Monks Brook U3A, Hampshire

On 1 July, I spoke about the Power of Humour in Everyday Life to around 90 members of Monks Brook U3A at St Boniface Church Hall in Chandlers Ford.

Regular readers may remember that last year I was plagued with a skin problem (eventually diagnosed as eczema) on my feet. This was only visible to my audience in as much as it meant my having to turn up at a few bookings dressed rather more informally than usual (ie wearing training shoes!)

This summer, just to add a little variety, I have had the problem on the backs of my hands instead - very badly. This affected my public speaking in two ways. Firstly, I  had to explain to friendly, hospitable speaker secretaries, club chairmen, etc, why it was probably best for all concerned if I didn't shake hands with them. No problem - they were all very understanding. But, as I am a speaker who gesticulates a lot, there was the little matter of hiding this unsightly distraction from my audiences.

If I kept my hands still while I spoke, they might be even more noticeable, especially if I used the sometimes-recommended 'hands to home' position where you place your hands one on top of the other below your waistline (rather suggestive-looking for male speakers if you ask me!)

So I decided to gesture with my palms upwards - something which I had not done much before because other ways of gesticulating always felt more natural to me. Perhaps I had also resisted it because it reminded of some body language experts' advice on how applicants at job interviews should have a slight smile and sit with their knees apart, their hands resting on them, palms upwards... (I can't help thinking that if I was the interviewer I would immediatelt discount the candidate as being somewhat scary!) And maybe I thought that palms upwards might even look as if the speaker is pleading his honesty with the audience ('this funny story really did happen...')

But I had little choice so I tried it. What amazed me was how easily I adapted to this change and how natural it felt. Remember, I have been a public speaker for fifteen years - and then there is all the gesticulating I do in everyday conversation as well.

Public Speaking Tip #336: Even some of your most ingrained public speaking habits can be easily changed after many years if necessary.

The talk got an excellent response on this extremely hot afternoon and no eyes seemed to be distracted by my hands, either their rash or my new way of gesturing so: job done!

So will I adopt this way of gesturing in all my talks from now on - even when I am not suffering from dermatitis? The jury's still out but I do at least have an extra option which feels natural and that's great (think how many speakers complain about the problem of not knowing what to do with their hands).

On the train journey back to Southampton, a Hampshire paramedic, presumably on his way to work, kept staring at my hands (although he didn't offer any medical tips!) Perhaps I needed to keep them palms-upwards at other times, too!