52
Gestures fall into two general categories: descriptive and emphat-
ic. Descriptive gestures express action or show dimension and loca-
tion.In the school, whenyou are working on the use of gestures,do
not be content with just one or two. Try to gesture in a natural way
throughout your talk. If you are having difficulty in doing this, you
may find it helpful to look for words that show direction, distance,
size, location, or relative positions. In many cases, however, all that
you needtodois to getabsorbed inyour talk,notworrying aboutthe
impression you are making, but saying and doing things
as you would in daily life. When a person is relaxed, ges-
tures come naturally.
Emphatic gestures express feeling and conviction. They
punctuate, vitalize, and reinforce ideas. Emphatic ges-
tures are important. But beware! Emphatic gestures can
easily become mannerisms. If you use the same gesture
again and again, it may begin to draw attention to itself
insteadofenhancing your talk.Ifyour school overseer in-
dicates that you have this problem, try limiting yourself
solely to descriptive gestures for a time. After a while, be-
gin to use emphaticgestures once more.
In determining theextentto whichyou should useem-
phaticgestures and the sort of gestures that are appropri-
ate, consider the feelings of those to whom you are speaking. Point-
ing at the audience may make them feel uncomfortable. If a male
in some cultures were to make certain gestures, such as putting his
hand over his mouth to express surprise, this would be viewed as ef-
feminate. In some parts of the world, it is considered immodest for
womentogesturefreely withthehands.So inthoseplaces,sisters es-
pecially need to make good use of facial expressions. And before a
small group, sweeping gestures may be viewed as comical in almost
any partof the world.
As you gain experience and become more at ease in speaking, any
emphatic gestures that you do use will express your inner feelings
naturally, demonstrating your conviction and sincerity. They will
add meaning to your speech.
The Expression on YourFace. Morethananyother bodily feature,
your face often expresses how you really feel. Your eyes, the shape
POINTS TO KEEP
IN MIND
Themosteffectivegestures
andfacialexpressions
springfrom one’sinnerself.
Observewhatothersdo,
butdonottry toimitate
themindetail.
Study thematerialfor your
talksuntilyouknow itwell.
Feelit, visualizeit,andthen
useyour voice,your hands,
and your faceto express it.
122
Gestures and Facial Expressions