Voice Training for Workers
In all our ministerial work, more attention should be given to the
culture of the voice. We may have knowledge, but unless we know
how to use the voice correctly, our work will be a failure. Unless
we can clothe our ideas in appropriate language, of what avail is
our education? Knowledge will be of little advantage to us unless
we cultivate the talent of speech; but it is a wonderful power when
combined with the ability to speak wise, helpful words, and to speak
them in a way that will command attention.
Students who expect to become workers in the cause of God should
be trained to speak in a clear, straightforward manner, else they will
be shorn of half their influence for good. The ability to speak plainly
and clearly, in full, round tones, is invaluable in any line of work.
This qualification is indispensable in those who desire to become
ministers, evangelists, Bible-workers, or canvassers. Those who are
planning to enter these lines of work should be taught to use the voice
in such a way that when they speak to people about the truth, a decided
impression for good will be made. The truth must not be marred by
being communicated through defective utterance.
The canvasser who can speak clearly and distinctly about the merits
of the book he wishes to sell, will find this a great help in his work.
He may have an opportunity to read a chapter of the book, and by the
music of his voice and the emphasis placed on the words, he can make
the scene presented stand out as clearly before the mind of the listener
[87]
as if it could actually be seen.
The one who gives Bible-readings in the congregation or in the
family should be able to read with a soft, musical cadence which will
charm the hearers.
Ministers of the gospel should know how to speak with power
and expression, making the words of eternal life so expressive and
impressive that the hearers cannot but feel their weight. I am pained
as I hear the defective voices of many of our ministers. Such ministers
70