Magnetic Hands – space object improv tip

In improv I learned a technique that I can help with animation:

First I should explain space object:
An object that`s used in the scene but which doesn`t really exist. A mimed object. In general, anything that doesn`t support weight (like a chair) should be a space object.

To better sell your interaction with a space object, pretend that your hand and finger tips are magnets. For example, when grabbing a space object cup: let your hand ease into the position, then snap into a grab. Try it with different types of items: grabbing a door knob, placing your hands on a surface, grasping a ledge. Snap the position to sell to the audience your commitment to it’s existence.

Without the snap, motions can feel floaty, as if hands are floating through the objects — like there’s nothing there.

Mimic this technique in animations to sell commitment to an object.