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new position avoid an awkward crossing of the feet. In order to do this it may sometimes be necessary first to shift the weight. This marked change of position is ordinarily made when one is starting a new topic or phase of a topic, but it should not be unduly accentuated by occurring during a pause in the speaking. The change should be made as the new topic opens.

Position of the Arms and Hands at Rest. When not engaged in gesture, the arms and hands should rest at the sides. Folding the arms, clasping the hands, putting them into the pockets, or placing them upon the hips, while not altogether objectionable in an informal address as an occasional variation from the normal position, should be generally avoided. Such positions tend to call attention to themselves, to distract from the thought of the discourse. The proper position may at first seem uncomfortable or awkward to some speakers, but that notion is due either to imagination or habits of incorrectness, and should not be permitted to interfere with the acquiring of the position which is generally recognized as most graceful and dignified.

CHAPTER II

POSITIONS AND FORMS OF THE HAND WITH THEIR GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

POSITIONS OF THE HAND

THE positions of the hand may be indicated with reference to six distinct planes of gesture, each having a fairly definite significance.

The high plane gestures are those in which the stroke terminates above the shoulder line. They express, in general, physical, mental, or emotional elevation.

The low plane gestures terminate at or below the waist line. They indicate lowness in a physical, mental, or emotional sense.

The middle plane gestures are those terminating approximately on a level with the speaker's chest. They are used in connection with all references to material objects on a level with the speaker, broadly understood, and with

all mental or emotional concepts which do not involve elevation or lowness. This is the plane most frequently employed.

The front plane gestures are those which terminate directly before the speaker. They express unity, direct personal address, present or future time, slight extent of space or time, forward motion, and strong affirmation.

The oblique plane gestures usually sweep through the corresponding front plane and terminate anywhere from twenty to seventy degrees to the side. They indicate limited numbers, general address, moderate distance in space or time, moderate extent of space or time, and unemphatic negation.

The lateral plane gestures ordinarily sweep through the corresponding front or oblique planes and terminate at or behind the side. They express large numbers, extensive address, great distance in space or time, great extent of space or time, completeness, and emphatic negation.

Every stroke terminates at an intersection of one of the first three planes with one of the last three. That is, there are three high positions of the hand: front, oblique, lateral; and three corresponding middle and low positions.

This combination of planes permits of a double signification in the case of most gestures. To illustrate the high-lateral position suggests not only elevation but great extent, distance, or numbers; the low-front indicates not only lowness but also unity, nearness, or slight extent of time or space.

For convenience in discussion, names derived from the planes are given to all the hand positions, and are here tabulated with the abbreviations used in the illustrative sentences later.

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All of these gestures may be made with either hand or with both hands together. In this connection it is to be noted that the left hand should be employed occasionally for the sake of variety, even if its use is not particularly required by the circumstances.

FORMS OF THE HAND

There are also several distinct forms of the hand commonly used in speaking, each having its general field of expression.

The supine hand, which is most frequently employed, is the hand with the palm upward, fingers lightly curved, and thumb slightly separated from the fingers. It may be very satisfactorily described as the hand which you would offer for a friendly "shake." The general field of expression of the supine is openness, candor, permission, affirmation, ordinary reference, and most phases of address, such as appeal, welcome, etc.

The prone hand has the palm turned downward; it may be described as the supine hand inverted, with the fingers straightened out. The prone hand expresses, in general, covering, secrecy, deceit, suppression, prohibition, and disapproval.

The index-finger employs the extended first finger, the others being curled inward, and the hand edgewise or prone. It is used most frequently to point out, itemize, count, accuse, threaten, call attention, or emphasize.

The clenched hand has the fingers gripped,

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