Handhaltung im Vortrag 1Where to put your hands when presenting? This is probably one of the most frequently heard questions when it comes to an effective appearance. Somehow they get in the way as soon as you stand in front of people and speak. They hang awkwardly on shoulders and elbows. Disturbing somehow. So where to put it?

Jetzt beginnt das Problem. Denn besonders schlaue Zeitgenossen haben irgendwann die Mär in die Welt gebracht, die Zone unterhalb der Gürtellinie sei “pfui”. Also nur nicht mit den Händen dort herumwedeln, das verbreite schlechten Eindruck, heisst es.

Wohin aber sonst damit? Wo ist der Zaubertrick, der meine Hände einfach verschwinden lässt, sobald ich aufstehe, um nach vor zu gehen? Einfach vor den Oberkörper halten, heißt es dann. Ellbogen anwinkeln, Hände offen vor Brust oder Bauch. Und wenn das auch so ein komisches Gefühl entstehen lässt, die Hände ineinanderlegen. Offen natürlich, und locker. Oder gleich die “Merkel-Haltung” nutzen, Fingerspitzen aufeinander gepresst, als wollten Sie den Allmächtigen anrufen.

What is the result? Surely you know the result of such well-intentioned, but unfortunately fundamentally wrong advice. The effect is fatal. Because gestures that are used all too consciously are always perceived as spurious. As not authentic. As trained. And not at all sovereign.

Standpunkt im VortragTherefore, my urgent recommendation: Refrain from this false aid. Their gestures unfold all by themselves, if the conditions for them are met. tune . If you have found your point of view in the room – understood quite literally. Two feet on the ground, well grounded: There I stand, I have something to say. Before your first word, allow yourself this second of inner concentration. This is how attention is created. And you will notice that your shoulders let go, your arms just sink loosely down. Wonderful. Now you radiate security. It's obvious – you have something to say.

And then the magic happens. The first word sets the gestures in motion. When you impulsively address someone, the brain always sets the torso, arms and hands in motion first, only then does the tone of the voice follow. Just observe this in everyday life.

So where to put your hands when presenting? Look for a point of view, pause for a second and collect yourself, feel that your shoulders let go, then get started. And your hands do what they can't help doing – gesticulating. Informal, authentic, natural.