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INTRODUCTION.

I. - OUTLINES OF ELOCUTION.

Elocution (from Latin e, " out," and loqui, locutus, "to speak") is the art of uttering sentences, either in speaking or reading, with all the agreeableness, feeling, force, and effect of which their meaning is susceptible. Good reading depends on the proper use of the following

ELEMENTS OF VOCAL EXPRESSION.

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Good reading presupposes also correct PRONUNCIATION; in which term are included articulation, syllabication, and accent. Articulation has been copiously treated in the previous numbers of this series. Syllabication and accent are best learned by reference to the dictionary.

I. FORCE AND STRESS.

Force of voice is the degree of loudness or softness used in vocal utterance.

The three principal degrees of force are:

1. Medium; 2. Soft; 3. Loud.

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I. By another mode of naming, the degrees of force are classed as 1. effusive (as in ordinary conversation); 2. expulsive (with considerable effort); and, 3. explosive (with great effort).

In the

II. The varying degree of force may be more minutely denoted by borrowing from the language of music. following table the ordinary and the technical names of the degrees of force are set forth in connection with the thoughts and sentiments to the expression of which these degrees of force are applicable.

Pupils will understand that the Italian names used mean, respectively: piano, soft; pianissimo, very soft; mezzo forte, moderate (literally, middling loud); forte, loud; fortissimo, very loud.

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Rule. In the application of force, we must first decide, by an inspection of the general character of the piece, what is the normal degree of force to be used. Applying this degree to words that are not emphatic,

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