During a presentation skills training program in Bratislava, my students asked about “the Merkel pose.” Not being familiar with the issue, I took to Google to see what they were talking about.
As it turns out, the Merkel pose is, indeed, a thing. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has come to be known for a certain “hand gesture” that involves elbows bent at the waist with thumbs and fingertips touching, forming the shape of a triangle or diamond. It actually has a name—the “Merkel-Raute” (Merkel rhombus, in German)—and its own Wikipedia page.
So why does she do it?
Most people don’t know what to do with their hands when they are speaking in front of a group. Many are nervous about public speaking. As a result, they keep their hands busy clicking a pen, grasping the podium, twirling their hair, or counting change in their pockets.
My theory is that the chancellor was feeling awkward about her hands and so she adopted, or was coached to do, something that makes her feel more powerful. The problem is, this particular position is a crutch, not a power position, and it is liable to send messages that she doesn’t intend. In fact, comedians and other politicians have come to poke fun at the gesture. It has been the subject of internet memes and it has even been given deep meaning as a political symbol by conspiracy theorists.
Research from the 1970s (Mehrabian) shows us that 55 percent of the impact of communication comes from body language. So what you do with your hands when speaking in front of an audience can most certainly influence how people perceive you. Arms crossed? You look defensive. Hand resting on hips? Aggressive. Hands in pockets? Timid. None of these are messages you want your audience to take away—especially when you are asking for approval or resources in a business presentation.
Instead, the hands should be actively engaged, describing and emphasizing important points in your presentation. And when they’re not doing either of those things, they should be resting comfortably (not stiffly) at your sides.
I tell my students that the very best (A+) hand gestures come from the shoulder joint. Average (C) gestures come from your elbows. Anything else, like some of the examples I’ve given here, can result in failure (D, or worse yet, F). If you’re going to tell your audience that sales are increasing, for example, show them that with a sweeping upward gesture to the side of your body.
These “shoulder gestures” are not natural, however, and because they are not natural, my students often feel uncomfortable when they practice in class. But they are effective—and impactful. It’s important, then, to work through any discomfort because ultimately, the success of a presentation depends not on how the presenter feels but on what the audience sees and hears.
Photo credit: Angela Merkel, July 2010 by Armin Linnartz is licensed under CC by 3.0
