The Charm of Good Speech

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 32, 21 February 1930, Page 6

The Charm of Good Speech

« Interesting Lecturette by Mr. Alexander Watson NE} of the most interesting and il"‘Iuminating lecturettes given from 2YA was broadcast by Mr. Alexander Watson, the famous English platform celebrity, on Tuesday evening last. Mr. Watson needs no introduction to lovers of good literature and the art of the spoken word throughout the Dominion, as his inimitable recitals have _ attracted thousands of admirers. everywhere he has appeared, and as an authority on elocution he undoubtedly stands alone. His book, "Speak Out, the Commonsense of Hlocution," which is widely known amongst teachers of elocution and public speakers, has recently been. published in an enlarged edition, with extra chapters on the art of elocution. In his talk on "The Charm of Good Speech" Mr. Watson said that it is remarkable that in these days of beauty culture, the great charm of a well-toned speaking voice is so persistently overlooked, and the means by which it can be acquired ignored. Very little observation was necessary to be aware that ugly voices are more common: than ugly faces and slovenly speech more common than -slovenly dress. Tidiness in speech is at least equal in importance to tidiness in dress. There are few, however, who -_ ,,_. oon -- oe ee)

seem to-realise this, and instead of the fastidiousness which characterises the adornment of the body, voice and speech frequently exhibit slovenliness and indifference. . Mr. Watson quoted several examples of slovenly expression of words used in every-day conversation, and the interpolation of the sound "sh" -or ‘"ch" into such phrases as "wouldn’t you," "did you,"."I miss you," which are respectively rendered "woodenshoe," "didjew," "J misshoe." Speech, . whether good or bad, is merely a matter of habit. Although a man may say "munsenmunse" for "months and months" all his life and be guilty of a host of similar inaccuracies, it is indicative not necessary of ignorance but of habitual slovenliness. Many people seem to be under the delusion that speech is a_ gift, like sight or hearing; that "it comes by

nature." But it is only the means for speech with which nature endows. us. The use of the means, whether correct or incorrect,-is an acquirement. Children brought up under the entire influence of vocally cultured conversationalists, always speaking with welltoned voice and distinct enunciation, would unconsciously acquire the same good ,qualities, just as under_reverse conditions they acquire bad habits of speech. Speech, like charity, begins (and ends) at home. People in early life acquire their habits of.speech from those around them and not from the oceasional voices of schoolmasters, gramophones, broadcasting machines, or the. talkies. Bad habits of speech can be overcome by the cultivation of a little personal enthusiasm for correctitude, and the assistance of a thoroughly good teacher, A speaking voice that is merely pleasant to listen’ to is a rarity: much more so a beautiful speaking voice. It is generally considered to be a freak of nature. But a voice that is fundamentally bad is a greater rarity than a voice that is naturally good. Generally the natural excellence of a spéaker’s voice is hidden away under a lumber of bad habits of speech. It is of primary import- ance that a speaker should realise . that it is he. who makes or mars his own voice and utterance, according to the degree of control he acquires over the movements: of the mouth. ' "The

mouth acts as a resonator and-a moulding agent in vocalisation. Nature begins the voice, but the speaker completes it for better or for .worse, Beauty of voice and neatness of enun- — ciation in. speech ‘are . very’ valuable assets in life. Speech that is "seasoned with a gracious voice" may be more potent in its effect than a delivery from which beauty is absent. The secret of a good. speaking voice lies in the undeviating correct formation of all vowel] sounds in a_ well-opened mouth, by which, means consistently uniform tone or quality may be created and maintained. It is not given to all of us to be brilliantly intellectual,.to be great artists. in oratory or dramatic’ speech, but all may possess (if they will) a cultivated voice,.a Clear and distinct mode of speech and a refined and cultured pronunciation of our glorious English language. Mr. Watson commenced his sixth and farewell tour of New Zealand at the Town Hall Concert Chamber, Wellington,. on ‘Saturday, : February’ 8.