6 RULES AND DIRECTIONS 



generally gives the sound of th for that of 5 ; this 

 may be easily cured by a little attention to the position 

 of the vocal organs in speaking. 



There are certain other habits which are great ene- 

 mies to articulation, as hissing, speaking through the 

 nose, keeping the jaws too close, &c., all of which are 

 generally caused through want of attention in early 

 childhood, but which it is far from impossible to era- 

 dicate. 



A faulty pronunciation likewise evinces neglect in 

 early education. The mode of expression used by the 

 polite and well-educated should be observed and strictly 

 followed ; and whenever a young person is doubtful as 

 to the correct pronunciation of a word, recourse should 

 be immediately had to a pronouncing dictionary. As 

 speaking is a mechanical art, imitation and practice will 

 always effect a correct Articulation and Pronunciation, 

 provided there be no natural defect in the structure of 

 the organs of speech. 



RULES AND DIRECTIONS IN READING AND SPEAKING. 



Although a speaker may articulate well and pronounce 

 correctly, yet, without energy, grace, and pathos, he will 

 have the appearance of a living statue ; and though he 

 may not absolutely disgust, he will be very far from 

 giving pleasure, or exciting admiration. 



One of the chief requisites for energetic delivery is a 

 strong and flexible voice ; and this, if not natural, may 

 to a certain extent be acquired by cultivation. The de- 

 gree of strength of the voice depends on many causes, 

 one of which is the texture of the larynx. If the vocal 

 chords do not possess sufficient tension, the voice will 

 be weak ; while on the contrary, if they are firm and 

 elastic, ceteris paribus, the voice will be powerful. Per- 

 sons that are asthmatic, or have any obstruction in the 

 action of the lungs, have naturally a weak voice ; but as 

 the strength of the muscles of the body may be in- 

 creased by exercise, so may the strength of the voice. 



In public speaking and reading, but more particularly 

 the former, an energetic mode must be cultivated. The 



