What If They Never Really Hear You?
Persuasion may live in your hands more than your words. Inside this issue: the science of gesture, the stories elephants never forget, and a fireside with three of Atlanta's top journalists.
The persuasion is in your hands Most people believe persuasion lives in their words. But new research shows something surprising: the way you use your hands can make your message more convincing — even when your words stay exactly the same. Scientists analyzed thousands of talks and found that illustrative gestures — movements that show your idea (outlining a concept, showing size, tracing direction) — make speakers come across as more competent and more convincing. When your hands visualize your words, listeners process your ideas faster, trust you more, and feel like they get it before you finish the sentence. This week, try one simple tweak: use one clear, visual gesture for your key point. Not flashy, not noisy — just purposeful. Persuasion doesn't start when people agree. It starts when they see what you mean. In the news: the stories elephants never forget While traveling in Thailand over the holidays, I spent time at an elephant sanctuary. What struck me wasn't their size — it was their presence. Elephants don't forget; they carry memory for decades. Their stories live in their bodies. We carry stories too — moments that shaped our leadership, experiences that built our voice, failures we hide, wins we downplay. But unlike elephants, we often stay silent. We minimize. We move on. And in doing so, we leave power on the table. Storytelling isn't about creating something new; it's about giving voice to what already lives inside you. The stories you don't tell don't disappear — they wait. And when you finally speak them, they change how others see you, and how you lead. Storytellers in action January's Storyteller Tables brought together three of Atlanta's top journalists for a fireside chat on how stories get noticed, shaped, and chosen. They shared how journalists really listen, what makes a story land, and what makes it disappear. Then we turned inward — in small groups, people shared personal moments and explored how to feature their stories at work, in leadership, and in the way they show up. By the end of the night, stories weren't just told. They were claimed. Upcoming: practice your voice with AI A hands-on experience designed to help you learn how the pros do it, so you can too. When: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 , 6:30–8:30 PM ET Where: Tech Alpharetta, 925 North Point Pkwy Suite 130, Alpharetta, GA 30005 Tickets: Reserve your seat Neha Negandhi — CEO, Storyteller Tables · TEDx Speaker & Storytelling Coach