Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-12-22
SELF-CONTROL REQUIRED.
A BRIEF ESSAY ON THE FACIAL ex-
PRESTON OF STeNOGRAPHeRS.
An Indifference and StOieism to Be
Worn al ali 1imes-The Telling of
white Lies"-Bad Grammar-Busi-
ness Sec cts.

Worn At ali Times-The Telling Of
white Lies"-Bad Grammar-Busi-
ness Sec. cts
In all tn. advertisements and circulars
which the various shorthand schools and
colleges are sending broadcast over the
country regarding the qualifications Of
students whom they have graduated, l
find one point not alluded to; and as
believe this omitted point something
necessary TO the success OF every one
acting as private secretary, it seems to
me il should be taught or at least spoken
OF as u necessary requisite in the pro
flcicnCy Ofshorthand writers.
Iu these days, when so much attention
is given to the DelSarte method of express
sion by those who are fitting themselves
professionally for the stage, and the look
without the accompanying words can be
made TO express emotion of any kind, |
would suggest a method-differing from
the DelsaIte in the opposite extreme
shirh should be used in connection with
every system of shorthand, that pupils
may learn not TO accompany their diCta-
tors words with varying expressions Of
Countenance but so train themselves that
they eau assume a stoiCal expression
which they shall wear at all times, and
out of which they will not be surprised
under the most trying circumstances.
In my experience as private amanuensis
in a large wholesale house | have learned
this for myself and now would help
others just entering the field who have no
idea how much depends upon the cultiva-
tion of facial expression; or rather the
cultivation of non-eXpression in the face
Have you keen sense of humur, and
are you unfortunate enough to see the
ridiculous side of everything, then ] warn
You to so train yourself that, while laugh
ing inwardly rs much as you please, not
even the fringe ef your eyelIds shall
quiver or the corners of your mouth twist
when your dictator expresses himself in
so peculiar manner as 10 excite your
risibles
If brought up in conscientious family,
with no knowledge of business entangle-
mentS which necessitate the telling of
white lies" then again it Will be well
for you 10 be yersed in facial expression
TO the intent that when you are receiving
words from your dictator's lips exactly
contrary 10 opinions expressed by him in
previous letters TO other parties, your eyes
shall not open wide with questioning
look but will maintain downcast, ''nune
Of my business" position, which at all
times suit your employer, for where is
there a business man who wants his con
science sitting at his elbow ready to say
in looks. because it dare not in words,
"You are not telling the truth, sir"
Ii you pride yourself upon your correct
grammar, and vince inyOluntarily at the
indiscriminate mixing of pronouns and
lenses when in the presence of people not
related to Richard Grant White, then will
it be necessary for you TO be well trained
that not a shadow of horror will pass over
your countenance when your dictator
begins letter in his most consequential
manner, I'VE done the best we could, but
it is our intentions to do better, etc -
etc, or so mikes his own individual "I''
with the firm I'VE" that you are In doubt
as to the proper signature of the same.
II you feel each hair rising. each muscle
of your face wincing and all the wrinkles
of your forehead holding an indignation
meeting at a common center, warn you
to suppress them all. Say TO each quiver-
ing muscle: Cease thy sympathetic con
vulsions, " and TO the gathering wrinkles
Depart in peace, this is none OF your
affair that you should thus show yourself
in battle array"
INDIFFERENCE AND STofCIsNs.
Are you subjected to the writing OF
personal letters, giving information, per
haps, on subjects which arouse your
curiosity, let not one CLEAN of exultation
shoot from your eyes that you now possess
the wished for knowledge: or II you are
called upon to take letters of coincidence
TO sOrrowing friends let not the look of
sbject p ty show itself on your face, not
even il the tears roll down your dictator s
eyes and your heart is filled with SYM
pathy. You are not hired as a mourner
TO enter into the spirit of the occasion;
therefore | say 10 you maintain look Of
the utmost indifference and stoicism.
II interrupted in the course Of your die
tation by friend Of your employer, who
calls for the purpose Of discussing politics
and a lively conversation ensues-during
which you sit with pencil in your hand
waiting to resume your legitimate busi.
ness-let not their words extend further
than your ears, and let not your face ex-
press that you stand with either side in
their opinion Of presidential candidates,
but let them judge from the vacant look
in your face that you did not know a fall
election was TO take place.
In conclusion strive not to be your die
tator's conscience, his grammar or his
clown, but simply his phonograph-his
human machiue-whichs shall receive into
its ears anything and everything on all
subjects, and shall through all maintain
a countenance aS placid as q summer sea,
as vacant as the face Of an owl and as I'M
changeable as the sphinx.-Phonographic
Monthly.