Hidden Influence: How to Manage Audiences with Gestures?

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

55% of information in a conversation is conveyed by body movements (7% - by words, and 38% by voice and intonation). Body position, facial expressions and gestures are tools that help to control the attention of the interlocutor, imperceptibly for him to introduce an attitude towards himself, other people and ideas.

Why it happens?

In a conversation, all attention goes to words, and no one controls gestures and intonation. Most people do not follow their movements during a conversation, and there are many tips and practices to help you understand the real attitude of a person through gestures.

Gestures are not recognized, so the information transmitted through them goes straight to the subconscious. A person does not comprehend sign language, which means that he cannot challenge them and they freely influence his behavior and mood.

How do I use gestures?

Gestures help to emphasize the necessary phrase in a conversation and imperceptibly introduce it into the mind of the interlocutor.

For example, you say to your boss in an informal conversation: "I heard about a new model of vacuum cleaner, they say it is very reliable and efficient." When you say the words in italics, you make a gesture in your direction. The boss thinks about the vacuum cleaner, and your gesture sends the label “reliable and efficient” to his subconscious, but applied to you.

Next time tell him a story about “active and positive” rest or about “honest” officials, highlighting the necessary phrases with gestures. So you can form the right attitude towards yourself.

Gesture Suggestion Rules

In order for the phrase, supported by your gesture, to go into the subconscious, it is important to select and highlight it, and minimize the rest of the gestures.

Example: You decide to convince your depressed friend that he needs to enjoy life. You tell him any story in which you include a large number of words "joy", "happiness", "love", "relaxation", and emphasize each of them with gestures in his direction. He receives a suggestion, subconsciously applies the selected words to himself and his mood improves.

Positive and negative

If you want to win over a person, you can highlight positive words by connecting yourself and your partner with a gesture, and if several people are involved, you can circle the audience with your hand.

You can also use negative associations, for example, when you say positive phrases and make gestures towards one person or object, and in negative phrases points to another.

It is not recommended for beginners to use this - the person towards whom the negative will be directed may subconsciously perceive this as an attack and act accordingly.

What gestures should I use?

For each purpose, there are specific gestures and no set rules for their use. There are just a few tips on how to make them more effective:

1. Naturalness. All gesture suggestion exercises should be done in a relaxed state - you should not feel stiff or tense.

2. Symmetry. It is better to gesture with both hands, simultaneously or alternately.

3. Thoughtfulness. If you communicate in a small company, you should not use theatrical gestures - wide waves of hands, circles. These gestures work well for a large audience and become a symbol of openness and self-confidence.

People who, like actors, make sweeping gestures in space are perceived by others as powerful and majestic.

“Sign Language - the Way to Success” G. Wilson, K. McClafalin.

4. Openness. If, during gestures, the palms are turned to the interlocutor, this inspires confidence in him and speaks of open intentions, so if you want to win over a person, almost all movements should be open, facing a partner or audience.

5. Diversity. Don't use the same gestures during a conversation. You can emphasize different phrases with different movements, then it will look natural and will not cause an unpleasant feeling for the audience or interlocutors.

Practice gestures in front of the mirror until they come naturally and easily, and then practice with your friends. Highlight the desired phrase with gestures and intonation, and observe the result.

After some time, you will be able to freely use this technique for your own purposes.