Why do television people wave their arms around so much?!
Question:
Why do television people wave their arms around so much?
Television reporters have this habit of waving their hands around when talking to the camera.
They sometimes look as though they are holding a very large, invisible ball between their hands. Or they wave their hands around as though they were trying to flick water off the ends of their fingers. Why can't they keep their hands still when they are talking?
Answers:
Often journalists are taught either in college or by some broadcast consultant that they need to appear 'engaged' in the story to make a connection with the audience. They are also taught to appear relaxed and 'conversational'. Although it is incorrect-many journalist interpret that to mean they need to be in motion all the time and they use their hands for emphasis. A really great television anchor or reporter will make the same connection using their eyes and their voice. Often inexperienced television people move because they are nervous and being on-camera is very un-natural, they often stop doing it after a few years of reporting.