How to Hold a Pen Like Bob Dole

When it comes to doing impersonations, it's all about finding the little idiosyncrasies that a person has and mastering them. So, when speaking of Bob Dole, part of the physicalization is to imitate Bob Dole holding a pen. After having his arm partially paralyzed in World War II, Bob Dole often holds a pen in his right hand to signify that he cannot shake hands with it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Pen

1. Imagine that your right arm is paralyzed in the bent position. This means that rather than allowing your arm to hang down by your side, bend it in an "l" shape so that your elbow forms a 90-degree angle.
2. Curl your fingers so that you are forming a fist. However, instead of tucking your fingers into the palm of your hand, leave them pressed against your palm.
3. Place your thumb over your index and middle finger. This varies slightly from making a fist in that you want to extend your thumb as far as possible over your fingers. This will feel slightly uncomfortable.
4. Stick a pen in the hole that you've created in your hand. Leave it sticking about half-way up and you have now learned how to hold a pen like Bob Dole.

Tips & Warnings

• Bob Dole often wears a navy blue suit with a red tie. Find some images of Bob Dole and emulate his dress and hair style to complete your imitation of him. And if you really want to take it to the next level, refer to yourself in the third person. Bob Dole usually says "Bob Dole" instead of "I."

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