A Brief Guide to Speech Techniques in
Bible Reading

In Nehemiah 13, 8 are these words: "And they read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.''

This verse contains a concise treatise on the art of Bible reading. Before a reader, however, can give the sense to others, he must have a deep realization of the truth he is uttering. Careful analysis will give a clear understanding of the thought, and "brooding" over it will awaken true feeling. The reader's mental attitude should be one of dignity, genuineness and simplicity. He should feel that he is delivering a message to himself as well as to others. He must be thoroughly in sympathy with his theme and the occasion. The common faults in Bible reading are monotony, artificiality, pomposity, drawling, mannerism, familiarity, lifelessness, indistinctness, excessively high pitch, somberness, and rocking to and fro of the body.

The principal divisions of Bible reading are:

1. Narrative, or the story-telling style.

As the name implies it is colloquial in character and divided into familiar and elevated, the latter requiring greater fervour, force, and dignity than the former. It usually comprises a series of pictures and the portrayal of character.

2. Didactic, or the teacher's style, is directed more particularly to the reason and judgment of the hearer. Special attention is here given to pausing, emphasis, and inflection, though appropriate feeling is equally important.

3. Prophetic, or dramatic style, requires increased fervour and energy, and all the depth and fullness of orotund voice. It may be bold or gentle, according to its particular character.

4. Lyric, or musical style, by its rhythm and melody demands increased expression and intensity in feeling, running through all the various emotions of joy, sorrow, adoration, grief, etc.

PASSAGES FOR PRACTISE

NARRATIVE: Familiar-Gen. 4, 1-15; Gen. 22, 1-13; Gen. 24; John 4, 1-14; 1 Sam. 3, 1-18; Luke 15, 11-32. Elevated-Gen. 1, 24-31; Gen. 7, 11-24; Gen. 15, 1-18; Exod. 3, 1-20; Exod. 14, 5-31; 1 Kings 8, 1-63; Acts 26, 1-29

DIDACTIC: Prov. 15, 1-11; Matt. 6, 24-34; 1 Cor. 15; Rom. 3; Rom. 11.

PROPHETIC: IS. 55; Jo. 2, 1-11; Is. 41; Is. 42; Hos. 14; Rev. 21.

LYRIC: Didactic-Ps. 1. Pathos-Ps. 6. Tranquility-Ps. 8. Praise-Ps. 63. Majesty-Ps. 97. Solemnity-Ps. 139, 1-14. Also Ps. 18,19, 22, 29, 30, 31, 38, 65, 90,104; Exod. 15; Luke 1, 46-55; Book of Job; The Song of Solomon.

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