Crazy over public speaking gestures for 70 years
Found this old film from the 1940s that runs through the ‘basics’ of effective public speaking. It’s absolute rubbish, but very funny, with an over-emphasis on body posture and forced gestures.
There’s some hilarious footage here; especially in the scene demonstrating how not to make public speaking gestures. And in the final “live” speech the speaker’s motions are so calculated, they distract from what the speaker is trying to say.
What interests me are the comments on the video: People think this is helpful.
- “I’m a public speaker and this documentary serves as a timeless reminder that body language is an important skill.”
- “Thank you for sharing the great knowledge with us.”
- “I like this video because I’m just starting my public speaking career.”
- “Great presentation. Well spoken and good points to ponder.”
What? Public Speaking for robots!
It seems even today, people are being taught un-natural, mechanistic public speaking skills.
The ‘bad’ example of poor gestures is so over the top as to be inhuman.
And of course, this guy’s problem is not that he naturally moves like he’s being drawn and quartered like Mel Gibson in Braveheart, but that he lacks certainty about his content – which is reflected in his gestures.
Clear visual explanations (gestures) flow from clarity about what you are saying. Don’t teach people gestures, teach clear preparation and clear thinking skills so they can speak naturally.
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If you’d like to become a relaxed, compelling and persuasive speaker, consider: