######################################################## Simply Speaking...Selling Yourself & Your Ideas E-Zine Volume 5, No 10, October, 2002 Published by Lenny Laskowski Copyright LJL Seminars(tm), 2002 All RIghts Reserved ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LJL Seminars (tm) 106 School House Road Newington, CT. 06111-4002 United States Of America (860) 666-4855 or Toll Free 1-800-606-4855 Fax: (305) 489-6481 Web page: ############################################################## ******************** JUST RELEASED !!! ********************** Lenny's new book, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking" is now available as an Audiobook. You can be one of the first to order. Take the link below: I have also provided an audio sample as well to listen to at the link above. Also, Amazon.com now offers a downloadable audio file of this book as well. ************************************************************** In this issue: 1. Gestures - Don't Keep Your Hands to Yourself - Part I 2. Simply Speaking Discussion Board 3. How to subscribe / unsubscribe ######################################################## 1. Gestures - Don't Keep Your Hands to Yourself - Part I from "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking" (Chapter 5 - pages 103 - 105) Copyright, 2001 Philip Lief Group Inc & Lenny Laskowski -------------------------------------------------------- Gestures are specific body movements that reinforce a verbal message. Most gestures are made with your hands and arms. Your hands are marvelous tools of communication. A speaker's gestures can suggest very precise bits of meaning to an audience. To be effective, a speaker's gestures must be purposeful. They must also have the same meaning to the audience as they do to the speaker. Gestures reflect not only what is being said, but the personality behind the message. * Gestures clarify and support your words - they strengthen the audience's understanding of your verbal message. * Gestures dramatize your ideas - they help paint vivid pictures in your listener's minds. * Gestures lend emphasis and vitality - they underscore your feelings and attitudes. * Gestures help dissipate nervous tension - they are a good outlet for nervous energy. * Gestures function as visual aids - they enhance audience attentiveness and retention. * Gestures stimulate audience participation - they help elicit the response you want. Gestures are grouped into four categories: 1. Descriptive gestures. Are used to clarify or enhance. Some descriptive gestures include using your hands to indicate size, shape, location, and function of something, like choppy ocean waves, a huge mountain or a miniature creature. 2. Emphatic gestures. Underscore what is being said. For example, a clenched fist suggests strong feelings such as anger or determination. 3. Suggestive gestures. Are symbols of ideas or emotions. For example, an open palm suggests giving or receiving, while a shrug if the shoulders indicates ignorance, perplexity, or irony. 4. Prompting gestures. Are used to evoke a desired response from the audience. For example, if you want your listeners to raise their hand, applaud, or perform some other action, you will encourage the desired response by doing the act yourself as an example. Location of Gestures You can make gestures above, below, or at or near your shoulders; each position produces a different effect on your speech delivery. 1. Gestures above the shoulders suggest physical height, inspiration, or emotion. 2. Gestures below the shoulders indicate sadness, rejection, apathy, or condemnation. 3. Gestures at or near the shoulders suggest calmness or serenity. The most frequently used gesture involves an open palm held outward toward the audience. As I said earlier, holding your palm outward implies giving or receiving. Unfortunately, most speakers use this gesture unconsciously as a general movement without any specific meaning. A palm held "downward" expresses suppression, secrecy, completion, or stability. A palm held "upward" and "outward" suggests stopping. Hands also imply measurement such as tall, short, small, long, and so on. As you practice your speech, experiment with different gestures to find those that feel natural to you and underscore your message. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Next issue: In my November, 2002 Issue I will discuss the use of gestures. Part II Until next month! ------------------------------------------------------------------ Can't wait for the next issue of Simply Speaking? Why not purchase a copy of my new book, "10 Days to More Confident Public Speaking". Click on the link below: My new book is now available as an Audiobook. Click on the link below: Also, Amazon.com now offers a downloadable audio file of this book as well. ######################################################## 2. Our Simply Speaking Discussion Board !!! ######################################################## Do you have some public speaking questions or questions dealing with presentation skills? Ask me directly and I will provide you with some sound advice and some immediate solutions using my on-line discussion board. Below is the direct link to our new discussion board. ######################################################## 3. How to subscribe / unsubscribe ######################################################## To subscribe to Simply Speaking visit http://www.ljlseminars.com or use the following links below: Subscribe Address: Unsubscribe Address: You may also send subscription requests to: and we will help you. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LJL Seminars (tm) 106 School House Road Newington, CT. 06111-4002 1-860-666-4855 In Continental US call Toll Free: 1-800-606-4855 Until next issue! - Lenny Laskowski :-)