Improved Elocution through
Correct Breathing and Vocal Hygiene

Breathing

Correct management of the breath is of first importance to the student of elocution. When the voice is not in use breathe exclusively through the nose so that the air may be warmed and purified before reaching the lungs. This habit will, in large measure, obviate the disagreeable effects of dry mouth and sore throat, so common to public speakers. Practice as much as possible in the open air. Be enthu­siastic and in earnest.

It is now generally conceded that the abdominal method is the natural and correct way to breathe. In inhalation the abdominal wall moves outward, the diaphragm contracts and descends, while the lungs resting upon the latter are expanded to their fullest capacity. In exhalation the re­verse movement takes place. To inflate the chest and draw in the abdomen is to breathe wrongly.

The correct position for practising the exercises is as follows: Stand easily erect, chest active, shoulders equal height, chin level, one foot slightly in advance of the other, heels at an angle of forty-five degrees, knees straight, weight of the body on the toes, arms a dead weight at sides.

Vocal Hygiene

In order to keep the voice in the best condition, strict obedience must be paid to laws for general health. Care should be taken as to daily physical exercise, bathing, fresh air, sleep, food and clothing. A speaker should never ex­pose himself to cold or damp air immediately after exer­cising the voice. Loud and animated conversation, whis­pering and immoderate laughter, should be avoided. Cold or iced drinks are not good for the throat, but if used they should be taken slowly and in small quantities. The out­side throat should not be muffled, but hardened by ex­posure. Cultivate the habit of breathing through the nose and keeping the mouth firmly closed.

Lozenges, troches and drugs are not generally recom­mended. If the mouth becomes uncomfortably dry just before speaking, the flow of saliva will be quickly pro­moted by chewing a piece of paper. A gargle for the throat, to be used night and morning, is made of one pint of water, a teaspoonful of salt and ten drops of carbolic acid.

The following method of gargling is recommended:

1st. Raise the head slightly.
2nd. Open the mouth mod­erately.
3rd. Bring the lower jaw forward by raising the chin.
4th. Sound the vowel 'e' as in the word 'her.'
5th. Breathe easily and regularly.

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