OK, last time I gave you five things you could do with your hands while on air or recording a piece to camera – here are five more.
Using notes
Especially relevant for news and live broadcasting – often journalists and presenters want to have a ‘crutch’ of their script or bullet points. I know some well-known TV faces who use notes as a prop and nothing else. There’s nothing written down – it’s just to look credible. The notes work as a useful anchor for your hands as long as you don’t wave them about. I suggest keeping them in one hand with the arm tucked in. Or in one hand with that arm dropped down by your side. Leaving your other arm free to gesticulate and express. Be mindful they don’t become a barrier between the viewer and you.
Hip action
A good one for out on location, this. And particularly for men. It’s a very ‘outdoorsy’ pose; usually both hands resting casually on hips, elbows out to the side. This anchors the hands – and is especially effective if the shot is quite tight. So, your hands are out of view but you still get some movement and interest in your shoulders. In my experience, if both your hands are anchored, you will naturally work harder to express through your voice and face.
Pockets
It’s really worth thinking about what you’re wearing when you shoot and making sure it has pockets. Putting both or one hand in either back or front pockets can be useful to anchor your hands and can again add interest to the way you stand. It makes you look at ease but doesn’t necessarily have to be for informal PTCs – I think it works as well in news and docs. I find presenters love this and although they worry it’ll make them look too casual, they like the effect on-screen.
The clasp
Be careful not to clasp them in front of your groin. That just looks dodgy. Although there’s a risk a clasp could look too ‘closed’ – it’s a useful solution if you’re a determined hand waver. Bringing them together and keeping them at just-above-waist level is less distracting then having them apart waving around. I prefer the fingers together, palms turned upwards look to the prayer-like approach.
Connect with guests
If you’re co-presenting or talking to guests, use your hands to connect with them. I don’t mean do a Le Bron James and put your arm round them, like he did with Kate Middleton. It could be a gesture towards them or a light touch on the arm. Something inclusive and warm.
So there you go – plenty of options for those hands that just love waving themselves about. Above all – give your hands a purpose. Choreograph them to add meaning to what you’re saying.
