Lately my clients and I have been focusing on the natural connection between the movement of their bodies when they speak and the tone and rhythm of their speech. When I point it out, they are usually unaware of this link, and somewhat surprised. But it makes perfect sense to me. I know that for each of us our instrument of communication is our whole self.
Maybe we've all been sitting and staring into computer cameras too long! At any rate, I am noticing that, in addition to overly relaxed speaking verging on vocal fry that I noted last month, their gestures these days are almost exactly mirroring their delivery. For example, when my speakers make sharp gestures for emphasis, like bringing their hands together in a clap, or slicing the air with karate chops, they sound disjointed and mechanical. So even if they are sharing their best story, or leading us through a fascinating process, it is next to impossible for us to follow them. They have no flow.
Is their bodily engagement reflecting--or initiating--the percussive vocal rhythm I hear? I will leave that to the researchers. But what I have observed is that if hands are chopping and slicing, the message is halting and difficult to parse. There is too much emphasis on too many words for the listener to tease out any sense. Or the tone is too aggressive, assaulting the ears. And that's not good!
So I've started asking these clients to incorporate large, rounded, open-handed gestures as part of their preparation. It really smooths out the mountains and valleys of tone, and helps them convey complete thoughts to their listeners. It seems odd to them at first, but after a while these "rehearsal gestures" are dropped. And what replaces them? Gestures and body language that come from a flowing, focused, integrated energy. A tone that supports the message. And invites the audience in.
