Gestures, posture and personal space

Let your body language feel natural and suit the situation

Gestures and posture can help structure an explanation, show a direction or emphasise a point. They don’t need to be large or constant. If you find a relaxed hand position or referring to your notes helpful, that’s fine. Before a presentation, try only what helps you speak clearly.

People have different preferences about personal space and touch. The right distance depends on the relationship, the setting, social norms and individual comfort. If you’re unsure, keep a reasonable distance and ask before touching someone. If they step back or stiffen, that may be a reason to pause and check if they’re comfortable, but it doesn’t prove exactly how they feel.

During a conversation, also pay attention to practical conditions: noise, lighting, seating and whether both people can take part comfortably. Sometimes a change in communication is explained by tiredness, pain or an unsuitable setting, rather than a relationship problem.

You don’t have to force your body into a pose that feels unnatural. It’s more useful to keep your hands relaxed, speak clearly and adjust the distance to what the other person is comfortable with.