Monday, 17 May 2010

In Praise of the Great British Yawn - a 10-point plan

In case we lose the historical joy of a well-executed British yawn, let me recap the recommended ingredients.
1. Start crumpling your face to prepare your audience for what is to come.
2. Both arms should reach for the sky (which it turns out is just further away than you expect). A glimpse of the midriff as the string vest lifts wins extra points here.
3. As the mouth opens, start squinting the eyes. One is best, two if you feel you must.
4. If you feel comfortable enough to let out a Chewbacca-style moan at this point,all to the good.
5. Turn the fists inward and continue with a slow beating of the chest. This should occur an odd number of times - 3 is good, 5 is OK. Never 2 or 4.
6. Rest the final fist on the chest while you survey your audience for approval.
7. Execute the most inane beaming grin that you can muster.
Please note: The level of smug self-satisfaction you are shooting for here cannot be overestimated. The expression should say to anyone in close proximity "I have just solved Fermat's Last Theorem".
8. The whole procedure should take no longer than 12 seconds.
9. It is best performed in old clothes.
10. If for any reason you do not feel as though you have received the recognition you deserve then a slightly too loud, "That's better" will usually the job done.

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