As a high-stakes communicator, you operate in environments charged with formality, scrutiny, and pressure. Whether you’re delivering opening statements, cross-examining a witness, or addressing a jury, your body language speaks before you do.

And when nerves kick in? Your hands often betray you—fidgeting, clenching, or disappearing into pockets.

Let’s fix that.

Nervous vs. Anxious: Why It Matters

First, let’s get something straight: there’s a difference between nervousness and anxiety.

1. Anxiety is a mindset issue—it stems from long-term worries or fears that may or may not be buried within.

2. Nervousness is an energy issue—it’s the body responding to a high-pressure moment.

When you step into a courtroom, you may experience both. But in that moment, you are without a doubt in a highly nervous scenario. 

⚡ The formality of the space.

⚡ The pressure to perform—not just in knowledge, but socially.

⚡ The eyes of strangers watching your every move.

⚡ The critical ears listening for any misstep.

Nerves aren’t inherently bad. They heighten your awareness, sharpen your focus, and signal that you care about the outcome. Not to mention, that a revved up sympathetic nervous system is what gives you some "get up and go" to accomplish things in your day. So, nerves can often be really good.

But if unmanaged, nervous energy can sabotage your credibility.

Your Hands Are Giving You Away

When nervous, your body searches for an outlet for all that excess energy. And the first place it shows? Your hands.

1. Fidgeting with papers, glasses, or jewelry

2. Clenching into tight fists

3. Gripping the podium for dear life

4. Shoving hands into your pockets

The problem? These unconscious movements signal discomfort, insecurity, and even a lack of control & confidence—all things you cannot afford in front of a jury.

So how do you fix it?

The Stable Base: Anchoring for Instant Control

To project calm authority, you need a stable base. That starts with your hands.

Here are a few options: 

✅ Lightly rest your hands at waist level.

Place one hand over the other or LOOSELY clasp them together. This prevents fidgeting and creates a neutral starting position.

✅ Use deliberate, purposeful movements.

When you do move your hands, make sure your movements are meaningful. Let your gestures support your words.

✅ Redirect nervous energy into your breath.

If the urge to fidget creeps in, take a deep breath. Direct all that energy into a steady, controlled pace—not restless, frenetic movement.

The Power of Stillness in the Courtroom

Anchored hands = a grounded presence. And a grounded presence builds credibility.

With controlled, intentional movement, you:

✔ Appear composed and confident.

✔ Keep distractions to a minimum.

✔ Ensure jurors stay focused on your words, not your hands.

So, next time you step into court, anchor in a light clasp—no clenching, no hiding. Own your presence, direct your energy, and let your message command the room.