NOT GOOD ENOUGH

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 145, 4 June 1936, Page 7

NOT GOOD ENOUGH

Politicians’ Voices Heard • Over the Air MR. SAVAGE’S BEST

By Telegraph—Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, June 4

The that tho broadcasting of parliamentary debates will make it necessary for public men to take more care in their speech was put forward by Mr Farquhar Young to-day when discussing points from recent broadcasts.

"It is evident that the slovenly speech which has served politicians in tho past requires revision,” he said. "We are listening to it in our own homes now, and, frankly, it is not good enough.” Mr Young reviewed the chief Mings of those members most frequently heard on tho air, mentioning also the two or three who had impressed him. As a tutor of many outstanding men, including Sir Joseph Ward, and with 50 years’ experience in teaching voice production, he is qualified to comment from the technical standpoint on the quality of the voices coming over the air from the House of Representatives. The greatest need of all the speakers was to lower the pitch of their voices, Mr Y’oung explained. "They shout, most of them. Had they been taught correctly they would speak quietly, throwing the voice forward and then they would be perfectly audible. Quality goes out of the voice when effort is introduced. For that reason it is difficult' to listen to an uncultured v oice.”

Metlioning several prominent speakers chosen at random, Mr Y’oung dealt first with tho Hon. W. Nash. “1 would particularly warn him concerning the pitch of his voice,” Mr Young said. “When he raises his voice it becomes strident and forced, and this must result in loss of tone or, indeed, of tne voice itself. He should avoid ‘preachy’ inflections,' but when ho drops his voice he is most effective. His subject matter and his quickness in repartee are admirable, which makes it more regrettable to hear him ruining his voice. I mention Mr Nash particularly because he is the most promising of them.

“I must confess that Mr Coates and Mr Kyle are particular offenders in regard to stridency of tone. There is a marked nasality with some of the others. Mr Forbes is a most unfortunate speaker. He is lacking in all the qualities that are most effective. One of the best is Mr Clyde Carr, He is outstanding in his methods, as well as in the clarity of his speech.” Mr Young dealt lastly with “deeptoned Mr Savage.” “I particularly admire the voice of the Prime Minister,” he said. “To me it has a quality that is expressive of honesty. Jt is not hard to pick character from the voice, which is really the mouthpiece of the emotions and of thought. ■From these facts I entertain the most profound respect for Mr Savage.”