Talking Hands

[Rose65]

I wonder if anyone else notices how much people wave their hands and arms around on TV? I think it is fascinating how some almost do it so excessively that it amounts to an aerobic workout. It must be rather tiring! It certainly puts me off what is being said - on TV or if someone is talking to me. Actually I find a restless fidgety person very off-putting to talk to.

Note how controlled and still newscasters and serious presenters are in contrast. They must be trained to know that every movement is magnified by the camera.

So what does this body language mean and what do you think of it or don't you notice?

 

[Supernatural]

Wow lol! You wouldn't like to speak to me as normal as it is to me you might find it too much. However, just as my Father did, I move my hands constantly. If I'm nervous, I fidget even more.

Hence the reason I never go on camera. Granted back at school, I made people laugh with the videos we did as weather girls and boys and news-reporting where we had to keep a serious demeanor, never worked.

At least behind my IBM Selectric Mag A system, I could lighten up my work colleagues and it was appreciated. Our desk exercises karaoke sessions (where we moved every extremities to stay limber and type quicker) were the fun parts twice a day.

Sorry!

 

[Shalimar]

I wonder if anyone else notices how much people wave their hands and arms around on TV? I think it is fascinating how some almost do it so excessively that it amounts to an aerobic workout. It must be rather tiring! It certainly puts me off what is being said - on TV or if someone is talking to me. Actually I find a restless fidgety person very off-putting to talk to.

Note how controlled and still newscasters and serious presenters are in contrast. They must be trained to know that every movement is magnified by the camera.

So what does this body language mean and what do you think of it or don't you notice?

Doesn’t bother me. I talk with my hands, but not excessively. My French Immersion educated son does also. When he is excited, he talks with his whole upper body.

 

[MrPants]

The only thing I have always noticed is how controlled the newscast people sitting at a desk giving you the news are. Hands folded in a very specific way always unless they're speaking and then, only minimal movement of their hands, usually one at a time. Always struck me as un-natural. Don't watch a lot of other shows on TV so can't comment on those.

 

[Rose65]

The only thing I have always noticed is how controlled the newscast people sitting at a desk giving you the news are. Hands folded in a very specific way always unless they're speaking and then, only minimal movement of their hands, usually one at a time. Always struck me as un-natural. Don't watch a lot of other shows on TV so can't comment on those.

Indeed, is it unnatural to be so still or is it too much to wave your hands around?
I suppose it would be completely inappropriate for newscasters to be other than stock-still to deliver our news.

The question occurs, do we get taken more seriously and our point made more effectively if we are controlled physically? We are mainly unconscious of ourselves, it's individual and according to habit. I do use my hands at times but I think not much - I actually don't know!

Once aware, it's interesting watching everyone else.

 

[MrPants]

Indeed, is it unnatural to be so still or is it too much to wave your hands around?
I suppose it would be completely inappropriate for newscasters to be other than stock-still to deliver our news.

The question occurs, do we get taken more seriously and our point made more effectively if we are controlled physically? We are mainly unconscious of ourselves, it's individual and according to habit. I do use my hands at times but I think not much - I actually don't know!

Once aware, it's interesting watching everyone else.

All I know is I never hold my hands clasped like the people on the nightly news channel I watch do. It's just so, well ... un-natural, lol! And the other issue that comes to mind when I watch these news people allow their hands to be physically controlled like this then what kind of control are they under in terms of the news they deliver to us? Food for thought I perhaps?