What is called graceful manner, can only be attained by those who have some natural advantages of person.  So far as it is in the reach of study or practice, it seems to depend chiefly upon the general cultivation of manners, implying freedom from all embarrassments, and entire self-possession.  The secret of acquiring a graceful style of gesture, we apprehend, lies in the habitual practice, not only when speaking but at all times, of free and graceful movements of the limbs.

There is no limb nor feature which the accomplished speaker will not employ with effect, in the course of a various and animated delivery.  The arms, however, are the chief reliance of the orator in gesture; and it will not be amiss to give a hint or two in reference to their proper use.

First—­It is not an uncommon fault to use one arm exclusively, and to give that a uniform movement.  Such movement may, sometimes, have become habitual from one’s profession or employment; but in learners, also, there is often a predisposition to this fault.

Second—­It is not unusual to see a speaker use only the lower half of his arm.  This always gives a stiff and constrained manner to delivery.  Let the whole arm move, and let the movement be free and flowing.

Third—­As a general rule, let the hand be open, with the fingers slightly curved.  It then seems liberal, communicative, and candid; and, in some degree, gives that expression to the style of delivery.  Of course there are passages which require the clinched hand, the pointed finger, etc., etc.; but these are used to give a particular expression.

Fourth—­In the movements of the arm, study variety and the grace of curved lines.

When a gesture is made with one arm only, the eye should be cast in the direction of that arm; not at it, but over it.

All speakers employ, more or less, the motions of the head.  In reference to that member, we make but one observation.  Avoid the continuous shaking and bobbing of the head, which is so conspicuous in the action of many ambitious public speakers.

The beauty and force of all gesture consist in its timely, judicious, and natural employment, when it can serve to illustrate the meaning or give emphasis to the force of an important passage.  The usual fault of young speakers is too much action.  To emphasize all parts alike, is equivalent to no emphasis; and by employing forcible gestures on unimportant passages, we diminish our power to render other parts impressive.

ELOCUTION AND READING. (57)

The business of training youth in elocution, must be commenced in childhood.  The first school is the nursery.  There, at least, may be formed a distinct articulation, which is the first requisite for good speaking.  How rarely is it found in perfection among our orators.