One of the most common questions we’re asked is, “what should I do with my hands on camera?”

Being on camera can make you feel awkward and cause you to give off the wrong impression with your body language. Proper posturing and hand placement contributes as much to your message as what it is you’re saying.

Today, we’re going to explore some ways to avoid bad non-verbal habits, and discuss the dos and don’ts of hand placement.

Two common mistakes many speakers make are to either clasp your hands together, or place your palms one over the other.

Clasping your hands is a sign that you are closed off. Holding your palms together with one thumb over the other says that you may need reassurance.

Crossing your arms may give the impression that you’re not in agreement, closed off, defensive or insecure.

Open hands and showing palms indicates that you’re not concealing anything

To come across as confident, have your hands open and relaxed, resting on an object in front of you, like a table, or at your side. When your body is open, you project trustworthiness and may actually feel more confident.

If you usually move your hands when you talk, then It is okay to do the same when on camera. In fact, it can make the video more interesting.

If you’re nervous and can’t get comfortable in front of the camera, stand behind a chair, rest your hands lightly on the back of the chair, and only show yourself on video from the waist up.

We hope this was helpful, feel free to check out some of our other videos on body language and how to come across confident on camera. If you have more specific questions, give us a call, at 314-842-3663 that’s 314 Video Me.
Thanks for watching, I’ll be CN You on video.