I GOOTA HAND IT TO 'YA

[CROWN COUNCIL]

Maybe you are not aware of how loudly your hands speak.  For instance, it is important that you don't have your hands saying something different than what your voice is saying.  Likewise what if there is opportunity for emphasizing a point of importance in the course of whatever you are saying.

The following is a "handy" dictionary of hand gestures that will aid you in making the best use of your hands:

* Hands open with the palms up should go with a request for something from those whom you are addressing.

* Hands open with palms at a 45-degree angle helps to emphasize that you are being honest and upright.

* Hands open with the palms down means that you are certain about what you are saying.

* Hands at a 90-degree angel and fingers together means you have confidence and expertise in what you are saying.

* Hands touching your face, hair or neck make you look nervous or tentative, as do hands grasped together in front of you.

* Standing with your hands on your hips indicates aggressiveness and it is well to think twice before using this gesture..

Follow these guidelines and you are sure to convey it with effective emphasis.

 Gregory B. Anderson-director