Deep Dive into Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon - Open-Air Preaching - Posture, Action, Gesture, Etc.
Effective actions enhance a message without distracting from it, embodying a natural, unstudied grace. They should be expressive and align perfectly with spoken words, serving as a visual commentary. Gestures must speak correctly, such as opened arms for diffusion or united hands for concentration, and speakers should maintain direct eye contact with the audience during exhortation. Effective action is also moderate, never excessive or conspicuous; the ideal is so seamlessly integrated with the discourse that it draws no remark, becoming one with the message.
Drill exercise is crucial for developing this natural grace, by improving posture, controlling gestures, expanding the chest, and teaching the body to move without clumsiness or conscious effort. This training cultivates a general propriety of form and handiness, essential for fluid delivery.
Conversely, action contradicts words when physical gestures, posture, or tone convey a message opposite to, or inconsistent with, the verbal utterance. This creates a "sad business" where language loses its force, potentially leading to audience amusement or confusion. Examples include pointing to the earth while crying "O heaven!", describing weakness by thumping vigorously, or expressing comfort with aggressive fists. Such "little oddities and absurdities" undermine the message by creating hostile visuals or absurd ideas.
Nervousness, difficulty finding words, bad habits, and poorly designed pulpits—which restrict movement, cause physical discomfort, or force ungainly postures—are major impediments to effective and natural action. Overcoming these challenges through practice, faith, and diligent self-culture is crucial for ensuring physical delivery harmonizes with the spiritual message.
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