Shyam Bharadwaj

Public Speaking
Moser
1/23/12
Gesturing in Kirk Sorensens speech: Thorium, an alternative nuclear fuel
The art of speech, one of the most difficult arts to master due to social pressures,
has flourished throughout the world as a communication tool. Now more than ever,
people of all types utilize this persuasive device to convey and publicize their ideas. A
multi-faceted instrument, speech consists not only of content but also tone and gesture,
vehicles that help deliver the message. In Kirk Sorensens speech Thorium, an alternative
nuclear fuel, Sorensen, although well informed about his topic, does not use gesture
effectively to convey his points. His lack of gesture and movement make him seem
uninterested in his topic and weaken his arguments.
Sorensen begins speaking with his eyes fixed on his speech notes. As he explains
the basic energy needs of people worldwide, he lifts his hands only slightly from time to
time, never making any powerful gestures. His lack of conviction makes him seem
unconvinced that the audience will change their minds about efficient power because of
his speech. While his tone and volume are adequately varied, he consistently keeps one
hand on his notes, indicating that (while maybe not entirely true) he does not know his
topic well enough to inform an audience about it. On more than one occasion, it appears
that he needs to read entire sentences off of his speech notes. When he does bring up
powerful arguments, such as Thoriums eco-friendly nature in comparison to Uraniums,

he does not emphasize them with gestures; instead, he says them quickly without pause.
Sorensens lack of gesture presents as boredom with his topic.
In addition to not gesturing very much, Sorensen does not move away from his
initial spot on the stage. While the audiences large size makes it difficult for Sorensen to
make eye contact with individuals, it should not bar him from moving around the stage
and addressing different parts of the audience at different times. Throughout the speech,
Sorensen only addresses the middle area of the audience, and even this he does very
infrequently and for only a second or two at a time. Furthermore, his location on the stage
is awkward: he speaks only from the right side of the stage while people are seated
throughout the auditorium. His lack of movement makes him seem scared of the audience
and therefore unsure of what he says. Although his points are valid, his lack of
confidence detracts from his credibility.
Sorensens speech expresses the benefits of Thorium as a superior alternative to
Uranium. Sorensen himself, however, does not express much through gesture or
movement throughout the 10-minute speech. Todays greatest orators captivate audiences
through gesture and movement along with through other strategies. Sorensen, in order to
strengthen his message, must gesture more powerfully and make use of the entire stage.
Doing so would aid him in gaining support and furthering his points, which if delivered
properly, could change the world.