this advanced method will prove no less valuable to all who may be inclined to study these pages. At least it will be as valuable to a student as any work on a similar topic is, in the absence of the living instructor. Elocution is the art of speaking naturally and artistically. Training supplies to others that which the born orator possesses under all circumstances, but which few persons ever indicate the possession of, until they have been taught what their resources are and have acquired skill to use these in their own delivery. It is true that in the matter of public speaking or delivery, as in all other pursuits, some will excel, but culture in this, as in all branches of education, is helpful to every one, and there is no person, unless he is physically disabled, who cannot be trained away from indistinct or defective enunciation, faulty tones, or ungainly, meaningless movements and attitudes. Any one who will make the effort may come to possess a pleasantly modulated and resonant voice, a distinct articulation, and ease and grace of bearing, which if utilized only in the quieter walks of life, are in themselves an accomplishment greatly to be desired. In regard to the selections contained in this volume, it has been the aim to choose such as are classic or standard, and at the same time interesting. They are divided into didactic, dramatic, oratoric, epic, lyric, grave and gay, and are suitable for reading, recital, declamation, and colloquy. Grateful acknowledgments are due to authors and publishers for their courteous permission to use many of the selections. Acknowledgment is also made for the valuable assistance furnished by Professors John H. Bechtel and George B. Hynson. The former, from his careful study and his experience in teaching Orthoëpy, has most acceptably prepared the department of Articulation; and the latter has no less ably prepared the department of Voice Culture. Believing the book will receive the recognition it merits, be that little o great, the author sends it forth with the humble request that a thorough inspection or a fair trial be given it before a judgment is pronounced. PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 1ST, 1895. MRS. J. W. SHOEMAKER. 53 56 58 vii Length of Slide Shows Importance of the Fact Inflections in Emotional Selections. Sharp Angles and Continuous Wave Movements in the Long Rising Slide and Long Falling Slide |