It is personal preference whether or not you hold the speakers in your hands as they play! (Many people do.) There is a vibration component to the sounds, which can also be felt through a surface like a table. In addition to being held in the hands, N.O.W. can be placed on any surface nearby. Or N.O.W. can be placed across the room. The pure sine wave tones created by each N.O.W. speaker actually interact with each other, the environment and with listeners. No matter how it is used, N.O.W. always creates an absolutely unique auditory experience for each person, each time it is used.