580
Evangelism
in breathing, and that the respiratory organs are unrestricted. Let
the strain come on the muscles of the abdomen, rather than on those
of the throat. Great weariness and serious disease of the throat and
lungs may thus be prevented. Careful attention should be given to
securing distinct articulation, smooth, well-modulated tones, and a
not-too-rapid delivery.—
Education, 199
(1903).
Speak to Thousands as Easily as Ten—Speaking from the throat,
letting the words come out from the upper extremity of the vocal or-
gans, all the time fretting and irritating them, is not the best way to
preserve health or to increase the efficiency of those organs. You
should take a full inspiration, and let the action come from the abdom-
inal muscles. Let the lungs be only the channel, but do not depend
upon them to do the work. If you let your words come from deep
down, exercising the abdominal muscles, you can speak to thousands
with just as much ease as you can speak to ten.—
Testimonies For The
Church 2:616
(1871).
[670]
Observe Proper Breathing—Ministers should stand erect, and
speak slowly, firmly, and distinctly, taking a full inspiration of air at
every sentence, and throwing out the words by exercising the abdom-
inal muscles. If they will observe this simple rule, giving attention
to the laws of health in other respects, they may preserve their life
and usefulness much longer than men in any other profession. The
chest will become broader, and ... the speaker need seldom become
hoarse, even by constant speaking. Instead of becoming consump-
tives, ministers may, by exercising care, overcome all tendency to
consumption,—
Testimonies For The Church 4:404
(1880).
Speaking Slowly and Calmly—In my younger days I used to talk
too loud. The Lord has shown me that I could not make the proper
impression upon the people by getting the voice to an unnatural pitch.
Then Christ was presented before me, and His manner of talking; and
there was a sweet melody in His voice. His voice, in a slow, calm
manner, reached those who listened, and His words penetrated their
hearts, and they were able to catch on to what He said before the next
sentence was spoken. Some seem to think they must race right straight
along or else they will lose the inspiration and the people will lose the
inspiration. If that is inspiration, let them lose it, and the sooner the
better.—
Manuscript 19b, 1890
.