Hincks was trying to use rhythm to help him with his argument.

Each syllable represents one beat.

The first word is "I" which is one syllable. The directions say to go left 1 for a 1 syllable word.
From the dot, move one left to collect F as your first letter.

I(1) recorded(3) a(1) refrain(2),
To(1) help(1) me(1) remember(3) my(1) claim(1),
When(1) I(1) defend(2) my(1) thesis(2),
On(1) pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis(19).

1 = Left 1 = F
3 = Up 3 = I
1 = Left 1 = X

2 = Down 2 = W
1 = Left 1 = I
1 = Left 1 = T
1 = Left 1 = H

3 = Up 3 = Y
1 = Left 1 = E
1 = Left 1 = L
1 = Left 1 = L
1 = Left 1 = O
2 = Down 2 = W

1 = Left 1 = T
2 = Down 2 = O
1 = Left 1 = O
19 = Right 4 = L

What's a classic yellow object that you could use to wind the tape back up?

So far we have: FIX WITH YELLOW TOOL
There's a yellow tool that could help us wind our tape back up.
PENCIL