MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VOICE.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1931, Page 23 (Supplement)

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VOICE.

EXERCISES' THAT WILL HELP.

(By

E.R.G.)

Right down the ages there have been .women who, without the least claim to beauty, have yet been- enchanting. So ’it is to-day. Often - the woman who, charms.-us most'is the one • who seems quite ordinary, until her voice is heard. Of mere prettiness we ebon tire. Even good looks, unless they have something to “back” them are disappointing. But the woman who possesses a lovely speaking voice . can fascinate anyone. If you will practice the following, exercises, which are set by an elocutionist, you can improve your speaking voice quite a lot. 1. Correct breathing, playing so important a part, in producing a good voice,' must be the first consideration, and this exercise will show you how toimprove your breathing. Lightly clad, stand before an open window. With arms stretched in front of body at shoulder level, < let finger tips meet. Keeping. shoulders free from heaving .motion, take a deep breath .while you separate your ■ arms, carrying them at ■ shoulder level as far round your back as possible. Bring- them slowly back to first position,-at the tame time, exhaling evenly and slowly, so that your breath has. just finished as your finger tips meet again.’ Repeat this exercise six times each day the first week, and gradually increase as time goes on. -2. This exercise will improve the tone of your voice, if practised regularly. Reach a note which is low yet free from strain. ‘On this one note, read or recite a few lines of poetry, taking great care to keep' on the low tone, thereby avoiding a thin piping one. Practise for a few minutes each day. 3. If you have a thin weak voice, this exercise will strengthen it. In order to avoid straining, practise for a few minutes only the first few days, increasing gradually as you become accustomed to it. Stand at the end of your room, ' and pitching your voice bn a good low note, speak , a few words slowly and clearly, endeavouring to let the voice reach the other end of the room. You will soon find that, with very little effort, your voice is. reaching quite a long distance, and is getting not only stronger but richer in tone.