Final answer:
Gestures during a lecture that indicate importance include calculated movements that enhance expression, like controlled posture or hand movements. These nonverbal cues complement the verbal message and must be balanced to avoid distraction. Practice in front of a mirror can help speakers refine their gestures for effective communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the text, gestures that indicate importance during a lecture are those that help the audience interpret another level of meaning, such as facial expressions and movements that offer clues to the speaker's thoughts and emotions. Actions that suggest significance may include controlled movements of the speaker's entire upper body, a manly inclination of the side, or the raised thumb and slightly curved fingers when making a point. Working within the constraints of ancient clothing, such as the toga, historical orators like Cicero would employ a limited but expressive range of gestures to communicate effectively to their audience.
Gestures like lifting the arm to form a right angle at the elbow or cautiously pacing due to audience applause could serve as subtle cues of emphasis to the message being delivered. It was equally important to balance the application of these techniques, as too much or too little could distract or disengage viewers. The advice of practicing in front of a mirror allows speakers to plan and refine their nonverbal expression, ensuring that such gestures contribute positively to the message's delivery, rather than drawing focus away from it.