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