The Project Gutenberg eBook ofThe Canadian Elocutionist

The Project Gutenberg eBook ofThe Canadian ElocutionistThis ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: The Canadian ElocutionistAuthor: Anna K. HowardRelease date: May 1, 2005 [eBook #8093]Most recently updated: December 26, 2020Language: EnglishCredits: E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Jerry Fairbanks, Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CANADIAN ELOCUTIONIST ***

This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

Title: The Canadian ElocutionistAuthor: Anna K. HowardRelease date: May 1, 2005 [eBook #8093]Most recently updated: December 26, 2020Language: EnglishCredits: E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Jerry Fairbanks, Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team

Title: The Canadian Elocutionist

Author: Anna K. Howard

Release date: May 1, 2005 [eBook #8093]Most recently updated: December 26, 2020

Language: English

Credits: E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Jerry Fairbanks, Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CANADIAN ELOCUTIONIST ***

E-text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Jerry Fairbanks, Charles Franks, and

the Online Distributed Proofreading Team

DESIGNED FOR THE USE OFColleges, Schools and for Self InstructionTOGETHER WITH A COPIOUS SELECTION,IN PROSE AND POETRY, OFPIECES ADAPTED FOR READING, RECITATION AND PRACTICE

Teacher of Elocution and English Literature.

"The manner of speaking is as important as the matter."—CHESTERFIELD.

The principal object the author had in view in the preparation of this work, was to place in convenient form for the use, both of teachers and others, the principles, rules, illustrations and exercises, that she has found most useful and practical for the purpose of instruction, and best calculated to make good readers, and easy, graceful and correct speakers.

For this purpose the rules and advices have been simplified and divested, as much as possible, of all abstruse scientific terms, and made as simple and plain as could be done, having a due regard to the proper explanations requisite to make them easy to understand and not difficult to practise.

It is hoped that this system of instruction, which has been for some years very successfully employed by the compiler in her own practice, may prove a valuable aid to those who wish to pursue the study of the art.

The examples chosen to illustrate the rules have been taken with a due regard to their fitness to exemplify the principles involved, and to show the various styles of reading, declamation and oratory, and the selections have been made in such a manner as to adapt them for use in schools, colleges and for public reading.

TORONTO,September24_th_, 1885.

Of the importance of the study of Elocution as part of a good education there can be no question. Almost every one is liable to be called upon, perhaps at a few minutes notice, to explain his views and give his opinions on subjects of various degrees of importance, and to do so with effect ease in speaking is most requisite. Ease implies knowledge, and address in speaking is highly ornamental as well as useful even in private life.

The art of Elocution held a prominent place in ancient education, but has been greatly neglected in modern times, except by a few persons—whose fame as speakers and orators is a sufficient proof of the value and necessity of the study. The Ancients—particularly the Greeks and the Romans—were fully conscious of the benefits resulting from a close attention to and the practice of such rules as are fitted to advance the orator in his profession, and their schools of oratory were attended by all classes; nor were their greatest orators ashamed to acknowledge their indebtedness to their training in the art for a large portion of their success. The Welsh Triads say "Many are the friends of the golden tongue," and, how many a jury has thought a speaker's arguments without force because his manner was so, and have found a verdict, against law and against evidence, because they had been charmed into delusion by the potent fascination of some gifted orator.

As Quintilian remarks: "A proof of the importance of delivery may be drawn from the additional force which the actors give to what is written by the best poets; so that what we hear pronounced by them gives infinitely more pleasure than when we only read it. I think, I may affirm that a very indifferent speech, well set off by the speaker, will have a greater effect than the best, if destitute of that advantage;" and Henry Irving, in a recent article, says: "In the practice of acting, a most important point is the study of elocution; and, in elocution one great difficulty is the use of sufficient force to be generally heard without being unnaturally loud, and without acquiring a stilted delivery. I never knew an actor who brought the art of elocution to greater perfection than the late Charles Mathews, whose utterance on the stage was so natural, that one was surprised to find when near him that he was really speaking in a very loud key." Such are some of the testimonies to the value of this art.

Many persons object to the study of elocution because they do not expect to become professional readers or public speakers, but surely this is a great mistake, and they might as well object to the study of literature because they do not expect to become an author; and still more mischievous in its results is the fallacy, only too current even among persons of intelligence, that those who display great and successful oratorical powers, possess a genius or faculty that is the gift of nature, and which it would be in vain to endeavour to acquire by practice, as if orators "were born, not made," as is said of poets.

The art of reading well is one of those rare accomplishments which all wish to possess, a few think they have, while others who see and believe that it is not the unacquired gift of genius, labour to obtain it, and it will be found that excellence in this, as in everything else of value, is the result of well-directed effort, and the reward of unremitting industry. A thorough knowledge of the principles of any art will enable a student to achieve perfection in it, so in elocution he may add new beauties to his own style of reading and speaking however excellent they may be naturally. But it is often said "Our greatest orators were not trained." But is this true? How are we to know how much and how laborious was the preliminary training each effort of these great orators cost them, before their eloquence thrilled through the listening crowds? As Henry Ward Beecher says: "If you go to the land which has been irradiated by parliamentary eloquence; if you go to the people of Great Britain; if you go to the great men in ancient times; if you go to the illustrious names that every one recalls—Demosthenes and Cicero—they all represent a life of work. You will not find one great sculptor, nor one great architect, nor one eminent man in any department of art, whose greatness, if you inquire, you will not find to be the fruit of study, and of the evolution which comes from study." So much for the importance of Elocution and the advantages of acquiring a proficiency therein.

A few remarks to those who are ambitious of excelling in the art may now be given, showing how they may best proceed in improving themselves therein.

The following rules are worthy of strict attention:—1. Let your articulation be distinct and deliberate. 2. Let your pronunciation be bold and forcible. 3. Acquire a compass and variety in the height of your voice. 4. Pronounce your words with propriety and elegance. 5. Pronounce every word consisting of more than one syllable with its proper accent. 6. In every sentence distinguish the more significant words by a natural, forcible and varied emphasis. 7. Acquire a just variety of pause and cadence. 8. Accompany the emotions and passions which your words express, by corresponding tones, looks and gestures.

To follow nature is the fundamental rule in oratory, without regard to which, all other rules will only produce affected declamation not just elocution. Learn to speak slowly and deliberately, almost all persons who have not studied the art have a habit of uttering their words too rapidly. It should be borne in mind that the higher degrees of excellence in elocution are to be gained, not by reading much, but by pronouncing what is read with a strict regard to the nature of the subject, the structure of the sentences, the turn of the sentiment, and a correct and judicious application of the rules of the science. It is an essential qualification of a good speaker to be able to alter the height as well as the strength and the tone of his voice as occasion requires, so accustom yourself to pitch your voice in different keys, from the highest to the lowest; but this subject is of such a nature that it is difficult to give rules for all the inflections of the voice, and it is almost, if not quite impossible to teach gesture by written instructions; a few lessons from a good and experienced teacher will do more to give a pupil ease, grace, and force of action than all the books and diagrams in the world. Action is important to the orator, and changes of action must accord with the language; the lower the language the slower should be the movements andvice versa, observing Shakespeare's rule: "Suit the action to the word, the word to the action, with this special observance—that you o'erstep not the modesty of nature." Study repose, without it, both in speech and action, the ears, eyes, and minds of the audience, and the powers of the speaker are alike fatigued; follow nature, consider how she teaches you to utter any sentiment or feeling of your heart. Whether you speak in a private room or in a great assembly, remember that you still speak, and speaknaturally. Conventional tones and action have been the ruin of delivery in the pulpit, the senate, at the bar, and on the platform.

All public speaking, but especially acting and reciting, must be heightened a little above ordinary nature, the pauses longer and more frequent, the tones weightier, the action more forcible, and the expression more highly coloured. Speaking from memory admits of the application of every possible element of effectiveness, rhetorical and elocutionary, and in the delivery of a few great actors the highest excellence in this art has been exemplified. But speaking from memory requires the most minute and careful study, as well as high elocutionary ability, to guard the speaker against a merely mechanical utterance. Read in the same manner you would speak, as if the matter were your own original sentiments uttered directly from the heart. Action should not be used in ordinary reading.

Endeavour to learn something from every one, either by imitating, but not servilely, what is good, or avoiding what is bad. Before speaking in public collect your thoughts and calm yourself, avoiding all hurry. Be punctual with your audience, an apology for being late is the worst prologue. Leave off before your hearers become tired, it is better for you that they should think your speech too short than too long.

Let everything be carefully finished, well-polished, and perfect. Many of the greatest effects in all arts have been the results of long and patient study and hard work, however simple and spontaneous they may have appeared to be.

Remember, that the highest art is to conceal art, that attention to trifles makes perfection, and that perfection is no trifle.

CalisthenicsWalkingSittingKneeling

Directions for Breathing

Articulation

ElementsPronunciation and Accent

I. PureII. OrotundIII. GutturalIV. TremorV. AspirateVI. Falsetto

I. DEGREES.I. GentleII. ModerateIII. Heavy

II. VARIATIONS OF FORCE, OR STRESS.I. RadicalII. MedianIII. VanishingIV. CompoundV. ThoroughVI. SemitoneVII. Monotone

I. ModerateII. QuickIII. Slow

I. MiddleII. HighIII. LowIV. Transition

I. Rhetorical pauseII. EmphasisIII. ClimaxIV. InflectionV. Circumflex or Wave

I. PersonationII. Expression

I. Position of the HandII. Direction

I. IntroductionII. Advice to Students

A Child's First Impression of a Star…N. P. Willis.A Legend of Bregenz…Adelaide A. Procter.A Modest WitA Prayer…James Russell Lowett.A Slip of the TongueA Tarryton RomanceAdvice to a Young Lawyer…Story.An Autumn Day…Bryant.An Order for a Picture…Alice Cary.Ask Mamma…A. M. Bell.Aunty Doleful's VisitBaby's VisitorBeethoven's Moonlight SonataBells Across the Snow…Frances Ridley Havergal.Brutus on the Death of Caesar…Shakespeare.Calling a Boy in the MorningCataline's Defiance…Rev'd. George Croly.Christ Turned and Looked upon Peter…Elisabeth B. Browning.Cuddle Doon…Alexander Andersen.Curfew Must not Ring To-nightDios Te GuardeDomestic Love and Happiness…Thomson.Drifting…T. Buchanan Read.Elizabeth…H. W. Longfellow.Eve's Regrets on Quitting Paradise…Milton.Experience with European Guides…Mark Twain.Fashionable SingingFirst ExperienceGertrude of Wyoming…Campell.Ginevra…Rogers.God, the True Source of Consolation…Moore.Good-Bye…Whyte Melville.Guilty or Not GuiltyHagar in the Wilderness…N. P. Willis.Hannah Binding Shoes…Lucy Larcom.Highland Mary…Burns.Home Song…H. W. Longfellow.How We Hunted a Mouse…Joshua Jenkins.How Women say Good-byeI Remember, I Remember…T. HoodI'll Take What Father Takes…W. Boyle.In School Days…Whittier.Jimmy Butler and the OwlKeys…Bessie ChandlerKing John…Shakespeare.Landing of Columbus…Rogers.Little Bennie…Annie G. Ketchum.Little Mary's Wish…Mrs. L. M. Blinn.Love in Idleness…Shakespeare.Makin' an Editor Outen 0' Him…Will. M. Carleton.Malibran and the Young MusicianMarmion and Douglas…Sir W. Scott.Mary Maloney's PhilosophyMary Stuart…Schiler.Memory's Pictures…Alice Cary.My Trundle BedNay, I'll Stay With the Lad…Lillie E. Barr.Never Give UpNiagara…John G. C. Brainard.No KissOcean…W. Wetherald.On His Blindness…Milton.On the Miseries of Human Life…Thomson.Only SixteenOration Against Cataline…Cicero.Over the Hill from the Poor-House…Will M. Carleton.Papa Can't Find MePassing Away…Pierpont.Paul's Defence before Agrippa…Bible.Per Pacem ad Lucem…Adelaide A. Procter.Poor Little Joe…Peleg Arkwright.Poor Little Stephen Girard…Mark Twain.Prayer…Tennyson.Reading the ListReflections on the Tomb of Shakespeare…Irving.Rock of Ages…F. L. Stanton.Roll CallRomeo and Juliet…ShakespeareSandalphon…H. W. Longfellow.Santa Claus in the MinesSatisfactionSaved…Mary B. Sleight.Scene at Niagara Falls…Charlei Torson.Scenes from Hamlet…Shakespeare.Scenes from Leah the ForsakenScenes from Macbeth…Shakespeare.Scenes from Pizarro…Sheridan.Scene from Richelieu…Sir Edward Lytton Bulwer.Sim's Little Girl…Mary Hartwell.SlanderSomebody's MotherSong of Birds…H. W. Longfellow.Sonnet…James Ritttell Lowell.St. Philip Neri and the Youth…Dr. Byrom.Temperance…Rev. John Ireland.The AgueThe Approach to Paradise…Milton.The Armada…Macaulay.The Bald-Headed ManThe Battle of Agincourt…Shakespeare.The Bishop's Visit…Emily Huntington Miller.The Bridal Wine-Cup…Sidney Herbert.The Chimes of S. S. Peter and PaulThe Dead DollThe Death-Bed…Thomas Hood.The Engineer's StoryThe Faithful HousewifeThe Famine…H. W. Longfellow.The Field of Waterloo…Lord Byron.The Fireman…George M. Baker.The Foolish Virgins…Tennyson.The Hired Squirrel…Laura Sanford.The HypochondriacThe Inexperienced SpeakerThe Jester's Choice…Horace Smith.The KissThe Last Hymn…Marianne Farningham.The Last StationThe Launch of the Ship…H. W. Longfellow.The Little Hatchet Story…R. N. Burdette.The Little HeroThe Little Quaker SinnerThe MiniatureThe Model Wife…Ruskin.The Modern Cain…E. Evans Edwards.The Newsboy's DebtThe Old Man in the Model Church…John H Yates.The Old Soldier of the Regiment…G. Newell Lovejoy.The Opening of the Piano…O. W. Holmes.The Painter of Seville…Susan Wilson.

The Patriot's Elysium…Montgomery.The Polish Boy…Mrs. Ann S. Stephens.The Potion Scene (Romeo and Juliet)…Shakespeare.The Quaker Widow…Bayard Taylor.The Quarrel of Brutus and Cassius…Shakespeare.The RetortThe Rift of the Rock…Annie Herbert.The Seasons…Thomson.The SerenadeThe Sioux Chief's Daughter…Joaquin Miller.The Sister of Charity…Owen Meredith.The Wedding Fee…B. M. Streeter.The Whistler…Robert Story.The World from the SidewalkThe Worn Wedding Ring…W. C. Bennett.The Young Gray Head…Mrs. Southey.There's Nothing True but Heaven…Moore.Though Lost to Sight to Memory Dear…Ruthven Jenkyns.Three Words of Strength…Schiller.To Her Husband…Anne Bradstreet.Tom…Constance Fenimore Woolsen.Trial Scene from the Merchant of Venice…Shakespeare.TrustingWantedWaterloo…Lady Morgan.WoundedYour Mission

Miss Kelsey has given special attention to Reading and Elocution for a number of years. She has a powerful voice, with variety of expression. Miss Kelsey I know to be a lady of true Christian principles, ambitions to excel, and set a good example in Elocution and Literature. I commend her to those interested in this branch of learning.

Allen A. Griffith,

Author of "Lessons in Elocution,"And Professor of Elocution at State Normal School at Ypsilanti, Mich.

I have long known Professor Griffith, whose communication is enclosed. Such is his ability in his profession, and so large are his acquirements, And so just and broad his critical faculty, that I cannot commend Miss Kelsey in any way so well as by saying that I accept the Professor's judgment as most satisfactory. His opinion of her is reliable beyond question.

I have been pleased with Miss Kelsey's views on Elocution, as far as I can learn them from a single interview, and hope she may be successful in the profession she has chosen.

W. Hogarth,

Late Pastor of Jefferson Ave. Presbyterian Church,Detroit, Michigan.

35 Union Square, New York.

Miss Kelsey has been under my instruction in Elocution, and I take pleasure in saying that she was so earnest in study, and so faithful in practice, that her proficiency was very great. I bespeak for her added success as a teacher; and from the repertoire which her recent study has given, new triumphs as a public reader.

Anna Randall Diehl,

Author of "Randall's Elocution," and "The QuarterlyElocutionist."

Ann Arbour, November 3rd, 1880.

To whom it may concern:

I have known Miss Kelsey (now Mrs. William J. Howard) for upwards of two years, and have a high respect for her as a conscientious, cultivated and agreeable lady, who is entitled to confidence and esteem. She has a good reputation as an Elocutionist, and I have no doubt would give valuable and faithful instruction to any one who may seek her aid.

(Signed) THOMAS M. COOLEY.

Professor of Law, Michigan University, and Judge of SupremeCourt, Michigan.

* * * * *

MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY,ANN ARBOR, MICH.November 13th, 1880.

For several years Mrs. Anna K. Howard, (then Miss Kelsey) lived in Ann Arbor as a teacher of Elocution, and also as a student in one of our professional departments, and was known to me as very earnest in all her work.

I never had the pleasure of hearing her read or of witnessing any of her instructions in Elocution; but of her proficiency in both directions, I frequently heard very favourable reports.

Professor of History in Cornell University, and author of "History ofAmerican Literature."

* * * * *

[St. Catharines (Ont.) Times.]

MISS KELSEY fairly took the audience by storm, being heartily encored.She is one of the best professional readers we have ever listened to.

* * * * *

[Ann Arbor (Mich.) Courier.]

MISS KELSEY'S manner is simple and graceful, or full of vigour and fire; her voice singularly sweet and flexible, or deep and sonorous at will. Miss K. has given readings in many of our important cities, and she always holds her audience spell-bound.

* * * * *

[Grand Rapids (Mich.) Press.]

MISS KELSEY is a lady of unusual talent; evidently understands her vocation. She fully sustained her reputation acquired elsewhere, and has made many friends in this city—her professional worth and professional merit being recognized—who will be pleased with another opportunity of listening to her readings should she thus favour them.

* * * * *

[St. Thomas (Ont.) Times.]

The readings of Miss Kelsey were thepiece de resistanceof the evening. This lady has a very sweet voice, and flexible, pure accentuation, and is altogether as good an elocutionist as we have ever heard. It was wonderful how distinctly her voice was heard all over the hall, though apparently making no effort. She was applauded with enthusiasm.

Gymnastic and calisthenic exercises are invaluable aids to the culture and development of the bodily organs, for purposes of vocalization.

The organs of the voice require vigour and pliancy of muscle, to perform their office with energy and effect.

Before proceeding to the vocal gymnastics, it is indispensable, almost, to practice a series of muscular exercises, adapted to the expansion of the chest, freedom of the circulation, and general vitality of the whole system.

First, stand firmly upon both feet, hands upon the hips, fingers in front, head erect, so as to throw the larynx directly over the wind-pipe in a perpendicular line; bring the arms, thus adjusted, with hands pressed firmly against the waist, back and down, six times in succession; the shoulders will be brought down and back, head up, chest thrown forward. Keeping the hands in this position, breathe freely, filling the lungs to the utmost, emitting the breath slowly. Now, bring the hands, clenched tightly, against the sides of the chest; thrust the right fist forward— keeping the head up and chest forward, whole body firm; bring it back, and repeat six times; left the same; then both fists; then right up six times; then left; then both; then right, down six times; left, the same; then both. Now clench the fists tightly, and press them under the arm-pits, throwing the chest as well forward as possible, shoulders down and back, head erect; thrust the fists down the sides, and return, six times, with the utmost energy. Now, keeping the head, shoulders, and chest still the same, extend the hands forward, palms open and facing, bring both back as far as the bones and muscles of the shoulders will admit, without bending arms at elbows. Now, thrust the body to the right, knees and feet firm, and strike the left side with open palms, vigorously, repeat with body to the left. Now, with arms akimbo, thrust the right foot forward (kicking) with energy, six times; left same. Now, place the clenched fist in the small of the back with great force; throw the whole body backwards, feet and knees firm, tilling the lungs to the utmost and uttering, as you go over, the alphabetical element, "a" then long "o," then long "e" If these movements have been made with great energy and precision, the blood is circulating freely, and the whole body is aglow, and you are ready now for vocal exercises.

These should be repeated daily with increasing energy.

The best time for practicing gymnastic exercises is either early in the morning or in the cool of the evening; but never immediately after meals.

As the feet and lower limbs are the foundation, we shall begin by giving their different positions. The student should be careful to keep the body erect.

A good voice depends upon the position, and the practice of Position and Gesture will prove a valuable aid in physical culture, and in acquiring a graceful address. There are two primary positions of the feet in speaking:

First.—The body rests on the left foot, right a little advanced, right knee bent.

Second.—The body rests on the right foot, the left a little advanced, left knee bent.

There are two other positions which are called secondary. They are assumed in argument, appeal or persuasion.

The first secondary position is taken from the first primary by advancing the unoccupied foot, and resting the body upon it, leaning forward, theleftfoot brought to its support. The second secondary position is the same as the first with the body resting on the left foot. In assuming these positions the movements must be made with the utmost simplicity, avoiding all display or parade, and advancing, retiring or changing with ease and gracefulness, excepting when the action demands energy or marked decision. All changes must be made as lightly and as imperceptibly as possible, without any unnecessary sweep of the moving foot, and in all changes that foot should be moved first which does not support the weight of the body. All action should be graceful in mechanism and definite in expressiveness. The speaker should keep his place—all his motions may be easily made in one square yard, but the stage or dramatic action requires more extended movements.

In walking, the head and body should be carried upright, yet perfectly free and easy, with the shoulders thrown back, the knees should be straight, and the toes turned out. In the walk or march, the foot should be advanced, keeping the knee and instep straight, and the toe pointing downward; it should then be placed softly on the ground without jerking the body; and this movement should be repeated with the left foot, and the action continued until it can be performed with ease and elegance.

"In a graceful human step," it has been well observed, "the heel is always raised before the foot is lifted from the ground, as if the foot were part of a wheel rolling forward, and the weight of the body, supported by the muscles of the calf of the leg, rests, for a time, on the fore part of the foot and toes. There is then a bending of the foot in a certain degree."

In reading, the student should sit erect, with both feet resting on the floor, and one foot slightly advanced, the head up so as to be able to use the whole trunk in respiration.

To kneel gracefully, assume the first standing position resting the weight of the body on the right foot, then place the left knee gently down on the floor keeping the body perfectly erect, then bring the right knee down;—in rising, these motions are reversed, the right knee being raised first, the full weight of the body resting on it while rising, bring up the left knee and assume the first standing position. To be effective these motions should be very gracefully executed and a great deal of practice must be given to acquire freedom of action.

The book should be held in the right hand by the side, standing in the first position then raise it and open it to place, pass it to the left hand letting the right hand drop by the side, the book being held so that the upper part of it is below the chin, so as to show the countenance, and permit the free use of the eyes, which should frequently be raised from the book and directed to those who are listening.

Deep breathing with the lips closed, inhaling as long as possible, and exhaling slowly, is very beneficial.

Having inflated the lungs to their utmost capacity, form the breath into the element of longo, in its escape through the vocal organs. This exercise should be frequently repeated, as the voice will be strengthened thereby, and the capacity of the chest greatly increased. Do not raise the shoulders or the upper part of the chest alone when you breathe. Breathe as a healthy child breathes, by the expansion and contraction of abdominal and intercostal muscles. Such breathing will improve the health, and be of great assistance in continuous reading or speaking. Great care is necessary in converting the breath into voice. Do not waste breath; use it economically, or hoarseness will follow. Much practice on the vocal elements, with all the varieties of pitch, then the utterance of words, then of sentences, and finally of whole paragraphs, is necessary in learning to use the breath, and in acquiring judgment and taste in vocalizing.Never speak when the lungs are exhausted. Keep them well inflated.

1. Place yourself in a perfectly erect but easy posture; the weight of the body resting on one foot; the feet at a moderate distance, the one in advance of the other; the arms akimbo; the fingers pressing on the abdominal muscles, in front, and the thumbs on the dorsal muscles, on each side of the spine; the chest freely expanded and fully projected; the shoulders held backward and downward; the head perfectly vertical.

2. Having thus complied with the preliminary conditions of a free and unembarrassed action of the organs, draw in and give out the breath very fully and very slowly, about a dozen times in succession.

3. Draw in a very full breath, and send it forth in a prolonged sound of the letterh. In the act of inspiration, take in as much breath as you can contain. In that of expiration, retain all you can, and give out as little as possible, merely sufficient to keep the sound ofhaudible.

4. Draw in a very full breath, as before, and emit it with a lively, expulsive force, in the sound ofh, but little prolonged in the style of a moderate, whispered cough.

5. Draw in the breath, as already directed, and emit it with a sudden and violent explosion, in a very brief sound of the letterh, in the style of an abrupt and forcible, but whispered cough. The breath is, in this mode of expiration, thrown out with abruptviolence.

6. Inflate the lungs to their utmost capacity and exhale the breath very slowly, counting rapidly up to ten, as many times as possible with one breath.

Each of the above exercises should be repeated often, by the student, in his room, or while walking; and may be given with the gymnastic exercises previously introduced.

A good articulation consists in a clear, full, and distinct utterance of words, in accordance with the best standard of pronunciation, and this constitutes the basis of every other excellence in reading and oratory. Care and attention, with diligent practice, will keep young persons from falling into the bad habit of imperfect articulation, for most voices are good until domestic or local habits spoil them. Hence the great importance of careful training in early childhood, for if parents and instructors would direct their attention to this matter a manifest improvement would quickly follow; yet, to acquire a good articulation is not so difficult a task "as to defy the assaults of labour."

"The importance of a correct enunciation in a public speaker is well known —for if he possesses only a moderate voice, if he articulates correctly, he will be better understood and heard with greater pleasure, than one who vociferates without judgment. The voice of the latter may indeed extend to a considerable distance,—but the sound is dissipated in confusion; of the former voice, not the smallest vibration is wasted, every stroke is perceived even at the utmost distance to which it reaches; and hence it often has the appearance of penetrating even farther than one which is loud, but badly articulated."

In connection with this subject, a few words are necessary concerning impediment of speech, for in cases where a slight degree of hesitation breaks the fluent tenor of discourse much may be accomplished by due care and attention, and most defects of speech, voice, and manner may be modified or remedied by cultivation and diligent study and practice.

In seeking for a remedy the first thing to be considered is the care of the health, for this is the foundation of every hope of cure, and all excesses should be avoided and all irregularities guarded against.

All the mental powers should be enlisted in the combat with the defect, and the student should speak with deliberation and with an expiring breath, and when alone practice frequently the words and letters that he finds most difficult to pronounce, and should also furnish his mind with a copious vocabulary of synonyms, so that if he finds himself unable to utter a particular word, he may substitute some other in its place. But above all he must maintain a courageous command over himself and exert the energy of his own mind. By observing these rules, if the defect is not entirely eradicated, it will at least be palliated in a considerable degree.

The number of elements in the language is thirty-eight.

They are divided intovowels,sub-vowels, andaspirates; or, as classified by Dr. Rush in his "Philosophy of the Human Voice," intotonics,sub-tonics, andatonics.

There are fifteenvowels, fourteensub-vowels, and nineaspirates.

Table of the Elements.

A as heard in _a_le, f_a_te, m_a_y.A " " " _a_rm, f_a_rm, h_a_rm.A " " " _a_ll, f_a_ll, _o_rb.A " " " _a_n, ide_a_, p_a_n.E " " " _e_asy, im_i_tate, m_e_.E " " " _e_nd, l_e_t, m_e_nd.I " " " _i_sle, _i_ce, fl_y_, m_i_ne.I " " " _i_n, p_i_n, _E_ngland.O " " " _o_ld, m_o_re, _o_ats.O " " " _oo_se, l_o_se, t_o_, f_oo_lO " " " _o_n, l_o_ck, n_o_t.U " " " m_ew_, f_ew_, t_u_be, p_u_pil.U " " " _u_p, t_u_b, h_e_r, h_u_rt.U " " " f_u_ll, p_u_ll, w_o_lf.OU " " " _ou_r, fl_ou_r, p_ow_er.

B as heard in _b_ow, _b_oat, _b_arb.D " " " _d_ay, bi_d_, _d_are.G " " " _g_ay, fi_g_, _g_ilt.L " " " _l_ight, _l_iberty, a_ll_.M " " " _m_ind, stor_m_, _m_ate.N " " " _n_o, o_n_, _n_i_n_e.NG " " " si_ng_, fi_ng_er, lo_ng_.R " " " _r_oe, _r_a_r_e, o_r_b.TH " " " _th_en, wi_th_, benea_th_.V as heard in _v_ice, _v_ile, sal_v_e.W " " " _w_oe, _w_ave, _w_orld.Y " " " _y_oke, _y_e, _y_onder.Z " " " _z_one, hi_s_, _Z_enophon.ZH " " " a_z_ure, enclo_s_ure.

F as heard in _f_ame, i_f_, li_f_t.H " " " _h_e, _h_ut.K " " " _k_ite, ca_k_e.P " " " _p_it, u_p_, a_p_t.S " " " _s_in, _c_ell, ye_s_.SH " " " _sh_ade, _sh_ine, flu_sh_ed.T " " " _t_ake, oa_t_s, i_t_.TH " " " _th_in, tru_th_, mon_th_s.WH " " " _wh_en, _wh_ich, _wh_at.

There are many words in which there are difficult combinations of the elements; they, as well as those in which the combinations are easy, should be practiced upon until the pupil is able to articulate each element correctly. The following is a table of theanalysis of words, in which there are easy and difficult combinations of elements. Let the pupil spell the words, uttering separately eachelement, and not thenameof the word, as is the practice which generally obtains in our schools.

Table of the Analysis of Words.

ale, a-l. day, d-a. fame, f-a-m. crew, k-r-u. call, k-a-l. deeds, d-e-d-z. wool, w-u-l. isle, i-l. dare, d-a-r. ink, i-ng-k. pause, p-a-z. mow, m-o. lose, l-o-z. pray, p-r-a. spell, s-p-e-l. twists, t-w-i-s-t-s. waste, w-a-s-t. awful, a-f-u-l. up, u-p. mouths, m-ou-th-z. sky, s-k-i. lamb, l-a-m. oak, o-k. eve, e-v. once, w-u-n-s. awe, a. power, p-ou-u-r. mulcts, m-u-l-k-t-s. John, d-gh-a-n. objects, o-b-d-jh-e-k-ts. thousandth, th-ou-z-a-n-d-th. wives, w-i-v-z. softness, s-o-f-t-n-e-s. shrugged, sh-r-u-g-d. themselves, th-e-m-s-e-l-v-z. church, t-sh-u-r-t-sh.

They werewrenchedby the hand of violence.Thestrengthof his nostrils isterrible.A gentle currentrippledby.Thoubarb'd'stthe dart by which he fell.Arm'd, say ye? Arm'd, my lord!He _sa_wed _six sl_eek, _sl_im _s_apling_s_.It was stronglyurgedupon him.Ami_dst_ the mi_sts_, he thru_sts_ his fi_sts_ again_st_ the po_sts_.The swan swam over the sea; well swum, swan. Theswan swam back again; well swum, swan.

Pronunciation is the mode of enouncing certain words and syllables. As pronunciation varies with the modes and fashions of the times, it is sometimes fluctuating in particular words, and high authorities are often so much at variance, that the correct mode is hard to be determined; hence to acquire a correct pronunciation, this irregularity, whatever be the cause, must be submitted to.

Be very careful to give each letter its proper sound and avoid omitting or perverting the sound of any letter or syllable of a word, without some good authority.

The unaccentuated syllables of words are very liable to be either omitted, slurred or corrupted, and there is no word in the language more frequently and unjustly treated in this respect than the conjunction—and. It is seldom half articulated, although it is properly entitled tothreedistinct elementary sounds.

Heaven _a_nd earth will witness,If Rome must fall, that we are innocent. I

The Assyrian came down, like the wolf on the fold,And _h_is cohorts were gleaming in purple _a_nd gold.

The wordand, in these and similar examples, is commonly pronounced as if written _u_nd or _u_n, with an imperfect or partially occluded articulation of these elements; whereas, it ought always to be pronounced in such a manner that each of its own three elementary sounds, though in their combined state, may distinctly appear.

In pronouncing the phrase, "and his," not only thea, but theh, is, also, frequently suppressed, and the sound of thedis combined with that of theifollowing it; as if written thus, _u_nddizcohorts, and so on. Many pronounce the phrase "are innocent," in the first example, as if writtena rinesunt. This practice of suppressing letters, and as it were melting words into indistinct masses, cannot be too cautiously guarded against.

Avoid the affectations and mis-pronunciations exemplified in the following list of words which are often mispronounced. Do not say—

G_i_t for g_e_t.H_e_v " h_a_ve.K_e_tch " c_a_tch.G_e_th'er " g_a_th'er.St_i_d'y " st_e_ad'y.Good'n_i_ss " good'n_e_ss.Hon'ist " hon'est.Hun'd_u_rd " hund'red.Sav'_i_j " sav'_a_ge.Ma_w_n'ing " mo_r_n'ing.Cli'm_i_t " cli'm_a_te.Si'l_u_nt " si'l_e_nt.Souns " soun_d_s.Fiels " fiel_d_s.Sof'ly " sof_t_'ly.Kindl'st " kindl'_d_st.Armst " arm'_d_st.Gen'ral " gen'_e_ral.Sep'rate " sep'_a_rate.Mis'ries " mis'_e_ries.Dif'frence " diff'_e_rence.Ex'lent " ex'c_el_lent.Comp'ny " com'p_a_ny.Liv'in " liv'i_ng_.Lenth'en " le_ng_th'en.Chastisemunt " chastisement.Bereavemunt " bereavement.Contentmunt " contentment.Offis " office.Hevun " heaven.Curosity " curiosity.Absolut " absolute, etc.

By Quality of Voice is meant the kind of voice used to express sentiment.

There are two general divisions of quality: PURE and IMPURE. These are sub- divided into Pure, Deepened or Orotund, Guttural, Tremor, Aspirate, and Falsetto qualities.

The Pure or Natural tone is employed in ordinary speaking or descriptive language, and is expressed with less expenditure of breath than any other quality of voice. It is entirely free from any impure vocal sound.

"How calm, how beautiful a scene is this,—When Nature, waking from her silent sleep,Bursts forth in light, and harmony, and joy!When earth, and sky, and air, are glowing allWith gayety and life, and pensive shadesOf morning loveliness are cast around!The purple clouds, so streaked with crimson light,Bespeak the coming of majestic day;—Mark how the crimson grows more crimson still,While, ever and anon, a golden beamSeems darting out its radiance!Heralds of day! where is that mighty formWhich clothes you all in splendour, and aroundYour colourless, pale forms spreads the bright huesOf heaven?—He cometh from his gorgeous couch,And gilds the bosom of the glowing east!"

Margaret Davidson.

Sweet was the sound, when oft at evening's closeUp yonder hill the village murmur rose;There, as I passed with careless steps and slowThe mingling notes came softened from below;The swain responsive as the milk-maid sung,The sober herd that lowed to meet their young;The noisy geese that gabbled o'er the pool,The playful children just let loose from school;The watch-dog's voice that bayed the whispering wind,And the loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind;These all in sweet confusion sought the shade,And filled each pause the nightingale had made.But now the sounds of population fail,No cheerful murmurs fluctuate in the gale,No busy steps the grass-grown footway tread,For all the blooming flush of life is fled.All but yon widowed, solitary thing,That feebly bends beside the plashy spring;She, wretched matron—forced in age, for bread,To strip the brook with mantling cresses spread,To pick her wintry fagot from the thorn,To seek her nightly shed and weep till morn—She only left of all the harmless train,The sad historian of the pensive plain!

Goldsmith.

The Orotund is a highly improved state of the Natural voice, and is the quality most used, being far more expressive, as it gives grandeur and energy to thought and expression. This voice is highly agreeable, and is more musical and flexible than the common voice.

Dr. Rush defines the Orotund as that assemblage of eminent qualities which constitute the highest characteristic of the speaking voice. He describes it to be a full, clear, strong, smooth, and ringing sound, rarely heard in ordinary speech; but which is never found in its highest excellence, except by careful cultivation. He describes the fine qualities of voice constituting the Orotund in the following words:—

By a fullness of voice, is meant the grave or hollow volume, which approaches to hoarseness.

By a freedom from nasal murmur and aspiration.

By a satisfactory loudness and audibility.

By smoothness, or a freedom from all reedy or guttural harshness.

By a ringing sonorous quality of voice resembling certain musical instruments.

The possession of the power of this voice is greatly dependent on cultivation and management, and experiments have proved that more depends on cultivation than on natural peculiarity. Much care and labour are necessary for acquiring this improved condition of the speaking voice, the lungs must be kept well supplied with breath, there must be a full expansion of the chest, causing the abdomen gently to protrude, the throat and the mouth must be kept well open so as to give free course to the sound. Never waste the breath, every pause must be occupied in replenishing the lungs, and the inhalation should be done as silently as possible, and through the nostrils as well as by the mouth.

Excellence in this quality of voice depends on the earnest and frequent practice of reading aloud with the utmost degree of force. The voice may be exerted to a great extent without fatigue or injury, but should never be taxed beyond its powers, and as soon as this strong action can be employed without producing hoarseness, it should be maintained for half an hour at a time.

This practice is very beneficial to the health, especially if prosecuted in the open air, or in a large, well ventilated room, and if pursued regularly, energetically, and systematically, the pupil will be surprised and delighted at his rapid progress in this art, and his voice, from a condition of comparative feebleness, will soon develop into one of well- marked strength, fullness, and distinctness.

Ye ice-falls! ye that from the mountain's browAdown enormous ravines slope amain,—Torrents, methinks, that heard a mighty voice,And stopped at once amid their maddest plunge!Motionless torrents! silent cataracts!Who made you glorious as the gates of heavenBeneath the keen, full moon? Who bade the sunClothe you with rainbows? Who, with living flowersOf loveliest blue, spread garlands at your feet!—God! let the torrents, like a shout of nations,Answer! and let the ice-plains echo, God!—And they, too, have a voice,—yon piles of snow,And in their perilous fall shall thunder, God!

Coleridge.

The hoarse, rough voice, should like a torrent roar.

Hurrah! the foes are moving. Hark to the mingled dinOf fife, and steed, and trump, and drum, and roaring culverin.The fiery duke is pricking fast across Saint Andre's plain,With all the hireling chivalry of Guelders and Almayne.Now by the lips of those ye love, fair gentlemen of France,Charge for the golden lilies—upon them with the lance!A thousand spurs are striking deep, a thousand spears in rest,A thousand knights are pressing close behind the snow-white crest,And in they burst, and on they rushed, while, like a guiding star,Amidst the thickest carnage blazed the helmet of Navarre.

Macaulay.

"Up drawbridge, grooms!—What, warder, ho!Let the portcullis fall."—Lord Marmion turned,—well was his need!—And dashed the rowels in his steed,Like arrow through the archway sprung;The ponderous gate behind him rung:To pass there was such scanty room,The bars, descending, razed his plume.

Sir Walter Scott.

Fight, gentlemen of England! fight, bold yeomen!Draw, archers, draw your arrows to the head!Spur your proud horses hard, and ride in blood!Amaze the welkin with your broken staves!A thousand hearts are great within my bosom!Advance our standards, set upon our foes!Our ancient word of courage—fair Saint George—Inspire us with the spleen of fiery dragons!Upon them! Victory sits on our helms!

Shakespeare.

And reckon'st thou thyself with spirits of heaven,Hell-doomed, and breath'st defiance here and scorn, Where I reign king? and to enrage the moreThyKing and Lord!Backto thy _pun_ishment, _False fu_gitive, and to thy speed add wings, Lest with a whip of scorpions I pursue Thy lingering, or with one stroke of this dart Strange horrors seize thee, and pangs unfelt before.

Milton.

These are Thy glorious works, Parent of Good!Almighty! Thine this universal frame,Thus wondrous fair!—Thyself how wondrous, then!Unspeakable! who sitt'st above these heavens,To us invisible, or dimly seenMidst these, thy lowest works!Yet these declare Thy goodness beyond thought,And power divine!

An hour passed on:—the Turk awoke:—That bright dream was his last;—He woke—to hear his sentries shriek,"To arms!—they come!—the Greek, the Greek!"He woke—to die, 'midst flame and smoke,And shout, and groan, and sabre-stroke,And death-shots felling thick and fast.

Like forest-pines before the blast,Or lightnings from the mountain-cloud;And heard, with voice as trumpet loud,Bozzaris cheer his band;"Strike—till the last armed foe expires,Strike—for your altars and your fires,Strike—for the green graves of your sires,Heaven—and your native land!"

They fought like brave men, long and well,They piled that ground with Moslem slain,They conquered—but Bozzaris fellBleeding at every vein.His few surviving comrades sawHis smile, when rang their proud hurrah,And the red field was won;They saw in death his eyelids close,Calmly, as to a night's repose,Like flowers at set of sun.

Halleck.

The Guttural Quality is used in expressing the strongest degree of contempt, disgust, aversion, revenge, etc. Its characteristic is an explosive resonance in the throat, producing a harsh and grating sound, and its expression can be used in all the various tones, giving to them its own peculiar character.

This quality, is, however, of rare occurrence, and needs less cultivation than the other qualities.

Avaunt! and quit my sight! Let the earth hide thee!Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold:Thou hast no speculation in those eyesWhich thou dost glare with!Hence, horrible shadow!Unreal mockery, hence!

Shakespeare.

How like a fawning publican he looks!I hate him, for he is a Christian:But more, for that, in low simplicity,He lends out money gratis, and brings downThe rate of usance here with us in Venice:If I can catch him once upon the hip,I will feed fat the ancient grudge I bear him.He hates our sacred nation; and he rails,Even there where merchants most do congregate,On me, my bargains, and my well-won thrift,Which he calls interest:—Cursed be my tribe,If I forgive him!

Shakespeare.

Thou stands't at length before me undisguised—Of all earth's grovelling crew, the most accursed.Thou worm! thou viper!—to thy native earthReturn! Away! Thou art too base for manTo tread upon! Thou scum! thou reptile!

"And, Douglas, more I tell thee here,Even in thy pitch of pride,Here in thy hold, thy vassals near,(Nay, never look upon your Lord,And lay your hands upon your sword,)I tell thee, thou'rt defied!And if thou said'st I am not peer—To any lord in Scotland here,Lowland or Highland, far or near,Lord Angus, thou has't lied!"

Sir Walter Scott.

The Tremor Quality is used in expressing pity, grief, joy, mirth, etc., and its characteristic is a frequent rise and fall of the voice, and a more delicate exercise of that particular vibration in the throat, known as "gurgling." It is apparent in extreme feebleness, in age, exhaustion, sickness, fatigue, grief, and even joy, and other feelings in which ardour or extreme tenderness predominate.

Pity the sorrows of a poor old manWhose trembling limbs have borne him to your door;Whose days are dwindled to the shortest span;—Oh, give relief, and heaven will bless your store!

The king stood still till the last echo died; then, throwing off the sackcloth from his brow, and laying back the pall from the still features of his child, he bowed his head upon him, and broke forth in the resistless eloquence of woe:—

"Alas! my noble boy! that thou should'st die! Thou, who wert made so beautifully fair! that death should settle in thy glorious eye, and leave his stillness in thy clustering hair! How could he mark thee for the silent tomb, my proud boy, Absalom!

"Cold is thy brow, my son! and I am chill, as to my bosom I have tried to press thee! How was I wont to feel my pulses thrill, like a rich harp- string, yearning to caress thee, and hear thy sweet 'My father!' from those dumb and cold lips, Absolom!

"But death is on thee! I shall hear the gush of music and the voices of the young; and life will pass me in the mantling blush, and the dark tresses to the soft winds flung;—but thou no more, with thy sweet voice, shalt come to meet me, Absalom!"

N. P. Willis.

Noble old man! He did not live to see me, and I—I—did not live to seehim. Weighed down by sorrow and disappointment, he died before I was born—six thousand brief summers before I was born.

But let us try to hear it with fortitude. Let us trust that he is better off where he is. Let us take comfort in the thought that his loss is our gain.

Mark Twain.

Forsake me not thus, Adam, witness heav'nWhat love sincere, and reverence in my heartI bear thee, and unweeting have offended,Unhappily deceiv'd; thy suppliantI beg, and clasp thy knees; bereave me not,Whereon I live, thy gentle looks, thy aid,Thy counsel in this uttermost distress.My only strength and stay: forlorn of thee,Whither shall I betake me, where subsist?While yet we live, scarce one short hour, perhapsBetween us two let there be peace, both joining,As joined in injuries, one enmity,Against a foe by doom express assign'd us,That cruel serpent!

Milton.

The Aspirate Quality is used in the utterance of secrecy and fear, and discontent generally takes this quality.

Its characteristic is distinctness, therefore exercises on this voice will prove invaluable to the pupil and deep inhalations are indispensable.

The aspirate is usually combined with other qualities and the earnestness and other expressive effects of aspiration may be spread over a whole sentence or it may be restricted to a single word.

The aspirate quality is entitled to notice as a powerful agent in oratorical expression, and the whispered utterances of any well disciplined voice will be heard in the remotest parts of a large theatre, and the voice is greatly strengthened by frequent practice in this quality.

Hark! I hear the bugles of the enemy! They are on their march along the bank of the river! We must retreat instantly, or be cut off from our boats! I see the head of their column already rising over the height! Our only safety is in the screen of this hedge. Keep close to it—be silent—and stoop as you run! For the boats! Forward!

MACBETH. I have done the deed:—Did'st thou not hear a noise?

LADY MACBETH. I heard the owl scream, and the crickets cry. Did not you speak?

MACB. When?

LADY M. Now.

MACB. As I descended?

LADY M. Ay.

MACB. Hark! Who lies i' the second chamber?

LADY M. Donaldbain.

MACB. This is a sorry sight. [Showing his hands.

LADY M. A foolish thought, to say a sorry sight.

MACB. There's one did laugh in his sleep, and onecried "Murder!"That they did wake each other; I stood and heard them:But they did say their prayers, and addressed themAgain to sleep.

Shakespeare

"Pray you tread softly,—that the blind mole may notHear a footfall: we are now near his cell.Speak softly!All's hushed as midnight yet.See'st thou here?This is the mouth o' the cell: no noise! and enter."

Shakespeare.

Ah' mercy on my soul! What is that? My old friend's ghost? They say none but wicked folks walk; I wish I were at the bottom of a coal-pit. See; how long and pale his face has grown since his death: he never was handsome; and death has improved him very much the wrong way. Pray do not come near me! I wish'd you very well when you were alive; but I could never abide a dead man, cheek by jowl with me.

FALSETTO QUALITY. The Falsetto Quality is used in expressing terror, pain, anger, affection, etc. Some people speak altogether in falsetto, especially those who are not careful in pronunciation. It is harsh, rude, and grating, and is heard in the whine of peevishness, in the high pitch of mirth, and in the piercing scream of terror.

I was dozing comfortably in my easy-chair, and dreaming of the good times which I hope are coming, when there fell upon my ears a most startling scream. It was the voice of my Maria Ann in mortal agony. The voice came from the kitchen, and to the kitchen I rushed. The idolized form of my Maria Ann was perched upon a chair, and she was flourishing an iron spoon in all directions, and shouting "Shoo-shoo," in a general manner to everything in the room. To my anxious inquiries as to what was the matter, she screamed, "O, Joshua, a mouse, shoo—wha—shoo—a great—shoo— horrid mouse, and it ran right out of the cupboard—shoo—go away—shoo— Joshua—shoo—kill it—oh, my—shoo."

SIR PETER.—Lady Teazle, Lady Teazle, I'll not bear it.

LADY TEAZLE.—Sir Peter, Sir Peter, you may bear it or not, as you please; but I ought to have my own way in everything, and, what's more, I will, too. What though I was educated in the country, I know very well that women of fashion in London are accountable to nobody after they are married.

SIR P.—Very well, ma'am, very well!—so a husband is to have no influence, no authority?

LADY T.—Authority! No, to be sure. If you wanted authority over me, you should have adopted me, and not married me; I am sure you were old enough.

Sheridan.

"I've seen mair mice than you, guidman—An' what think ye o' that?Sae haud your tongue an' say nae mair—I tell ye, it was a rat."

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