A speaker ought always to consider his delivery in fault, if his audience are not still and attentive, no matter how uninteresting to them may be his ideas or language.

The nervous systems both of men and brute animals, are constructed with an express adaptation to the influences of the human voice. The striking force and earnestness which we instinctively employ to command animals, children and servants, and which in a less degree we use in conversation, when we are determined to be attended to, are familiar instances. Skillful speakers feel conscious of the same power over audiences, whatever style of address be most appropriate for the subject and occasion.

CHAPTER IX.

SELF MANAGEMENT.

THE subjects to be considered in the present chapter, must be ranked among the General Habits of Delivery, yet cannot conveniently be classed with any of the previous topics. With a partial exception in reference to the Melody of Speech, they depend not so much on natural and uncultivated instincts of utterance, as on that self consciousness and power of intentionally regulating and directing our natural impulses, which is the most distinguishing characteristic of cultivated and disciplined minds. The topics of the chapter are-self control and steadiness in speaking; the manner of beginning an address; the manner of concluding; and what is called by Dr. Rush, the melody of speech.

SELF POSSESSION.

Self control in speaking ought not to be considered as exclusively dependent on natural organization and turn of charac

ter. Those who are constitutionally bold on ordinary occasions, are often most liable to embarrassment and confusion in public speaking; while retiring and diffident, but thoughtful minds, are more frequently prompted to enthusiasm by the presence of an audience. The self possession of a speaker is, in fact, proportioned to the inward activity of his mind. Those who are habitually the sport of external impulses, have nothing to steady them when these are new and embarrassing; but the more reflecting and meditative, become outwardly calm by means of intense mental activity within.

Though practical delivery requires a sympathy with the audience, yet this is but a secondary rather than a primary object of attention. Even merely ad captandum speaking is no exception. True enthusiasm either of thought or imagination, is self excited and self encouraged. Without such independence of external impulses, there cannot indeed be any delivery that shall be either worthy of applause, or of sufficient interest even to excite disapprobation. Though actors are supposed (probably falsely) to be more dependent on approbation than speakers, yet even their principal reliance is on genial impulses and inward consciousness of power.

But the very practice of speaking cultivates habits of self possession. Improvement in this requisite, keeps pace uniformly with progress in all the other qualities of a good delivery. Not only the mental but the bodily habits acquired, contribute to this desirable result.

No separate lessons or rules are needed, for attaining self possession, farther than the general direction to practise intense thought, and give free play to the imagination and feelings.

If the constitutionally nervous still wish for further directions, let them, when in danger of becoming confused, always resort to deliberate force and energy.

Though direct acts of self command may not be in their power, yet they will experience no difficulty in making strong and energetic efforts, a short perseverance in which will soon bring their faculties under their own control.

When lawyers are hindered by embarrassing interruptions, they commonly resort to loud tones or strong declamation. From the instinctive effort which they thus make to free themselves from embarrassment, and facilitate their onward progress, we may derive a useful hint for students of elocution.

At the close of the volume, additional suggestions will be offered, under the head of Extemporaneous Speaking.

MANNER OF BEGINNING AN ADDRESS.

This part of delivery often occasions needless apprehensions. Practical extemporaneous speakers also, when beginning to speak, sometimes exhibit either an apparently affected slowness and hesitancy, or an obscure mumbling, which seems equally unnecessary. Many of them indulge themselves, when first commencing, in awkward and lounging attitudes, and various little acts which serve the purpose of occupying time until their voices have grown clear and their articulation firm.

There is no actual necessity, however, for exhibiting improprieties of delivery at the beginning, more than during any subsequent part of a discourse. The very first word that is spoken, ought to be accurately adapted to the room, in reference to the necessary degree of audibility, distinct articulation, and an appropriate style of address.

It is a mistake to suppose, that the commencement of an address must in all cases be with a subdued loudness. Though this is generally required, yet if the sentiments and language in the first part of the address be bold and abrupt, the delivery ought to correspond. It is also a very prevalent fault, even

among able speakers, to waste unnecessary time in exordiums, which are made more for their own gratification, than that of the hearers.

As however in most cases the tone with which a good speaker begins, should be different for a short time, some directions may be useful in reference to acquiring suitable habits.

All that is really necessary for this purpose, is to cultivate the habit of withdrawing the mind in some degree from the audience, when beginning to speak, and concentrating it on the train of thought that the speaker intends to follow.

This act puts the mind more or less into a musing state a state which produces a tone of thoughtfulness. The tone thus will be less loud and exciting than that which will soon follow.

As the mind is occupied (at least in part) with the train of thought, rather than merely with the few first words of the address, the voice exhibits a tone of preparation, which is in fact the only essential requisite for this part of delivery.

It is not difficult to analyze this preparatory tone, and show what modifications of voice unite to produce it. It will however be more useful for the student, to secure the habit of exhibiting it, by practising the mental acts from which it proceeds, than to endeavor to master such subtle distinctions, by efforts that are merely vocal.

Still farther, while actually uttering the first two or three words, the mind of the speaker should be as it were scarcely conscious of them, but on the contrary, should look forward to words of more force and emphasis, which are soon to succeed.

Such more important words may occur very soon, or not till after several phrases or even sentences.

For unpractised speakers, the more abrupt the commencement, and the sooner an emphatic word occurs, the easier, in the first part of a discourse, is the speaking.

Though by following the above directions, the speaker will exhibit an appropriate moderation, thoughtfulness and tone of preparation, yet care must be taken that the voice be not abstract and inexpressive.

The tone of address should be decidedly manifest, while the delivery, as just stated, must be accurately adapted to the size of the audience.

At the commencement of an address, it is improper to extend the arm in gesture at the moment of uttering the very first words. Yet if this be done, it is rather a violation of English and American custom, than a fault in natural action. A more appropriate habit, however, for students of elocution, is to substitute graceful inflexions of the body in place of gestures with the hand.

One more caution. Let the student be careful not to begin in a hurried manner. If a bow precedes, let it be, as already directed, deliberate, and not succeeded by the voice until after a slight pause. As extreme nervousness is apt to produce a confused haste, such as are subject to it will do well to endeavor to occupy as much time as possible, while speaking the introductory portion of a discourse.

MANNER OF CONCLUDING AN ADDRESS.

This subject has been in part anticipated by our remarks and examples under the head of cadence.

To be able to wind off gradually and with grace or impressiveness, requires that the voice shall have been practised in descending with steady firmness from its middle to its lowest notes,