OF INTEREST TO WOMEN.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18011, 23 November 1926, Page 12

OF INTEREST TO WOMEN.

In the following article, Miss Phyllis Monkman, the famous actress and dancer, emphasises the charm of a good speaking voice, and the necessity for cultivating it. Subsequent articles will deal with other topics of interest to the average woman, and will include subjects like: “Health and Happiness,” “Successful Home Management,” and “Making Time by Saving it.” Miss Monkman talks no high falutin nonsense about stage careers for lovely daughters, all-day beauty culture, or the much-maligned “modern girl.” She discusses every day problems with the frank camaraderie of one woman to another, and brings a new and refreshing viewpoint to bear on the ordinary perplexities of ordinary women!

A GOOD SPEAKING VOICE. (By PHYLLIS MONKMAN.)

Jt is truly said that a woman's worth can be judged far more correctly and dispassionately by the beauty of her voice than by the beautj- of her face. The former reflects the real woman, the innermost recesses of her nature; the latter is merely the outer shell.

‘She may be plain, but I love to hear her speak”—a remark like this is often heard when men are gathered -together. For a man is always held by the charm of a woman's voice; the music of it brings rest and renewed life, and is often the means of beginning a great and lasting affection.

A beautiful woman fails to inspire if her voice is not well modulated. She loses the subtle attractive force which is the glory of her sex. Friendship, and the opportunities of social prestige are marred because she relies entirely upon her outward beauty whilst neglecting the essential of learning how to use her voice. A charming voice is one of the most gracious of human gifts; it outlives all others. A woman with a sweet speaking voice —and every woman possesses this gift, although"rt may lack attention and training—hypnotises her friends long after wrinkles and lines and greying hair have dimmed the loveliness of her face.

In married life, the voice plays an equally important part. The harmony of the home, the manners and charm of the children—all depend largely upon the of the mother’s voice. A raucous voice jars on the nerves, bringing the fret and turmoil which too often destroy domestic happiness. Perhaps a woman’s voice is never sweeter, fuller and richer than when she is talking to her baby; her mothersoul comes to her lips; every sound is a caress. And most of us, in later life, can still hear the tones of mother’s voice, the memory of which is often a tower of strength amidst the worries and temptations of everyday life. A sweet voice belongs to every woman. Take pains, then, to cultivate this gift. Speak slowly, softly, letting the words fall distinctly and with meaning: then will you charm your friends, and they will listen to vou, while those who hurry and shout’will be passed by.