Hand Talking and Zoom

[grilledcheese]

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I've always been a person who gestures while I speak. When I recorded myself for interview practice I realized I can either show my hands in the camera frame or keep them under the table. Is one preferable to the other? When I watched myself back I didn't think the hands were too distracting but I want to know if one would be more appropriate than others.

 

[Goro]

We have wait listed, instead of accepted outright, people who used hand gestures so much that it wasn't just distracting, it was annoying.

So I suggest that you find a way to control it.

 

[Rachapkis]

How annoying hand gestures are will depend on the frequency, magnitude, and appropriateness of the gestures. That is hard to judge without seeing you. I would have a few people from your kitchen cabinet watch your recorded interviews--people whom you trust and encourage to be brutally honest--and get their opinion(s). If they find your gestures to be anything other than a positive addition, I would minimize them. IMHO Your first rule of thumb in this area should be: do no harm.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Just be natural. If your hand gestures are a problem in person, they will be a problem on webcam. (Do mock interviews. Join Toastmasters.)