The Science of Utterance

From the NOTES FOR TEACHERS. The exercises in this book should be practiced alternately with the reading lesson. Each lesson has a purpose, which should be explained to the class, in order that they may understand the results to be attained, and appreciate the importance of the practice. The essential elements of reading or speaking are voice, articulation, and expression; and the cultivation of these elements cannot fail to secure habits of utterance which are healthful to the speaker, and agreeable to the listener. VOICE: Voice is explained in Lessons II and VI. The exercises in Lessons III, IV and V are valuable as a means of strengthening the muscles of the chest, and of gaining control of the breath. Lessons VII, IX, XVII, XVIII, XIX, XX and XXI are adopted for the cultivation of clearness, smoothness, variety, flexibility, and strength of voice. The regular practice of these vocal exercises is very strengthening to the muscles of the throat; thus rendering them less susceptible to the effects of exposure and disease. ARTICULATION: Articulation is a very important part of utterance; but it is often neglected, or exaggerated to the extent of affectation. Great care should be exercised in drilling the class to articulate distinctly without giving undue prominence to the effort. Lessons I, VIII and X explain the different sounds and their formation, according to the action of the organs of speech. Lessons XI, XII and XIII give excellent opportunity to cultivate proper utterance of the various combinations of these sounds. The analysis of words as produced by the organs of speech is a good mental discipline, which frequently develops a taste for analytical work. EXPRESSION: Proper expression in reading is the great object to be attained by these exercises. Pupils should be required to read every sentence with the same expression as when speaking their own thoughts. By this means a true impression is always conveyed. If this effort is made a special exercise, a desire for investigation and study will be promoted, greatly adding to the interest of every branch of knowledge. Lesson XXVIII contains easy examples for practicing conversational tones in reading. To vary the exercises, many of the selections may be used for vocal training. Those on pages 80, 86, 90, 93, 99, 101 and 110 were selected for this purpose. If rightly conducted, concert reading is very beneficial to pupils, on account of the greater amount of practice obtained, and the better style of expression required. The selections on pages 101 and 113 are very effective when skillfully rendered. Note. - This book may be used with equal advantage in the Grammar School or High School. The writer has obtained by its use most satisfactory results in the last four grades of the Grammar School.