In our search for the principles of efficiency we must continually go back to

nature. Listen--really listen--to the birds sing. Which of these feathered

tribes are most pleasing in their vocal efforts: those whose voices, though

sweet, have little or no range, or those that, like the canary, the lark, and

the nightingale, not only possess a considerable range but utter their notes in

continual variety of combinations? Even a sweet-toned chirp, when reiterated

without change, may grow maddening to the enforced listener.

 

The little child seldom speaks in a monotonous pitch. Observe the conversations

of little folk that you hear on the street or in the home, and note the

continual changes of pitch. The unconscious speech of most adults is likewise

full of pleasing variations.

 

Imagine someone speaking the following, and consider if the effect would not be

just about as indicated. Remember, we are not now discussing the inflection of

single words, but the general pitch in which phrases are spoken.

 

(High pitch) "I'd like to leave for my vacation tomorrow,--(lower) still, I have

so much to do. (Higher) Yet I suppose if I wait until I have time I'll never

go."

 

Repeat this, first in the pitches indicated, and then all in the one pitch, as

many speakers would. Observe the difference in naturalness of effect.

 

The following exercise should be spoken in a purely conversational tone, with