RULES AND DIRECTIONS 



there should be an increase of emphasis, and at the same 

 time a gradual elevation of voice. 



Thirdly. When the sense of the sentence admits a 

 gradual swell of the voice, it should be concluded with a 

 graceful and easy cadence ; although the voice should 

 not by any means uniformly fall at the close of a sen- 

 tence, for the contrary sometimes takes place, but this 

 depends on the sense. 



Another requisite for graceful delivery* is a proper 

 attention to the pauses. The punctuation of a sentence 

 does not, in impassioned language, moderate the time of 

 rest, or suspension of utterance, in the delivery of such 

 sentence j this depends on the sense, and with a proper 

 tone of voice has the effect of emphasis. A pause pre- 

 pares the ear for what is about to follow, and the length 

 of the pause must depend on the degree of importance 

 to be attached to the subject. 



Force of argument, harmony and elegance of language, 

 and gracefulness of delivery, however excellent, are 

 ineffective without that which has been termed the heart 

 and soul of eloquence pathos. 



Every animal gives expression to its feelings by ap- 

 propriate tones. The hen, when the hawk is in sight, 

 expresses her terror, and calls together her brood by a 

 particular cluck. How different is the tone of the dog 

 when he fawns on his master, to what it is when he gives 

 notice of an intruder. In like manner, every animal 

 expresses its various sensations, its apprehensions of 

 danger, Imnger, pleasure, pain, &c., in distinct and dif- 

 ferent tones. Man, in common conversation, gives an 

 appropriate utterance to his feelings ; if elated, he as- 

 sumes an expression of joy; if depressed, of sorrow. It 

 is then most natural and most proper, that when, in 

 reading or speaking, we use the language of joy or sor- 



* " I tell you truly and sincerely, that I shall judge of your parts by 

 your speaking gracefully or ungracefully. If you have parts, you will 

 never be at rest till you have brought yourself to a habit of speaking 

 most gracefully ; for I aver that is in your power. Take care to open 

 your teeth when you speak ; to articulate every word distinctly ; and 

 beg of any friend you speak to, to remind and stop you, if ever you 

 fall into a rapid and unintelligible mutter." Lord Chesterfield. 



