Chapter 37—Proper Use of the Voice
Health Principles—The proper use of the vocal organs will bring
benefit to the physical health and increase the usefulness and influence
[of Christ’s followers]. It is through falling into bad habits of speech
that people become tedious readers and speakers, but those who are
looked upon as intelligent enough to become missionary workers or
to transact business ought to have intelligence enough to reform in
their manner of speaking. By judicious exercise they may expand the
chest and strengthen the muscles. By giving heed to proper instruc-
tion, by following health principles in regard to the expansion of the
lungs and the culture of the voice, our young men and women may
become speakers who can be heard; and the exercise necessary for this
accomplishment will prolong life.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers,
and Students, 247
.
Deep Breathing—If those who have defects in their manner of
utterance will submit to criticism and correction, they may overcome
these defects. They should perseveringly practice speaking in a low,
distinct tone, exercising the abdominal muscles in deep breathing, and
making the throat the channel of communication. Many speak in a
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rapid way, and in a high, unnatural key. Such a practice will injure the
throat and lungs. As a result of continual abuse, the weak, inflamed
organs will become diseased, and consumption [tuberculosis] may
result.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 239
.
Right Use of Abdominal Muscles—Voice culture is a subject
that has much to do with the health of students. The youth should be
taught how to breathe properly, and how to read in such a way that
no unnatural strain shall come on the throat and lungs, but that the
work shall be shared by the abdominal muscles. Speaking from the
throat, letting the sound come from the upper part of the vocal organs,
impairs the health of these organs and decreases their efficiency. The
abdominal muscles are to do the heaviest part of the labor, the throat
being used as a channel. Many have died who might have lived had
they been taught how to use the voice correctly. The right use of
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