Pulpit Mannerism
Public speakers should ever remember that their audiences include many classes, presenting varied tastes and degrees of culture, to some of whom a display of crude ways, awkward postures, and offensive mannerisms would be a serious deterrent to receiving the message presented. One engaged in the sacred work of the ministry should shun all such practices as would mar his work.
Proper pulpit manners and correct speaking habits are best formed in the beginning of one's public ministry, and these suggestions are primarily for such. It is highly important that the student who aims to enter the ministry make this matter, as well as the negative aspect of the handicap of offensive mannerisms, a subject of serious study in his preparation for public work. Habits, either good or bad, soon become fixed, and are not easily broken. The ministry of many of our workers has been greatly cheapened and weakened by unfortunate mannerisms formed early in life, which fact emphasizes the importance of beginning well.
Close attention should be given to maintaining good poise before an audience. Careless postures are offensive. Extreme motion in the desk is distractive. Gestures are impressive and helpful when well-timed and graceful, but they become defeating handicaps when divested of poise, moderation, and timeliness. Gracefulness is always more winning than slackness or stiffness. Avoid extreme intensity. Never fall into the habit of constantly displaying a clenched fist. And keep your hands out of your pockets.
Avoid, if possible, using your handkerchief unnecessarily. I was once associated with a Young man who had drifted into a most unfortunate habit of producing a handkerchief constantly throughout his sermons. But there were so many pockets and places where he would tuck it away that frequently he would forget where he last put it. While busy with his preaching, he would at the same time be seeking that elusive handkerchief, his audience looking on sympathetically, desirous of telling him where he left it last.
A free flow of words should be cultivated. Young speakers will do well to avoid painstakingly, or to overcome, the hesitating habit. There are strong, experienced men whose public speaking has been made less effective by this unfortunate and annoying habit of emitting a sort of guttural drawl while seemingly waiting for words. Such habits are defeating, and young men cannot afford to permit their public work to be marred by them.
Outstanding mannerisms may seem to be innocent and inoffensive to the one at fault, and even to his close friends and acquaintances, but any departure from good poise and decorum is certain to be detractive with the general public.
Walla Walla, Wash.
