considered mentally or emotionally low may be best expressed by the downward movement of the hand. In this category are included weakness and despair, yielding and humility, degeneracy and evil. WEAKNESS, DESPAIR His intellect is below the standard required. (1 fs) A dozen feeble-minded petitioners sought him. (1 o s) Government officials seemed absolutely hopeless. YIELDING, HUMILITY I admit the point in question. (1 fs) (1 1 s) 3. Forcefulness. Although additional emphasis may be given to a verbal expression by an appropriate gesture in any plane, the descending movement best conveys the idea of forcefulness. This fact is due to the suggestion of weight and power contained in the downward stroke of the hand. It drives in the thought as a hammer stroke drives in a nail. Even though numbers or extent be involved in the statement expressed, it is advisable to make the purely emphatic gesture in the front plane, since that is most direct. The stroke must be vigorous. You cannot overcome the force of public opinion. (1 fs) C. The High Plane Attention is once more directed to the fact that the high plane gestures, just as the middle and low, should terminate in the front, oblique, or lateral according to the number, extent, location, or motion involved in the matter expressed. Furthermore, it is to be noted that in making gestures in the high plane a slight downward wrist movement should terminate the stroke unless the speaker is indicating a rising from a lower to a higher altitude. Frequently, speakers make only the upward, preparatory part of the gesture, omitting entirely the wrist stroke, which should be used in practically all cases to give point and emphasis to the gesture. Moreover, the high plane gestures should not be terminated directly above the speaker's head, but carried somewhat forward or sidewise as the case may require. This method gives all the gestures an appearance of ease, and is particularly desirable in referring to material things since it allows for viewpoint and perspective; a mountain or tower rising directly above the speaker's head is a bit paradoxical. As a descending movement conveys the idea of all that is low, so the ascending movement suggests that which is high, physically, mentally, or emotionally. This includes whatever is lofty, fanciful, victorious, joyful, noble, sublime, and sacred, since these and similar conceptions are universally associated with elevation. The following groups indicate the various types of expression requiring the high supine gestures. 1. References to persons, places, or objects above the speaker's viewpoint, and physical superiority. HIGH POSITION One little cloud floated above us. (h fs) The hillside was dotted with people in holiday (h o s) garb. The vast range of peaks glittered in the sun. (h 1 s) PHYSICAL SUPERIORITY Like a gladiator he towered above his opponent. (h fs) With Divine aid they had the might of thousands. (h 1 s) 2. Idealism, achievement, ambition, victory, joy, justice, truth, wisdom, righteousness, honor, sacredness, sublimity, and kindred conceptions express a superior state of mind or an exalted emotional attitude. The analogy to physical elevation is obvious. IDEALISM, ACHIEVEMENT, AMBITION Throughout a long career he aimed toward the highest standard of efficiency. (h fs) These would be proud achievements even for a (h o s) man with greater opportunities. A too soaring ambition blighted his chances for (h 1 s) success. VICTORY, JOY A shout of victory went up. (h fs) A great tumult of joy greeted his escape. (h 1 s) JUSTICE, TRUTH, WISDOM Justice alone was the secret of his success. (h fs) He not only preached truth; he followed the paths of truth. (ho s) Amid the ragings of partisans and jingoists he followed the star of wisdom. (h fs) RIGHTEOUSNESS, HONOR, SACREDNESS, Even if bigoted, these men were righteous. (ho s) He was persecuted for the honor of his country. (h fs) Such sacred feelings were all too rare. (ho s) The sentiment of national wrath deepened, vast and sublime. (h 1 s) |