New York audience. The only thing remembered about that introductory speech is

that the speaker played nervously with the covering of the table as he talked.

We naturally watch moving objects. A janitor putting down a window can take the

attention of the hearers from Mr. Roosevelt. By making a few movements at one

side of the stage a chorus girl may draw the interest of the spectators from a

big scene between the "leads." When our forefathers lived in caves they had to

watch moving objects, for movements meant danger. We have not yet overcome the

habit. Advertisers have taken advantage of it--witness the moving electric light

signs in any city. A shrewd speaker will respect this law and conserve the

attention of his audience by eliminating all unnecessary movements.

 

_Gesture Should either be Simultaneous with or Precede the Words--not Follow

Them_

 

Lady Macbeth says: "Bear welcome in your eye, your hand, your tongue." Reverse

this order and you get comedy. Say, "There he goes," pointing at him after you

have finished your words, and see if the result is not comical.

 

_Do Not Make Short, Jerky Movements_

 

Some speakers seem to be imitating a waiter who has failed to get a tip. Let

your movements be easy, and from the shoulder, as a rule, rather than from the

elbow. But do not go to the other extreme and make too many flowing

motions--that savors of the lackadaisical.