ELOCUTION.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume IV, Issue 332, 13 November 1875, Page 3

ELOCUTION.

Elocution deponds to a groat extent‘ upon rdined taste, and tins is the reason why among educated Englishwomen it is so rare to find a bad reader, while among the same class of men good readers may ho said to be like augers visits, “ few and far between. Tho experience of a modern authority upon elocution credits tho greater number of men who speak and read with, appropriate tones and modulation of voice, as those who have benefit ted by the good taste mi critical oar of their wives or interested lady friends. Those who have been privileged to hear the Thy si Speech at the opening of tho British 'Parliament have heard all the power and beauty of a really good elocution. It; is an art England’s Queen lias cultivated to a perfection few attain to. Ladies are unquestionably the refining influence, in tho colonies they have no doubt great hindrances in dealing with tho sterner sox. Looking close to our own doors how few can wo number who speak in clear, distinct, and pure tones. What is tho quality of the speaking voice in our churches, and in tho Law Courts, where, of all places, there should bo at least an approach to good elocution? Tho power and beauty of tho language there used fall weak and mutilated upon the attentive oar, simply because no study has been given to tho art of speaking in a forcible and. pleasing maimer. Even in the theatre at tho present time a lady takes tho premier place for correct and finished elocution. There is a popular misconception that elocution is a best dress to bo worn only on state occasions. True elocution is like good grammar, always to lie used but never laid aside. What a libel on tho human voice is the harsh, whining, piping, galloping, drawling, squeaking, and bawling utterances wo experience in everyday life. From some wo have tho odious nasal twang ; others offend us with tho Hat tone — jlat it is. Wo are accustomed to tho cold, the dry, tho sharp, and the rough. Few indeed acquire and use a round, smooth, sweet, solid, and pure tone; or enunciate as clearly and distinctly as they could or ought to do. Elocution, rigidly understood, deals with tho ordinary conversation as well us with the more special speaking. A good elocution includes by no moans the pretentious, pompous, and theatrical delivery that some persons suppose. A perfect elocution is that which is natural and in keeping with refined taste. The cultivation of a speaking voice is as much a necessity as is the training for singing. Modulation, inflexion, accent, and purity of tone must bo daily practised.—- Saturday Advertiser.