28
The Voice in Speech and Song
will have been accomplished. Those who are trained for service in
the Lord’s cause should be taught how to talk properly in ordinary
conversation and before congregations. Many a laborer’s usefulness
is marred by his ignorance in regard to correct breathing and clear,
forcible speaking. Many have not learned to give the right emphasis
to the words they read and speak. Often the enunciation is indistinct.
A thorough training in the use of the English language is of far more
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value to a youth than a superficial study of foreign languages, to the
neglect of his mother tongue.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and
Students, 207, 208
.
Reading and Speaking With Ease—A great injury is often done
our young men by permitting them to commence to preach when
they have not sufficient knowledge of the Scriptures to represent our
faith in an intelligent manner. Some who enter the field are mere
novices in the Scriptures. In other things also they are incompetent
and inefficient. They cannot read the Scriptures without hesitating,
miscalling words, and jumbling them together in such a manner that
the Word of God is abused. Those who are not qualified to present the
truth in a proper manner need not be perplexed with regard to their
duty. Their place is that of learners, not teachers. Young men who
wish to prepare for the ministry are greatly benefited by attending our
college; but advantages are still needed that they may be qualified to
become acceptable speakers. A teacher should be employed to educate
the youth to speak without wearing the vocal organs. The manners
also should receive attention.—
Testimonies for the Church 4:405, 406
.
Perfection of Speech and Voice—The teachers in our schools
should not tolerate in the students ungainly attitudes and uncouth ges-
tures, wrong intonations in reading, or incorrect accents or emphasis.
Perfection of speech and voice should be urged upon every student.
Because of carelessness and bad training, habits are often contracted
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which are great hindrances in the work of a minister who has otherwise
educated talent. The student must be impressed that he has it in his
power, by combining grace with effort, to make himself a man. The
mental and physical capabilities with which God has adorned him may
by cultivation and painstaking effort become a power to benefit his
fellow men.—
Evangelism, 668, 669
.
Need of Improving Tones of the Voice—Students, God has given
you the talent of speech. He desires you to improve this talent. You