INSTRUCTIONS TO SPEAKERS.

BEFORE memorizing your piece, look it through carefully, and ascertain the exact, proper pronunciation of every word. The Appendix to this book will assist you in this. Then read the piece over several times, and take special care to articulate and enunciate every syllable and word distinctly and clearly, particularly terminals like ed, ing, nds, ment, st, sts, th, ths, ly, ls. During this exercise vary the pitch of voice from low to high: the quality of tone from soft to loud; and the rate of speaking from slow to fast, and vice versa.

The study above indicated will do a great deal in helping you to memorize your selection. Copying it, first by referring to the text, and afterwards as far as possible from recollection, will quickly fasten it in your memory. Bear in mind the fact that absolutely perfect memorizing of a selection is indispensable to good speaking. If there is a conscious effort of memory to recall the mere words, everything connected with delivery will be restrained and mechanical.

In connection with the foregoing study, analyze each sentence, so that you will understand its exact meaning: for there can be no intelligent expression of the thought embodied in a sentence unless the speaker himself is fully possessed of its meaning.

Having ascertained the meaning of your selection, you will have the key to its delivery. Read each sentence as you would speak it in conversation; or as you would naturally speak it if you were the author and were addressing an audience. This will disclose the proper emphasis and inflections which are the essential elements of delivery.

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INSTRUCTIONS TO SPEAKERS.

There are in every sentence certain significant words which convey the main idea or thought. If you will distinguish these by natural, forcible, varied emphasis and inflection, you will readily command the correct delivery of the less important words. These significant words really control the delivery of the whole sentence; and the easy rendering of long or involved sentences can be accomplished only by making them the points upon which stress is especially laid.

Accompany your speaking by occasional gestures, such as are suggested by the sense, and add force to its expression. Gestures should be made along curved lines. The hand should be naturally open; and the arms free and unconstrained. Except while used in making gestures, the hands should hang by the sides. They should not be placed behind the back.

Stand erect, assuming natural, easy positions. Move about quietly from time to time upon the floor. Look at the audience, not at the floor or the ceiling.

Having thoroughly memorized your selection, and become entirely familiar with pronunciation, articulation, and enunciation of every word: having settled upon the meaning and the consequent natural delivery of the sentences with the accompanying gestures, you will be ready for rehearsing. This should be continued until every detail has become positively mastered.

Study to secure variety, which is the charm of good. speaking. A word may have several inflections, any one of which is entirely natural. In such an instance opportunity is afforded to secure variety. Use the colloquial or conversational tone in the less important passages. This compels variety in many directions. Vary the pitch and volume of the voice, modulation, rate, emphasis, and inflection.

Bow easily and respectfully to your audience after coming upon the floor, and before leaving. Avoid the absurdity of commencing your speaking by addressing some imaginary "Fellow-Citizens," "Mr. Speaker," or "Mr. Chair