What To Do When You Don’t Know What To Do With Your Hands

We’ve all experienced that awkward moment when we don’t know what to do with our hands. We find ourselves fidgeting, tapping our feet, scratching our nose, and trying in vain to go unnoticed as we stand in public and wait for someone to tell us what to do. Unfortunately, these fidgeting gestures can be noticed, and it’s an ungainly sight to see someone desperately searching for something to do with their hands.

Fortunately, there are ways to remedy this awkward situation. With just a few adjustments in behavior, you can look and feel much more confident, composed, and self-assured. Here’s what to do when you don’t know what to do with your hands.

Be Ready

The first thing to remember is that being prepared is key. This means being aware of your body language at all times. Instead of allowing your hands to hang idly by your sides, take a moment to think about how you want to show up.

If the situation isn’t one in which you’re expected to make a speech or an exciting announcement, then remember that standing with your arms at your sides is perfectly acceptable. This is the safest choice and it’s likely to blend into the background until you’re ready to move on.

Gesture With Purpose

The next step is to add purposeful gestures to your interactions. When you’re speaking to someone, you can use your hands to add emphasis to your words. If you’re speaking more broadly to a group, your hands can be used to draw attention, demonstrate, and add emphasis to certain topics.

You can also use your hands to express your opinions, experiences, and reactions in a positive way. By doing this, you communicate more effectively, and your gestures become informative, rather than distracting.

Finding Comfort

Finally, remember to be comfortable when you don’t know what to do with your hands. If you find yourself fumbling with your clothing, jewelry, or other objects, it can certainly be distracting.

If you find yourself wanting to do something, take a deep breath and focus on an area of your body that feels relaxed. Let your hands rest in a comfortable place, such as the back of a chair, and pause before speaking. This gives you the opportunity to feel confidently in control of the situation and allows you to speak without fear or added stress.

By taking a few simple steps and being mindful of your body language and gestures, you can do away with the uncomfortable feeling of not knowing what to do when you don’t know what to do with your hands. Although it feels awkward, you can overcome the uncertainty and be confident, composed, and self-assured in any situation.