When we talk to clients about communicating with impact, body language is a key building block. This starts with authoritative posture and getting rid of unnecessary tension. Once we’ve worked on these, we ask if there are any questions—and almost always, someone asks: “What should I do with my hands?”

It’s a great question. And the answer is: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution but there are some guidelines for what works.

Spoiler alert! It’s not this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZtiDJqVYwk f

Why Hands Matter

Your hands are powerful communicators. They can reinforce your message, show openness, or—if misused—create distraction or tension. But unlike posture or eye contact, hand placement is trickier because it’s so personal and situational.

Try It On

We encourage people to experiment. Try placing your hands in different positions and notice how it feels and looks. Some positions might feel natural but appear awkward to others. Some might look polished but feel stiff. The goal is to find a position that’s both comfortable and confident.

What Doesn’t Work Well

There are a few hand positions that consistently don’t work:

• Behind your back: This can look overly formal or rigid—think military parade ground.
• Crossed and low: Often reads as defensive or closed off.
• Crossed and high: Even more defensive, and can make you look like you’re bracing for impact.

These positions tend to restrict movement and signal discomfort, even if that’s not your intention.

What Does Work Well

A good default is to have your hands loosely together, around belly button height. This gives you a relaxed base and allows your hands to gesture naturally when needed. Gestures help emphasise points and make you appear more engaged.

Watch out for tension—clenched fists, hand wringing, or fidgeting can undermine your message. If you notice these habits, pause, breathe, and reset.

Keep It Fluid

The best communicators don’t freeze their hands in one position. They move naturally, using gestures to support their words. So once you’ve found a comfortable resting position, let your hands flow from there.