When you’re presenting, your hands are one of your most powerful tools. They can add energy, help you connect with your audience, and make your message more memorable. But used poorly, they can also become a distraction.
We often see clients struggle with the same question: “What on earth should I do with my hands?” The good news is that with a little awareness and practice, hand gestures can work for you – not against you.
Here’s how to use them effectively in both in-person and virtual presentations.
Gestures When Presenting In Person
When you’re in the same room as your audience, your gestures play a big role in how you’re perceived.
1. Keep them open and natural
We encourage clients to think of open hand gestures (palms facing slightly upward or outward) as their default. They signal honesty and confidence. In contrast, crossed arms, hands in pockets, or clenched fists can make you appear closed off or uneasy.
2. Match gestures to your message
Gestures are most powerful when they reinforce what you’re saying:
- Use a sweeping movement to illustrate scale.
- Hold your hands close together to show something small.
- Point towards the audience when referencing them – gently, not aggressively.
3. Use the space wisely
Gestures should be visible but not overwhelming. Imagine a “gesture box” – roughly from your shoulders to your waist. Staying within this box makes your movements look controlled and purposeful.
4. What to do when you’re not gesturing
This is the moment that trips up many presenters. When you’re not using your hands, let your arms rest comfortably by your sides or lightly clasp them at waist height. This neutral position makes you look calm and confident. Avoid fiddling with pens, notes, or jewellery – it distracts your audience and undermines your authority.
5. Avoid repetitive or distracting movements
Recycling the same gesture over and over dilutes its impact. In coaching sessions, we’ll often record clients so they can see for themselves how repetitive movements come across. Pausing with stillness between gestures makes each movement more intentional.
Gestures When Presenting Virtually
Presenting online changes the rules. Your audience may only see you from the chest up, so gestures need to be adapted for the camera.
1. Stay within the camera frame
One of our top tips for clients is to do a quick test recording before going live. Check that your gestures stay visible and don’t fly off-screen. Keep them within your upper torso and shoulder area.
2. Use gestures sparingly but purposefully
On camera, gestures can appear larger than life. A few well-timed movements add emphasis without overwhelming your delivery.
3. Combine gestures with facial expression
Because your face takes centre stage online, gestures should complement your expressions. For example, open hands while smiling or nodding can make you look approachable and engaged.
4. What to do when you’re not gesturing
If you’re seated, rest your hands lightly on your desk or lap – visible but still. If you’re standing, adopt the same neutral rest position as in person: hands relaxed at your sides, ready to gesture when needed. The goal is to look grounded, not fidgety.
5. Keep energy up with posture and hands
One of the biggest challenges online is maintaining energy. We often remind clients that your hands and posture work together here. Sitting tall (or better yet, standing) and using natural, purposeful gestures helps you project enthusiasm through the screen.
Whether you’re standing in a conference hall or speaking into a webcam, your hands play a crucial role in how your message lands. The key isn’t only how you gesture, but also what you do when you’re not gesturing. A relaxed, neutral position makes you look confident and in control – and frees your hands to amplify your message when you need them.
If you find yourself worrying about your hands, remember: with practice, they’ll stop feeling like a problem and start becoming one of your best presentation tools.
