Have you ever seen a cartoon in which a character’s face contorts with the jaw dropping to the floor or the eyes bugging out? The animator certainly gets the point across—this character is either entirely surprised or seriously confused. Your facial expressions, although not as exaggerated as those of a cartoon character, serve a similar purpose: they let your audience know when your words arouse fear, anger, happiness, joy, frustration, or other emotions. The critical factor is that your expressions must match the verbal message that you are sending in your speech. As a competent communicator, you are unlikely to smile when delivering a eulogy—unless you are recounting a particularly funny or endearing memory about the deceased.

Like facial expressions, gestures amplify the meaning of your speech. Clenching your fist, counting with your fingers, and spreading your hands far apart to indicate distance or size all reinforce or clarify your message. What is most important is that your gestures are appropriate and natural. So if you want to show emotion but you feel awkward putting your hand over your heart, don’t do it; your audience will be able to tell that you feel uncomfortable.