you speak,
we want to say this: Your gestures and your
movements as you grow as a public speaker
should be a refi ned refl ection of what you do
naturally.
As is the case with the eyes and face, ges-
tures and movements also can be used to in-
tensify or lessen the emotional impact of ver-
bal messages. Many gestures, for instance,
serve as affect displays; that is, they visibly com-
municate feelings. Placing both hands near the
heart at the same time you explain how impor-
tant a subject is to you is an example. So, too,
are clenched fi sts, open palms held face up, or
This speaker illustrates her point with gesture. lightly slapping the side of the face.

Gestures such as
pointing can regulate
the fl ow of interaction.