76 PSYCHOLOGY. 



feelings or passions. This part should be introduced opportunely, 

 when it is required ; and treated as already mentioned, under the 

 topic of Persuasion. In the Conclusion, or Peroration, the speaker 

 should take leave of his subject, and of his audience ; implicitly at 

 least, if not in a formal manner. He may here sum up his results, 

 if addressing their reason, or make the appeal personal, if his object 

 is to induce immediate action. Such are the general rules for the 

 management of a discourse ; but they are subject to various modifica- 

 tions, as time, place, and circumstances may require. 



6. The Principles of Elocution, or Delivery, may be compre- 

 hended under two heads, Enunciation, and Gesticulation. Public 

 speaking generally requires them both ; but in mere reading, gestures 

 are for the most part superfluous, at least among our own country- 

 men ; though the enunciation should, we think, be essentially the 

 same in both cases. 



Enunciation, is the pronouncing of a discourse : and it requires 

 not only that the words should be correctly spoken, but with the 

 appropriate modulations, or pauses and tones, of the voice. Pauses 

 we may here add, are of two kinds ; punctuative, serving to fix the 

 sense ; and emphatic, giving time to comprehend and impress the 

 ideas. Of accent, emphasis, and cadence, we have already spoken, 

 in treating of Orthoepy ; (p. 44) ; but there are other modulations 

 and tones which are essential to good reading or speaking. In 

 general, when the sense of a phrase, or clause, depends immediately 

 on the following one, this fact should be indicated by a rising in- 

 flexion, or tone, of the voice ; but when the sense is complete, al- 

 though some other idea is to be added, it should be marked by a fall- 

 ing inflexion or cadence. The enunciation should always be distinct, 

 and forcible ; with a due inhalation of breath at the pauses, and a 

 constant regard to the sense. 



Gesticulation, includes all postures and motions, of the body 

 or limbs, designed to give effect to the enunciation. The posture 

 should be firm and steady ; the head elevated ; and the eyes directed, 

 generally, to the farther part of the audience ; that the voice may 

 reach them also ; for the voice will naturally be adjusted to the 

 hearing of those whom the speaker is particularly regarding. The 

 expression of the eye, beaming with intelligence and kindness, may 

 exert a powerful influence, which the best speakers well know how 

 to appreciate. The gestures of the hands and arms should be free 

 and graceful, animated and energetic; corresponding to the sense; 

 and rather preceding, than following, the expression of the idea 

 which they enforce. Finally, the great rule of Oratory, is to follow 

 and cultivate nature ; recollecting that the greatest art is displayed, 

 when all appearance of art is concealed. 



