I Gesture WAY Too Much. How Can I Fix This?

Dude, take an acting class or something.

It seems like you have a question of this type at least once a week. If you really, genuinely want to be a better actor, then spend a little less time on BWW asking us and a little more time with a good teacher honing your craft.

---

i understand, lots of people have this problem even with training. I say, have someone hold your arms to your side as you practice your monologue. Eventually, It should help you feel more comfortable with your hands at your side, and only use gestures to emphasize important parts, I hope that helps!

---

Gesture too much? follow these simple directions:

1. STOP IT!

2. that's all, just stop it

Are you italian?

double post

---

Updated On: 1/29/07 at 06:21 PM

You could always cut your arms off. See EVIL DEAD. Maybe they'll let you use the chainsaw.

Worth a try.

---

Choose specific times to use a gesture. First figure out how your character stands and how they might use their hands. How your character stands will be your character neutral. You shouldn't really make any large movements in this position unless your character NEEDS to move. He needs to use a part of his body to express what he's saying because words alone will not suffice.

Less tends to be more. Pick specific lines words where a gesture, posture change, ect might help support the character and his intentions.

---

Why isn't this off-topic or on the student board?

---

Cruel I understand,
I'm an expressive person enough, and the fact that most of my genetic makeup is Italian doesn't help.
Practice, if not with a coach then on your own.
Eventually you'll fall into favor with hand gestures that work & aren't too extravagant to be taken seriously.

---

Look at Idina Menzel, she always knows what to do with her arms.

---

Over gesticulation is often a sign of an actor's lack of confidence and trust that they are able to communicate effectively.

Take some acting classes. Or read a book.

Sure, non-verbal is profoundly important on-stage. But not to the point of distraction. Practice saying your lines with absolutely zero blocking. Tie your hands behind your back and just speak the lines. Pay attention and discover how words can be said and inflected differently to convey meaning. Repeat. Repeat again.

Then let go of your arms and permit yourself to use your hands and feet ONLY IF it helps with what you are trying to communicate. Remember how you sounded WITHOUT using your body.

If you find you're still unable to keep your gestures in balance, then you must step outside yourself and look at yourself critically and ask what it is you're afraid of. Gestures seem to be your security blanket. Are you afraid of being vulnerable and inhabited by standing still?

This thread wins the "most enjoyable thread of 2007 thus far" award.