The Clinton Thumb: [klin-tn thuhm] Popularized by former President Bill Clinton; a sincere and persuasive hand gesture characterized by a subtly protruding thumb.
Both Clinton’s friends and enemies alike report a unique mental phenomenon while listening to him speak: a gentle pressure that builds in the frontal lobe of the brain until the entire head begins to nod up and down in agreement, regardless of what is being said. That pressure is Bill Clinton’s thumb.
The Clinton Thumb exists in a rare class of human hand gestures–indeed, the only comparable alternative is the Jedi hand wave—that seem to endow the presenter with temporary mind control capabilities. As such, its use should be very much limited to communicating the most crucial elements of any given presentation. The Clinton Thumb never points, nor does it enumerate mundane lists. It is never a fist, nor a thumbs-up. If the thumb turns white as the blood drains from a nervously clinched hand, cease use immediately. As demonstrated by its namesake, the Clinton Thumb pairs nicely with your most sincere face.
Clinton Thumbs should be practiced prior to use at the podium. Do you have kids? Try saying, “Making your bed is important,” with your best Clinton Thumb. If they believe what you say and do it, you are ready to wield the Thumb on stage.
The Takeaway: You’ll get a lot of mileage out of natural, sincere hand gestures that emphasize key points without distracting your audience, or yourself.
