The author would here make grateful acknowledgment of he assistance he has received in the preparation of this work by those directly associated with him in the Institution over which he presides. Mrs. Shoemaker, Prof. J. H. Bechtel, and Prof. R. O. Moon, have furnished him the fruit of their investigations in the several departments which they represent, and are worthy of more prominent mention than he can here afford them. He does not forget the many friends to whom he is indebted for suggestive help, for counsel, and for encouragement. That "Practical Elocution" may contribute, in some degree, to the elevation of a noble art, has been the aim, and remains the earnest hope of the author. PHILADELPHIA, September 2d, 1878. J. W. S. EXPLANATORY NOTE.-The reference to the several numbers of the Elocutionist's Annual for additional examples, has been made for the advantage of students and others who may use that series in connection with this volume. INTRODUCTION. ELOCUTION, from eloqui, to speak out, to express, (e, out; and loqui, to speak,) as now applied, contemplates the whole art of conveying thought through the organs of the body. Before entering directly upon the study of this subject, we may receive a worthy inspiration in considering the broad and abundant opportunity which opens to us. Elocution concerns the commerce of mind and soul. As such, it involves the capability on the part of the student to comprehend, to appreciate, and to communicate thought and emotion. To this end, he needs the best of all his powers. It is only the voice that has reached its best, and the eye that beams from the soul, and the hand of grace, and the attitude of manhood and womanhood, that can convey the immortality which has been breathed upon us. By sin these powers have been enfeebled and deformed and under its burun their deformity increases. Guarded and regulated by the laws of our creation, they may be rescued and made potential in conveying the very mind of the Creator. |