17. Exercises in Articulation. 1. No single subject taught in connection with elocution and reading is of greater importance than articulation; and yet, the exercises prepared for drill are usually regarded so irksome and profitless as to receive but little attention at the hands of the instructor and pupil. This neglect is due, first, to a want of appreciation of the great benefit derived from a persistent and intelligent use of the tables, and second, to a want of method in conducting the exercise. 2. To furnish a method that will prove interesting and productive of desirable results, the following suggestion is given; and those who aspire to a clear, easy, and pleasant delivery are urged to follow it. 3. Instead of merely pronouncing the element and word designed for practice in a spiritless, feeble manner, spell by sound the entire word distinctly and with force sufficient to fill a large room. In this manner conduct every exercise in articulation; and by the time the prescribed exercises are completed you will have attained an enviable skill in distinctness of utter ance. 4. To this suggestion may be added the hint that every exercise in conversation and reading should be made an exercise in articulation. 5. Stand erect, keep the head up, the eyes to the front, the chest expanded, the shoulders thrown back, and your mind upon what you are doing. |