So attention to strength, poise, flexibility, and grace of body are the

foundations of good gesture, for they are expressions of vitality, and without

vitality no speaker can enter the kingdom of power. When an awkward giant like

Abraham Lincoln rose to the sublimest heights of oratory he did so because of

the greatness of his soul--his very ruggedness of spirit and artless honesty

were properly expressed in his gnarly body. The fire of character, of

earnestness, and of message swept his hearers before him when the tepid words of

an insincere Apollo would have left no effect. But be sure you are a second

Lincoln before you despise the handicap of physical awkwardness.

 

"Ty" Cobb has confided to the public that when he is in a batting slump he even

stands before a mirror, bat in hand, to observe the "swing" and "follow through"

of his batting form. If you would learn to stand well before an audience, look

at yourself in a mirror--but not too often. Practise walking and standing before

the mirror so as to conquer awkwardness--not to cultivate a pose. Stand on the

platform in the same easy manner that you would use before guests in a

drawing-room. If your position is not graceful, make it so by dancing, gymnasium

work, and _by getting grace and poise in your mind_.

 

Do not continually hold the same position. Any big change of thought

necessitates a change of position. Be at home. There are no rules--it is all a

matter of taste. While on the platform forget that you have any hands until you

desire to use them--then remember them effectively. Gravity will take care of

them. Of course, if you want to put them behind you, or fold them once in

awhile, it is not going to ruin your speech. Thought and feeling are the big