Importance of the Subject
113
minister grace unto the hearers.” (
Ephesians 4:29
.)—
Christ’s Object
Lessons, 335, 336
.
Neglect of Voice Culture—The culture and right use of the voice
are greatly neglected, even by persons of intelligence and Christian
activity. There are many who read or speak in so low or so rapid a
manner that they cannot be readily understood. Some have a thick,
indistinct utterance; others speak in a high key, in sharp shrill tones,
that are painful to the hearers. Texts, hymns, and the reports and other
papers presented before public assemblies are sometimes read in such
a way that they are not understood and often so that their force and
[175]
impressiveness are destroyed.—
Christ’s Object Lessons, 335
.
Duty of the Teacher—Voice culture should be taught in the read-
ing class; and in other classes the teacher should insist that the students
speak distinctly and use words which express their thoughts clearly
and forcibly. Students should be taught to use their abdominal muscles
in breathing and speaking. This will make the tones more full and
clear.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 216
.
A Foundation Subject of Education—When voice culture, read-
ing, writing, and spelling take their rightful place in our schools, there
will be seen a great change for the better. These subjects have been
neglected because teachers have not recognized their value. But they
are more important than Latin and Greek. I do not say that it is wrong
to study Latin and Greek, but I do say that it is wrong to neglect the
subjects that lie at the foundation of education in order to tax the
mind with the study of these higher branches.—
Counsels to Parents,
Teachers, and Students, 218
.
Melody of the Voice—Those who gain correct ideas on the sub-
ject of voice culture will see the necessity of educating and training
themselves so that they may honor God and bless others. They will
put themselves under patient, efficient teachers, and learn to read in
a way that will preserve the melody of the voice. With an eye single
to the glory of God they will make the most of their natural abili-
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ties. Commanding their own powers, they will not be embarrassed
by defects of speech, and their usefulness in the cause of God will be
increased.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 247
.
Soft, Musical Cadence—The one who gives Bible readings in
the congregation or in the family should be able to read with a soft,