Subject
Elocution Books
Best books
Henry Davenport Northrop
New Century Speaker and Writer: Being a Standard Work on Composition and Oratory
"New Century Speaker and Writer: Being a Standard Work on Composition and Oratory" by Henry Davenport Northrup is an instructional guide focused on the art of writing and public speaking, likely written in the early 20th century. The text serves as a comprehensive resource for young students and aspiring orators, intending to enhance their writing skills while providing a collection of readings and recitations from renowned authors. Central themes include mastering composition, developing an elegant style, and effective techniques for public oratory. The opening of this guide outlines the necessity for clarity and elegance in written communication, emphasizing that expressing thoughts skillfully is an essential skill for students. Northrup discusses the challenges faced by learners, such as the common fear of composition assignments, and offers encouragement by sharing that even great writers faced similar struggles. He introduces practical advice on writing, including selecting suitable subjects, developing a personal style, and the importance of reading widely to improve both language and thought. The aim is to inspire confidence and equip readers with useful tools for enhancing their writing and speaking abilities.
Delaumosne
Delsarte System of Oratory
"Delsarte System of Oratory" by L'Abbé Delaumosne is a comprehensive treatise on the art of oratory written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the principles and techniques of effective public speaking, focusing on the use of voice, gesture, and articulate language to express emotions and thoughts. Central to the text is the figure of François Delsarte, whose methods and philosophies on communication are explored, highlighting the importance of eloquence and the moral responsibilities of an orator. The opening portion of the book introduces François Delsarte's background and the development of his oratorial system. It describes his early education in music, his subsequent loss of voice, and how these experiences led him to study and formulate the scientific basis for oratory. Delaumosne emphasizes that oratory is an art that combines the expression of feelings through voice and gesture with the articulation of cognitive thoughts in speech. He also touches upon the significance of understanding one’s own voice and the mechanics it involves, setting the stage for deeper exploration of vocal techniques and the intricacies of gestural communication in the subsequent chapters.
Irvah Lester Winter
Public Speaking: Principles and Practice
"Public Speaking: Principles and Practice" by Irvah Lester Winter is a guidebook on effective public speaking, presumed to be written in the early 20th century. The work aims to teach students the fundamentals of public speaking, providing both theoretical principles and practical exercises designed to enhance their speaking abilities. The opening portion of the book introduces the author's tribute to Charles William Eliot and establishes the book's goal: to instruct students in the art of public speaking, whether in formal speeches or less structured discussions. Winter emphasizes the importance of technical training and vocal mechanics for effective delivery while outlining the structure of the book, which includes discussions on vocal training, articulation, and platform practice. He presents a comprehensive framework aimed at not only improving vocal quality and expression but also equipping students to handle various speaking scenarios with confidence and skill.
Anna K. (Anna Kelsey) Howard
The Canadian Elocutionist Designed for the Use of Colleges, Schools and Self Instruction, Together with a Copious Selection in Prose and Poetry of Pieces Adapted for Reading, Recitation and Practice
"The Canadian Elocutionist" by Anna K. Howard is a guidebook focused on the art of elocution, designed for use in colleges, schools, and for self-instruction, likely written in the late 19th century. The work outlines principles, rules, and exercises intended to help individuals become better readers and speakers, emphasizing that the manner of speaking is just as crucial as the content of the speech itself. At the start of the book, the author expresses her objective of providing a practical and straightforward resource for teachers and students of elocution. This introduction highlights the often-overlooked significance of elocution in effective communication and education, referencing historical perspectives on the value of spoken expression. The opening chapters also delve into the foundations of physical culture, breathing exercises, and articulation, all essential components of training one's voice for both quality and effectiveness in speech. Howard emphasizes the need for deliberate practice and attention to posture, breathing, and clear enunciation to cultivate a compelling speaking presence.
George M. (George Morley) Vickers
The speaker's ideal entertainments : $b for home, church and school. Consisting of recitals, dialogues and dramas
"The Speaker's Ideal Entertainments: For Home, Church and School" by George M. Vickers is a collection of recitals, dialogues, and dramas written in the late 19th century. This work serves as a comprehensive resource for those interested in elocution and performance, featuring a carefully curated selection of pieces that emphasize effective delivery and gesture. The book includes annotations and hints on dramatic poses to aid both novices and seasoned performers. The opening of this work presents an introduction that outlines its purpose and structure, emphasizing the importance of elocution in delivering recitations. Vickers expresses confidence in the value of this compilation as a solution to the needs for suitable dramatic material, asserting that the selections are unique, including many new pieces, and are well-suited for educational and entertainment settings. The initial section highlights the book's features, such as the notation of gestures, which should help reciters enhance their performances by incorporating expressive movement effectively. Each piece, curated for its elocutionary merits, invites readers and performers alike to explore the art of storytelling and dramatic presentation.
B. A. (Benjamin Adams) Hathaway
1001 Questions and Answers on Orthography and Reading
"1001 Questions and Answers on Orthography and Reading" by B. A. Hathaway is an educational reference book likely written in the late 19th century. This work serves as a comprehensive guide to spelling and reading, structured in the form of questions and answers aimed at teachers, students, and anyone interested in mastering the intricacies of English orthography and pronunciation. The opening of the book introduces readers to its structure and purpose. Hathaway begins with a prefatory note, expressing the intent to fill a gap in available literature on orthography and the challenges faced by educators in addressing this subject. Following this, the book is organized into a series of questions that cover various aspects of orthography—such as the nature and power of letters, definitions of terms, and rules regarding spelling. The content aims to clarify the complexities of written language, exploring foundational concepts like alphabets, vowels, consonants, syllables, and the use of diacritical marks. Thus, the opening sets the stage for a detailed discourse on the mechanics of spelling and reading, tailored for readers seeking a deeper understanding of language.
Katherine Jewell Everts
Vocal Expression: A Class-book of Voice Training and Interpretation
"Vocal Expression: A Class-book of Voice Training and Interpretation" by Katherine Jewell Everts is an instructional guide focused on vocal training and interpretation, written in the early 20th century. This book aims to enhance the skills of speakers, particularly in effectively conveying thoughts and emotions through voice. It is designed for students and educators interested in mastering the art of public speaking and elocution. At the start of the book, the author outlines the importance of vocal expression as a means of self-expression and communication, highlighting how crucial effective speech is in various roles and professions. The opening portion discusses the author's experiences and observations about the challenges students face when attempting to interpret words aloud, emphasizing the need for a conscious understanding of one’s mind, vocabulary, and the voice as instruments of expression. As the author navigates through principles of vocal interpretation, she encourages readers to take an active, engaged approach to speaking that will resonate with their audience.
Charles Wesley Emerson
Evolution of Expression — Volume 1
"Evolution of Expression — Volume 1" by Charles Wesley Emerson is a pedagogical work composed during the late 19th century. This volume is part of a larger compilation that explores the developmental stages of oratory by analyzing selected literary texts and performances. It aims to guide educators and students through the natural evolution of expressive abilities, providing theoretical insights and practical exercises to foster effective communication techniques. The opening portion of the text comprises an introduction to the book's educational philosophy, emphasizing the importance of understanding the psychological laws governing the growth of expression. Emerson likens the orator's development to that of other artistic fields, asserting that mastery requires progression through various stages: from basic animation to smoothness, volume, and finally, refined articulation. Following this theoretical groundwork, the initial chapters present literary selections meant to exemplify these stages, focusing on encouraging students to engage deeply with the texts while cultivating their own expressive skills. Through examples and analysis, Emerson sets the stage for a systematic approach to oratory education.
Walter K. Fobes
Elocution Simplified With an Appendix on Lisping, Stammering, Stuttering, and Other Defects of Speech.
"Elocution Simplified" by Walter K. Fobes is an instructional guide on the art of elocution written in the late 19th century. This manual is designed to provide practical techniques for improving reading and speaking skills, catering to those interested in oratory, public speaking, and overcoming speech defects. Fobes emphasizes the importance of both physical and vocal exercises to cultivate effective speech, aiming to make the art of elocution accessible to a wide audience. The opening of the book begins with a preface that establishes the necessity of elocution, arguing that there is a lack of accessible resources addressing this skill. Fobes outlines the structure of the manual, which includes sections on physical and vocal gymnastics as foundational elements for effective speech. The introduction highlights the value of good reading as an elegant accomplishment, essential for various professions including clergy, teachers, and public speakers. Fobes aims to equip readers with techniques that promote clarity, expression, and confidence in communicating thoughts and feelings, making a compelling case for the importance of mastering elocution.
Charles Wesley Emerson
Evolution of Expression, Volume 2—Revised A Compilation of Selections Illustrating the Four Stages of Development in Art As Applied to Oratory; Twenty-Eighth Edition
"Evolution of Expression, Volume 2—Revised" by Charles Wesley Emerson is a compilation examining the stages of development in art as it applies to oratory, likely written in the early 20th century. This volume, revised with extensive selections, aims to illustrate the growth of eloquence through various literary works, demonstrating how effective communication evolves through different techniques and styles. At the start of the book, Emerson introduces the concept of "slides" as a means for a speaker to engage an audience by breaking down discourse into distinct parts, allowing each thought to be highlighted and appreciated. He emphasizes the importance of this phase for students of oratory as they learn to balance their presentations carefully, likening it to crossing stones in a brook. The opening discusses the transition from viewing a subject as a whole to appreciating its components, setting the stage for the exploration of rhetorical techniques that follow in the text.
Hiram Corson
The Voice and Spiritual Education
"The Voice and Spiritual Education" by Hiram Corson is a philosophical treatise on the significance of vocal culture and spiritual education written in the late 19th century. The text emphasizes the need for spiritual development as an essential component of effective reading and vocal expression, positing that true interpretation of literature comes not only from technical skill but also from a deep emotional and spiritual understanding of the material. Corson draws connections between vocal techniques and the deeper essence of literary works, suggesting that a reader's effectiveness is contingent on their spiritual engagement with the text. The opening of the book introduces the idea that while vocal training can enhance reading abilities, it is inadequate without a foundation of spiritual education. Corson reflects on personal experiences and critiques the current educational approaches that overly focus on technical skills without fostering genuine emotional connection to literature. He invokes the voices of historical figures and employs literary examples to illustrate the necessity of both a trained voice and a soulful interpretation to fully convey the richness of literary genius. His argument builds a case for a more holistic educational approach, balancing intellect and spirituality to foster authentic expression and appreciation of art.
Unknown
Kaunolukemisen opas
"Kaunolukemisen opas" by Kaarola Avellan is a guidebook written in the early 20th century. The work appears to focus on the art and technique of expressive reading aloud, likely aimed at teachers, aspiring performers, and those interested in Finnish language and literature. Its contents provide both practical and theoretical advice on how to effectively communicate literary works and emotions through spoken language. The opening of the guide sets the context by explaining the lack of practical resources for teaching expressive reading, which motivated the author (with years of teaching experience) to write this manual. The beginning outlines the importance of mastering both the technical (material) aspects of reading—like proper use of the voice, pronunciation, and articulation—and the psychological (spiritual) aspects, such as understanding and conveying the emotional content of a text. Detailed explanations are provided about speech organs, formation of sounds, and the foundational principles of stress (paino) and rhythm in Finnish, including distinctions between logical, quantitative, and qualitative emphasis. The text uses examples from Finnish poetry and prose, illustrating how nuances in pronunciation, emphasis, and pause structure contribute to vivid oral interpretation.
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