It's important to plan gestures that emphasize your point because they help the audience "see" what you mean. Here are some words that are commonly used and gestures that bring those words to life:
| Common Words | Gestures |
| Count; 1,2,3 | Tick off with fingers |
| Up/Down | Raise hand up or down |
| Big/Small | Move hands apart or together |
| You/Me | Point hand toward audience or self |
| Imagine | Raise index finger up |
| Flat/Same | Make a leveling gesture |
| Differences | Show open palms |
| Power/Strong | Make a closed fist |
| What/Why/When | Use an open gesture |
| Before/Yesterday | Gesture backward |
| Afterwards/Tomorrow | Gesture forward |
Remember to practice your gestures when you rehearse your speech. All it takes is a few practice sessions to become more relaxed and comfortable using them when you stand up in front of your audience to present.
