The use of the voice in reading and speaking: a manual for clergymen and candidates for holy orders

Preface

The following treatise records the results of some thirty years of study and observation in the expressive uses of the voice. During that time the author has had experience, both as a clergyman and as an instructor in elocution. It has been prepared in the sincere hope that it may be of use to the Clergy and Candidates for Orders in the discharge of Divine Service.

Part I. contains exercises in vocal drill, with the statement of some of the principles of elocution, which will be found serviceable to every clergyman, if reduced to practice. The author is emboldened to make this assertion from the testimonials of many pupils, who have been brought out of imperfections in speech, and have attained to eminence as public speakers by drill of this character.

Part II. treats of the reading of the Service throughout— specifically, to a large extent, with such general directions as will cover the reading of the remainder. It might seem presumptuous, when there is so wide divergence of practice in the manner of celebrating Divine Service, for any single clergyman to attempt to suggest

2 PREFACE.

how the Liturgy of the Church should be read. Yet, while recognizing the yalue of all the musical methods, in their proper place and time, whether by monotoniiig , intoning, or making it purely choral, there is still much use for the ordinary speaking voice. The necessities of the case, indeed, for want of musical skill and appropriate accompaniment, generally compel the Clergy to depend upon this method. It becomes, then, simply a question whether it shall be well or ill used in public worship. The effort has been made, in this part of the work, to secure the expressive and appropriate reading of the yarious divisions of the Divine Service.

Part III. treats of the subject of manner. The essential elements which constitute an effective delivery are here discussed, in the hope of securing a correct standard of pulpit elocution, adapted to the nature of the sacred office and the character of its theme — free from all mannerism, affectation, and artificiality.

The author has undertaken this work at the solicitation, and with the encouragement, of many friends and pupils, and has been greatly indebted to Mr. Melville K. Bailey in preparing it for the press.

If the treatise shall aid, in any way, in making the Service more effective, and if it shall increase the usefulness of any of his brethren, the author will gratefully esteem it privileged labor that he has done.

F. T. E.

August 1, ISSS.

oo:ntexts.

Part I. Elocution

PAGE

Inteoductiox ....... 9

CHAPTER I. Primary Coxditioxs of Vocal Power . . .11

Physical health— Fresh air— Proper protection — Warmth — Eest — Mental quiet — Further considerations — Diet — Cold water — Condiments— Exercise — Walking — Caution against over-exertion.

CHAPTER II. BEEATinxG Exercises . . . . . .18

Preliminary remarks — Tidal breath — First series, -with reference to complete airing of the lungs — Second series, with reference to the vocal chords— Third series, with refSrence to the uvula — Fourth series, muscular exercises combined with breathing — Cautions.

CHAPTER III. Aeticulation' . . • # • • • .25

How differing from apparently synonymous terms — Will power — Drill exercises— Kate of vibrations — Eflfects of professional life — Defects in speech — Further drill exercises — Result of neglect — Faults found in reading the exhortation — Further defects — In the sentences— In Scripture — Initial "h" — Difficult combinations— Example — Table of elements.

Chapter VI

Degree requisite — Caution against boisterousness — Transition, to be secured by practice — Exercises — Subdued degrees — Examples— Moderate degrees — Examples — Stronger degrees — Examples— The calling voice.

CHAPTER VH.

Compass of the voice, two octaves — FlexibiUty — Exercises — Middle pitch — Examples — Low pitch — Examples — Higher pitch — Examples.

CHAPTER Vin.

Definition — Divisions of the syllable — Eadical stress — Median stress — Vanishmg stress — Compoimd stress — Thorough stress — Examples.

CHAPTER IX.

Inflectiobt, oe Slide . . . . . .85

Source of impulse — Slides of emotion — Octave — Fifth — Third — Second — -The monotone — The semitone — The circumflex, or wave — Examples — Antithetic passages — Examples.

CHAPTER X.

Movement . . . . . . .101

DeteiTuincd by subject — Inconsistency — Sameness — Moderate movement — Difficulty of descriiition — Examples — Slow movement— Examples — Lively Movement — Examples.

CHAPTER XI.

Decided by impressiveness — Eesults of inattention to this element— Pause preceding emphatic word — Following it — Both — Few mechanical rules — Pause at "saying," etc. — Example.

CONTENTS. ■ 5

CEAPTER XII.

PACE

ISIore than a change of force— Dependent on activity of thought and will— Examples of distinctive emphasis— Continued emphasis— Examples — Errors in emphasis — Example of various interpretations hy means of emphasis — Of doctrines — The Decalogue — Examples — Further suggestions in emphasis, illustrated.

CHAPTER XIII.

Musical effect dependent on " tune "—Various, at different periods of life — Examples.

Part II. Beading Of The Service

IXTEODUCTION — EXPEESSIO^T . . . . .133

Its importance in Divine Service — Proper mental attitude — Expression founded on feeling— Standard of expression— Not that of the stage, bar, or rostrum— Fuithcr reflections.

CHAPTER I. Analysis of the Characteristics contained in the Book

OF Common Peayer as a Guide to Expression . . 136

1. Sublimity and majesty — 2. Simplicity — 3. Eeverential fervor— These must all be present in just proportion — Defect of neglecting a single principle — Fault of undue prominence of a single characteristic — Further defects : rapidity, undue slowness, basiness-Uke air, mincing tone, perfunctory style.

CHAPTER II. The Opening Sentences, etc., of Morning and Evening

Three leading characteristics still preserved — Fourth to last sentence— Their penitential character — The first, second, and tliird sentences, how differing from the otliers — The Exltortalion — Its great simplicity — Different shades of feeling in different services— Personality — Must be made an exliortation — Division 1, Opening phrase— 2. Stutemeut — 3. Enumeration of parts of Di-

6 CONTEN-fS.

PAGE

vine -worsliip — i. The bidding — Comparison with other exhortations— The Confession — Strong emphasis — Low key — Even movement— No marlied individualities — The Absolution — It is a declaration— First sentence authoritative — Sympathy of second sentence— Deepened expression of last sentence.

CHAPTER III. The Anthems, Creed, etc. ..... 148

Should be sung if possible — Full expression when read — The Te Deum — Divisions : 1, Praise ; 2, Confession of Faith ; 3, Intercession— Value of reading Benedicite Om7iia Opera Domini — The Creed — Peaceful significance at the present time — Solemnity, earnestness, reverence — Each clause characteristically marked — Faults — The Versicles require fervent emphasis — Discussion of each.

CHAPTER IV. The Peatees ....... 155

Subdued expression — Fitting preparation — Anal3-sis of their structure as an aid to expression — 1 . Invocation : Purpose — Varied character — Simple, deep, and combined qualities — Especially to be reverent — Doctrine or narrative — Examples of invocations — 2. The Petition: Supplicatory character — Expression varied according to subject of prayer — Illustrated references — 3. The conclusion— The Mediatorial Name — It should be pronounced impressively and sweetly — The ascription, or Doxologi/ — Discussion of individual prayers — The Zord^s Prayer — The Collects — The TTianksgii'ings — Value of discussion — The Litany — The intensity of its character — The divisions : 1 . The Invocation : appeal to the Blessed Trhiity, questions as to emphasis — 2. The Deprecations : emphasis and inflection, true manner of offering them — 3. The Obsecrations : futile criticisms, deep solemnity — 4. The Intercessions: their freedom and sympathetic tenderness, change in punctuation — 5. The Supplication — Fervor is to be maintained — Earnestness — C onclusion.

CHAPTER V. The Lessons ....... 1Y7

Suggestivencss of term — Proper manner — True standard — Faults: inexpressiveness, lack of sympathy, impropriety, dramatic effect, pluintiveness, undue refinement, mannerism, monotony— Hooker's Theory — Classification for expression : I. According to styles of writing : 1. Narrative and descriptive. Three heads under this division : a. Familiar ; J, Elevated ; c, Middle — 2. Didactic: c, Epistolary; J, Oral and parabolic — 3. Pro-

CONTENTS. 7

PAGE

phetic : a, Bold ; b, Subdued— 4. Lyric — II. According to the spirit of Fast or Festival : Examples — III. As suggested by the emotion : a, Solemnity ; b, Pathos ; c, Consolation ; d. Sublimity ; e, Denunciation — IV. As suggested by the thought — V. Expression by injiection : a, Falling, for irony ; b, Circumflex, for irony ; c, Monotone, for awe ; d. Falling, for denimciation — Further divisions.

The Decalogue . . . . . .219

Character of Commandments — Change of utterance — The scene giving the Decalogue — Disc Character of our Lord's words.

of giving the Decalogue — Discussion of the Commandments

The Offertory ...... 223

Purpose of the sentences — Summary of their character ; 1. Injunctions ; 2. Explanatory declarations ; 3. Oratorical interrogation ; 4. Comforting promises ; 5. Example inciting to duty — The Communion Office not furtlier treated of.

The Burial Service ...... 227

Its perfection — Pei-vading solemnity — The sentences — The first anthem — The Lesson — Change of style — The second anthem — The Committal — The third anthem — The closing prayers.

Part III. Manner In The Pulpit

IlfTRODUCTION . . . . . . .236

Authority — Earnestness — High ideal — Physical qualifications — Moral qualifications— Sympathy — Intellectual qualiiicatiou.

CHAPTER I. Essential Eequisites for Effectiveness . . . 239

1. Life — Examples — Variety — Examples — Naturalness— Example. 2. Force — Authority — Dignity — Freedom — Boldness — Examples. 3. Warmth — Love — Example — Sincerity — Examples — Cordiality — Example — Enthusiasm — Example — Keality — Example—Further considerations. 4. Grace — Ease — Example — Serenity— Example — Sympathy — Example — Other thoughts.

8 CONTENTS.

CHAPTER 11.

PAGE

Scope of expression — Varied degree of power — Position of the body — Carriage of the head — Expression of the face — The arm — Primary laws of gesture — The hand — Its positions — a. Supine ; b. Prone ; c. Vertical ; d. Clinched — Further considerations.

Miscellaneous Examples ..... 282

The Order for Daily Morning Prater . . . 299

TnE Order for Daily Evening Prayer . . . 313

The Litany, or General Sitpplioation . . . 323

The Order for the Administration of the Lord's Supper,

or Holy Communion ..... 330

The Ministration of Baptism to suon as are of Eipee Years, and are able to answer for Themselyes . 341

Part I. Elocution

INTEODUCTION.

He who would enter the sacred ministry of Christ must consider that he will need the most intense energy in every faculty. Those powers which God has given him must all be molded and strengthened until they reach the highest perfection of which they are callable. And the bodily faculties are the medium through which all inherent sj^iritual power is to be impressed on the minds of the congregation, aud thence driven into and implanted in their souls. We take it for granted that the strongest desire, the supreme passion of every messenger of Truth, is to command respect for his message ; to strengthen the love of those who already are serving God ; to reverse the course of rebellious wills ; and to bring every thought of every heart into willing subjection to the great Master of souls.

The clergyman, then, as a good general, must review the whole field of his operations, and so marshal his forces and discipline his powers, that, when the hour of battle comes, he can bear through and overcome all opposing enemies. He must be continually on the alert. His foes are spiritual, the unhealthy or malicious feelings of a perverted nature. The thoughtlessness of the gay, the pride of the strong, the despair of the sorrowful, will meet him, at every hour, in the market-place, in the sick chamber, in the drawing-room, and in the church. It is his duty to meet each of these and turn it gently, but firmly and invincibly, into the way of right.

In this he will find a threefold succession of mental action : First, understanding ; then, feeling ; and, lastly, resolution. In each of these he must precede his flock, that he may lead them by experience. And a further analysis will show that in the majority of cases the resolution to the accomjjlishing of which all his efforts must tend is the immediate result of the feelings. And, unless he be a writer of rare power, he will find that the voice is the chief instrument in arousing the feelings after which he aims. The beneficial influence of true feeling can not be too highly estimated, and the feeling to which the spirit of the Church is so much opposed is not the tender reverence and love of the true Son of God, nor the intense and fiery energy of the prophet, but the disordered frenzy of the dervishes of Christianity, or the weak effusions of a selfish sentimentalism. It is an absurdity to speak of a religion without feeling. The thing does not exist. Not a thought can rise in the mind, not a sentence can be heard, without producing some feeling, either attractive or repellent. It is the part of the sacred speaker, then, to see that the thoughts of his people are religious, to compel them to be religious by the subtle and inevitable influence of the notes of the human voice — an instrument stringed by its Creator to be the medium of divine harmonies. To bring this instrument to its proper perfection, we must go far back to the underlying causes which are to make it effective, or mar its power. The means of this culture will be fully discussed in the succeeding chapters.

PRIMARY CONDITION'S OF VOCAL POWER. H CHAPTER I.

PRIMARY CONDITIO]S"S OF VOCAL POWER.

The primary conditions of strength and purity of voice rest upon good physical health. The public speaker, therefore, who undertakes his work conscientiously, and with the desire and determination to use his voice naturally and effectively, must give his attention first of all to the laws of health. "We can be useful no longer than we can be well," said Dr. Johnson. The weakening influence of ill-health is most disastrous to the work of any one who is to impress his fellow-creatures through the use of the voice. Neglect of sanitary law is not only stultifying in the extreme to the highest ideal of vocality — it is positively immoral. The clergyman who forms any habits, indulges in any occupations that injure the general health, or neglects needful exercise, by so doing completely destroys his power as a speaker. It is impossible for the writer to be too explicit and emphatic on this point. If the clergyman is not disposed to make the best use of his physical gifts, then he is not aiming at the highest moral effect in the right use of his vocal powers. The faculty of speech has been bestowed, like other gifts and faculties, for use, not for abuse or neglect. We are right, then, in making tliis a fundamental particular in a treatise on the proper discharge of Divine Service. The directions following will assist in establishing this physical condition.

First, tlic necessity of securing fresh air, by exercise out of doors, and by especial attention to ventilation in the study and in the church, must be emphasized. It seems hardly worth while to state that there is scarcely a church to be found whicli, after an hour's use, contains a fit material for the use of the voice. The preacher enters the pulpit half exhausted, and the hearers are half wearied from a vitiated atmosphere, when both should be fresh and inspirited, the one to give and the other to receive wholesome impressions of Divine Truth. But, while securing fresh air in full and inexhaustible supplies, every public sj^eakcr should beware of speaking in a draught. The last effort in public of the most polished and cultivated speaker in New England was a fatal one to him on this account. Pure air, it should be remembered, is essential to the clear working of the brain, through the proper clarifying of the blood. And whatever affects the condition of the brain is immediately manifested in the voice. Much of the j)reparatory hemming and hawing, not to say hawking and sjiitting, which are the embarrassed orator's natural joreface, comes from impurity of air. The beneficial effect of pure air upon the health and spirits, and upon the nervous system, is greater than can be stated.

Although the free use of pure air is demanded, care should be exercised, especially in the colder weather, to secure the air at a genial temperature. It is simply impossible to have the vocal organs in the right condition for work when the body is chilled. To insure the jiroper physical condition for public speaking, the feet should be kept warm. Thin-soled or damp shoes will impair the power of the best orator. Is it not proverbial that much of the health of the English people, of both sexes, is preserved to them by the use of thick-solcd shoes ? It is very dangerous for the public speaker to sit in the study whon the feet are chilled. So simple a protection as a newspaper thrown over the feet during the hours of study will check the draughts on the floor of the room, and keep the head cool by keeping the feet warm. It is well for the student, who is to use his voice, to form the habit of standing during a part of his study hours, that the blood may descend to the extremities. The lamented poet Longfellow, to the last years of his life, practiced the habit of writing at a standing desk. And this custom of standing erect effects not only an easy and erect carriage of the hodiy,

PRIMARY CONDITIONS OF VOCAL POWER. 13

but, by strengthening the abdominal and also the dorsal muscles, lessens greatly the fatigue of rendering the public Seryice. For the dorsal muscles have a twofold function — that of supporting the spinal column, and that of aiding the expulsory muscular action in speaking. This exercise is much more exhausting when using the voice in the kneeling posture, and hence arises the necessity of some natural strengthening discipline of these muscles. At all events, one should avoid the weakening process of their entire neglect during the week. Sitting hour after hour throughout the days of the week, and then kneeling and vocalizing with full voice in the public Service, is quite enough to tax the strength of the strongest. The nervous condition into which many speakers are thrown, during and after the effort of public speaking, can, undoubtedly, be traced to this neglect of the action and use of the dorsal muscles. This would affect the nerve centers in that vicinity of the spine, and, symj)athetically, those all the way up to the brain.

While the essential conditions of warmth are insisted upon as necessary to the health of the public speaker, care should be exercised not to overheat the organs of the throat by the use of a muffler in cold weather. As an extraordinary means of protection, it may be used at times ; but the continued habit of wearing a close covering for the throat softens the organs, and renders them more sensitive to the harmful influence of cold. The throat can be inured to such climatic conditions as readily as the face or hands. The rare occurrence, at present, of ''clerical sore throat," and the decrease in the death-list of consumption, may be largely attributed to our more rational modern custom of leaving the throat exposed. If it be necessary to ride in the open air for any considerable distance before speaking, a newspaper buttoned under the coat will keep the chest warm, and prevent that deep cliill which is so disastrous to the voice. If one is compelled to pass directly into the cold air after sj)eaking in a heated room, then the throat should be covered ; but it is much better for the speaker to remain for ten or fifteen minutes in the room where he has been exercising his Yoice, that the blood may be gradually cooled. We believe our advice on this point is clear. It may be summed up by saying that the throat should be left open as long as this strengthens it. When danger arises that a chill will be caused, then it should be protected.

Another essential condition for the preservation and development of the vocal powers is the recognition of nature's demand for healthful rest. The nervous system of the speaker demands it, because that, especially, is worn by the intense concentration of thought and vivid flashes, or continuous fire, of the feelings which accompany public speaking ; the muscular system, because in many parts of the body, and esjoecially in the trunk, there is a continued strain upon the muscles, which becomes the more wearisome because varied by the concussive efi'ect of the expulsion of voice. This waste can be supplied only by the proper amount of sleep during the night, when the nerves find their recreation in rest and torpidity, the muscles theirs in quiet secretion. The speaker who exhausts his power by too little sleep, or an excess of it, is deliberately injuring his voice. Insufficient sleep leaves the nerves disturbed, and imparts a harsh, wiry quality to the voice ; the excess of it causes that stupefying and sluggish circulation which renders the action of the organs labored and unwieldy, and effects the roughness of tone attending profound somnolency. A brief nap, caught even in a chair, is often a great restorative to the enfeebled energies of body and voice. Excessive or even the usual amount of labor on the day preceding public effort should be avoided. The best possible preparation for effective Sunday work is a Saturday morning of exercise, an afternoon of quiet meditation, and a night of sleep.

Harmonizing with the rest of body is the rest of spirit.

PRIMARY COXDITIOXS OF VOCAL POWER. 15

which should precede the placidity and de^Dth of feeling expressed in Divine Service. This tranquillity should be imparted, in turn, to the voice, that through this medium the sweet influences of the Holy Spirit may be the more perfectly shed into the hearts of the hearers ; and few things can be more earnestly condemned than the ill-timed haste with which some clergymen approach their divine ministrations. A rush for the vestry, a hurried and superficial glance at the Lessons, the whisking on of a suri^lice, the sudden assumption of a calm face over a disturbed heart, and the shepherd is ready to lead his flock into the Holy of Holies ! It is impossible. A few moments, surely, of calm should precede the approach to the chancel. It is the custom of at least one effective speaker in the Church to so plan his time as to arrive in his vestry-room several minutes before service, in order that he may be seated quietly for a brief space before his work ; and the best preparation for the fit rendering of Divine Service is a quiet hour of private meditation. The voice will tell its unwelcome tale in public if the clergyman neglects his duty in private.

In regard to all other matters relating to preservation of health through needful rest, the speaker should realize that the violation of nature's laws will be retributively visited upon him in spite of all efforts to secure the best culture of voice ; and, among others, it should be remembered that there are few things so injurious to the voice as protracted mental exertion until late hours of the night.

Another important matter to be considered is close observation of the natural results of proper dieting. The clergy, as a class, suffer more from indigestion than any other body of men — the inevitable result of their sedentary habits and neglect of exercise. This evil is largely increased by eating indigestible food. No single rule can apply to all cases, but whatever is found to be difficult of digestion should be avoided by every man seeking the best use of his voice. The disturbance of the mucous membrane, caused by a disordered stomach, tells immediately on the vocal quality. Almost any one can satisfy himself of this by eating largely of any fatty matter, or highly spiced salads, pickles, nuts, etc. Whatever may be easily digested, that the speaker should consider sufficient nourishment as his meal before speaking. He can gratify the cravings of appetite at other times. The precise hour for using the voice after eating would depend on the condition of the stomach. Strong vocal effort should be avoided immediately after eating a hearty meal, yet it should be remembered that it will not benefit the voice to speak while fasting.

In this connection the author feels the necessity of cautioning all public speakers against the custom of drinking freely of cold water, especially iced-water, either immediately before or during the hours of speaking. It is well also to avoid, as far as possible, the use of condiments as a habit. A medicated lozenge, or even something as simple as a lump of sugar, or, better still, a taste of an orange, may be helpful at times ; but to form such a habit is almost of necessity to destroy the more delicate and natural qualities of the voice, and the play of the organs in producing them. We should so drill the organs to a natural and healthful action as to make them independent of all soporifics and stimulants.

There is still another matter left which is, perhaps, of greater moment to the public speaker than any of the considerations preceding, and that is the absolute necessity of paying attention to physical exercise. No man, desirous of using his voice at the best, can accomplish this purpose without some stated exertion, which shall cause the blood to circulate freely and healthfully, and to give tone and vigor to the body. Whatever pertains to physical health immediately affects the voice. It is simply an impossibility that a clear and healthy resonance and a sustained and reserved vocal power can be secured while the bodily

PEIMAEY CONDITIONS OF VOCAL POWER. 17

liealth is neglected. The speaker needs elasticity of spirits and physical energy if he is to acquire the magnetic power in expression. The feeble man may excite the sympathies of his congregation, but does not control or direct their thoughts through the living power of his own utterance. It must be admitted that this is to be secured only at the sacrifice of time and effort ; but if the end aimed at is not worthy of this, then let the iniblic use of the voice sink into secondary relations, and the clergyman not be blamed for the neglect of this God-given power.

Walking is said to be the natural exercise for students. Energetic gymnastic exercise with labor apparatus, or with machinery that requires the exertion of the will to secure its benefit, is not, ordinarily, the best exercise for the thinker and speaker on sacred subjects. He must deal philosophically with the profounder and greater realities of life, allure to a brighter world, and lead the way thither, and, therefore, can not be careless of the finer sensibilities. Every clergyman can learn to give his body healthful exercise by the use of the imagination, by hfting imaginary weights, reaching to the utmost height and to the greatest distance, throwing the arms open the full sweep, by clinching the fists, and energetically thrusting them forward, downward, upward, etc. By these and similar exercises he may give his body all the necessary drill required for the preservation of the voice.

A caution must be added against exercising with too much violence. The man of studious habits can not expect every fiber in his frame to have the same toughness natural to the body of a working man. He must, therefore, be careful not to take too much as well as too little exercise.

By observing these directions, a vigorous and healthful tone may be secured to the physical organization.

Chapter II. Beeathikg Exercises

There can be no natural, effective, and long-sustained speaking, conducted with ease both to the si)eaker and to the hearer, without the proper management of the breath. And, inasmuch as public speaking exceeds in effort the ordinary colloquial use of the yoice, it is necessary to keep the lungs supplied with a greater body of air for the former than for the latter. The more powerful efforts of the orator require the physical pressure of a large volume of air deep in the lungs, behind the vocal organs. The delicate uses require that the organs be well trained to emit it in proper quantities. And no less skill is required in rejilenishing the exhausted store-house than in emptying it effectively. The whole apparatus, from the li23S to the lowest cells of the lungs, must be in vigorous condition and in i:)erfect training, before the speaker can expect his thought to be fitly uttered. It is very seldom that men of sedentary habits have occasion to use more than the slightest supjaly of breath.

The tidal hreatli, so termed, is sufficient for the study, but not for the public auditorium. The prescribed exercises following will not only give full and free expansion to the lungs, bvit will also exercise the expulsory muscles healthfully, which are called into play in the stronger uses of the voice.*

First Series : With Reference to the Complete Airing of the

Lungs.

1. Stand in the erect posture, with arms akimbo, that the weight of the shoulders may be lifted from the chest. Inhale a full breath, with the mouth closed. Exhale with